The first trip of its kind, the route will cover 500 miles, of course. Beginning in the South West of Scotland and ending in Inverness the trip will be a test of fitness and stamina. With 9 days of adventurous riding crossing the country no less than three times, taking in the cream of Scotland’s trail centres combined with fantastic wild riding.
The initiative is the brainchild of Scottish mountain biking specialists Trailbrakes, founded by Pete Corson and Jamie Andrew the co-founder of newly formed charity 500 miles. When Pete heard Jamie’s inspirational story he realised that there was a great opportunity to use the adventure to raise funds for 500 miles.
Jamie Andrew decided to set up 500 miles with fellow quadruple amputee Olivia Giles to raise funds to help amputees and other disabled people in deprived parts of the world. The charity raises funds for surgical operations and prosthetics for men, women and children across the globe.
500 miles founder Jamie Andrew said: “Every year, thousands of men, women and children living in developing nations lose arms and legs due to infection, disease and extreme poverty. Money raised for 500 miles goes towards treatments that can change the lives of people who would otherwise be bed or wheelchair bound, unable to work or forced to live in discomfort without limbs or with limbs made from scrap. We are delighted to be working with Pete and the Trailbrakes team and we hope that we can raise as much money as possible through this fantastic biking adventure.”
Pete Corson of Trailbrakes said: “This is a unique and exciting opportunity to be among the first people to ride Scotland’s longest continuous mountain bike route. To experience the most magnificent scenery, trails and cityscapes that the country has to offer is motivation enough, but to complete the ride for a great charity like 500 miles will make the experience all the more special.”
Thanks to their prosthetic legs, both Jamie and Olivia are fully mobile and lead full, independent lives. Jamie has since spent much of his time training for and partaking in a variety of demanding physical challenges including an Iron Man Triathlon, the North Sea Yacht Race and numerous mountaineering feats all over the world, raising money for charity at every opportunity.
Participants on the 500 miles challenge will stay in hostel or Bed and Breakfast style accommodation until the final night in Inverness where they will be treated to a luxury hotel.
Dates: For 2009 the first Challenge will run from August 7th to 16th
The Challenge can also be organised at any other time of year for groups of 4 or more.
To find out more about this new challenge:
Visit http://www.trailbrakes.co.uk/output/charity_bike_rides.asp or contact Pete on 07922 653327 or email: pete@trailbrakes.co.uk
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