We are delighted to announce a brand new event, The Flying Scotsman Sportive, with the route chosen by The Flying Scotsman himself, Graeme Obree. The Flying Scotsman Sportive will take place  on 2nd August 2014 the day before the 2014 RR. Event start & finish is at Loudoun Academy, Galston - which is only a short distance from Glasgow. Anyone who has followed Graeme Obree and is familiar with his biography 'The Flying Scotsman" will be aware of the history of 'The Valley' with Galston,Newmills and Darvel prominent  during Graeme's early transition from cycling hobbyist to become a Scottish, British then World Champion cyclist. The routes follow his favourite local roads and take riders from the floor of the valley up steep climbs to crest the Ayrshire hills. There are two routes, Old Faithful a 44 mile route and the aptly named, The Beastie - which takes in 78 miles of scenic roads across East Ayrshire and South Lanrakshire.The routes are on the following links. Old Faithful - http://ridewithgps.com/routes/3916781 The Beastie - http://ridewithgps.com/routes/3916837. The routes have been designed by Graeme and travel across roads he knows intimately and has cycled and trained on since he was first introduced to cycling. Both routes are challenging with hard climbs and steep descents. Participants are advised to be well prepared and bikes will need to be in tip top condition. With good preparation The Flying Scotsman Sportive offers a challenging but beautiful ride.Graeme will lead the ride himself on Saturday 2nd August.

Info for Riders

Both routes have been personally selected by The Flying Scotsman, Graeme Obree to present a challenging sportive and utilise rural roads avoiding main highways where possible. The Flying Scotsman Sportive will be headquartered at Loudoun Academy, Glasgow Road, Galston. The H/Q will host reception, toilet and changing facilites. Limited parking is available at Loudoun Academy with additional parking available close by in Galston. Event departure times will be between 0830 and 0900 on Saturday 2nd August 2014. Cyclists participating will be supported with assistance from Police Scotland to manage the transition across main highways (A71), British Red Cross, electronic timing, comprehensive event signage, marshals on all main junctions, food stops, mechanical support and a broom wagon. The routes are available on line on the following links. Old Faithful - http://ridewithgps.com/routes/3916781 The Beastie - http://ridewithgps.com/routes/3916837 The entry fee will be £35.00.