Find the question below that you wish to ask and click the question to get the answer. If you can't find the question in the FAQ's you can contact us using the contact form.
- Q: What time do I need to be at the start point?
Registration from 7.00am to 9.00am. Riders will be set off in small groups immediately they are registered.
- Q: What time does the ride finish?
The last rider is expected to have finished by 6.30pm.
- Q: How old do I need to be to take part?
17 and over.
- Q: How fit do I need to be and do I need to have ridden 100mile/100km before?
We encourage riders of all abilities to join in. Reasonable fitness is required and for the longer distance you should be able to comfortably ride 50 miles in the weeks leading up to the event. This is a hilly route with some testing climbs, training advised.
- Q: What is included?
Ride support, mechanical assistance, feed stations, lunch, medal and certificate, first aid cover.
- Q: When do I get my rider number?
When you register at the desk on the day.
- Q: Do I need to be a member of a club?
No, anyone can take part.
- Q: Do I need insurance?
We recommend that you have appropriate cover for you and your bike.
- Q: Will food be available?
There are 2 feed stations and lunch is provided on route, including vegetarian options. Tea & coffee will be provided at the finsih and hot and cold food will be on sale.
- Q: Do I need to wear a cycle helmet?
Yes, you must wear a cycling helmet to take part in an Action Medical Research bike ride.
- Q: Is the ride signposted/marshalled?
Both.
- Q: Are the roads closed?
No.
- Q: Can I ride as part of a team?
Yes, we encourage teams to take part, but each rider will need to register individually
- Q: What kind of bike should I use?
A road bike is advisable, but you can choose to use a bike that suits you.
- Q: What if my bike breaks down?
You will be given a pocket number for the organiser who will be able to take the appropriate action.
- Q: Are spare parts available?
Yes, for most common bikes, not high spec bikes. Bike maintenance is free of charge, but spares are chargeable.
- Q: Where can I view the route and will I get a map/route card?
You can view the route on our website
- Q: How many checkpoints are there?
There are 2 checkpoints - at the entry and exit to Loch Katerine where your number will be logged.
- Q: Is any of the route off road?
No, however the road around Loch Katerine is unique and often has many pedestrians walking alongside the loch as well as two way traffic.
- Q: What happens if I get lost or get into any difficulties on the day?
Call the number on the pocket number. Support team will also be en route.
- Q: How long do I have to complete the ride and what happens if I can’t complete the distance?
You will have until 6.30pm to complete the ride. If you opt out you will need to contact the ride controller who will coordinate assistance for you.
- Q: Is the ride timed? /Are there timing chips?
No to both
- Q: Are there any rules that I need to adhere to?
The Highway Code and respect other road users and riders on our event.
- Q: Is the ride affiliated to British Cycling?
No, this is not a a British Cycling event.
- Q: If I haven’t pre registered can I still turn up and enter on the day? And if so, how much will you charge?
If space permits then you may be able to register on the day. The charge will be the entry fee plus the minimum sponsorship donation required i.e. £50.
- Q: How much money do I need to raise in sponsorship/donation and when will I need to pay this?
In addition to your entry fee you will need to raise a minimum of £25. Please pay this as soon as possible but no later than 8 weeks after the ride. Be sure to make full use of your online sponsorship account and fee free to bring any additional cash/cheques with you on the day.
- Q: Where does the money go?
All your efforts will go towards supporting our medical research projects. Please visit our website at www.action.org.uk for full details of our current projects.
- Q: Is there parking at the start/finish point? And if so, how much does it cost?
Parking is on the street near the finish at Kings Park. We ask you to respect the fact that people may still be sleeping when you arrive as this is a residential area. Alternatively there are over 300 spaces available at the Council Office's at Viewforth, St Ninians Road, Stirling. Every Sunday parking here is free. The building is within half a mile of the start line and the car park is to the rear and only a few hundred metres from Stirling Police HQ.
- Q: Is there overnight accommodation nearby and if so, have you secured any preferential rates with nearby hotels/B&B’s?
There are lots of B&Bs in Stirling. Please use the local Tourist Board website for options.
- Q: Can I leave my belongings at the start?
No, we recommend you either lock your valuables in your car, or carry them with you.
- Q: Are there toilets on the route?
Yes, there are some WCs available at King's Park and at the ob Roy Hotel (lunch stop).
- Q: Are there showers and changing at the start/finish area?
There are no showers. There are limited changing faciliites at King's Park.
- Q: Can family and friends come along to support me?
We welcome support for our riders on the day, out on the route and at the finish. This year we ahve organised Highland activities at King's Park where we encourage everyone to have a go at toss the caber, wellie wanging etc. There is also a colouring tent for the youngsters. This is not supervised.