Iron Ride will test your ‘metal’ but it’s worth it to help Oor Hoose

ON September 12, 2010, I completed my first ever charity cycling sportive event.

Just over 100 miles of exhausting toil.

For many people taking part in charity events there’s a deeply personal reason. However, for me at first I just let myself get roped into it by a pal.

Don’t get me wrong, cycling more than 100 miles over plenty of hills sounded pretty daunting, but I thought, “Why not?”

Then it changed. My dad was diagnosed with throat cancer and the challenge took on a whole new significance.

When the finishing line in Edinburgh eventually came after almost seven hours in the saddle, I bit my lip and choked back the tears.

I’d managed to raise a couple of thousand pounds for a cancer hospice and I’d made my dad proud. He would lose his fight with cancer three months later.

In two weeks’ time The Iron Ride cycling sportive will take place in Tayside, offering cyclists of all abilities the chance to take to the roads and raise money for a trio of children’s charities and Oor Hoose will be one of them if you choose to take part in its name.

A third of all profits will be given to Children’s Hospice Association Scotland, CHAS, our partners for the Sunday Post Oor Hoose Campaign to help raise £1 million to fund a major programme of renovations.

I’ve already had the pleasure, for the most part, of tackling the route.

Alongside Jon Heggie, director of fundraising for CHAS, and his friend Rich Osman, who will ride the event on the day, we set off from Errol heading west towards Perth, before turning north towards the hills. All three routes picked for the event criss-cross some of the most scenic countryside in Scotland.

From the stunning views from Rait looking down towards the River Tay, to descending at speeds of almost 50mph towards Coupar Angus, there’s something for cyclists of all abilities.

Jon said: “It’s one of Scotland’s must-do sportive events.

“The route takes in stunning scenery, challenging climbs, epic descents and raises money for three of Scotland’s favourite children’s charities.

“It’s a deliberately challenging event although there are also some flatter, fun parts where you can catch your breath.”

Riders can pick from an entry-level 80km Aluminium route, right up to the serious Titanium route which clocks in at 180km with more than 7,000ft of ascent.

Jon added: “We’re asking riders to raise funds when they sign up for the event on September 20, and we’re here to provide you with all the help and advice you need.

“It promises to be a truly memorable day out.”

Despite a leg-achingly steep 20% climb that will need to be conquered again, I’ll be in the starting line-up.

Five years on from committing to riding 100 miles on a whim, I still love to ride my bike.

Whatever your motivation, give The Iron Ride a go because you never know what’s round the corner, and you’ll definitely make someone proud.

If you’d like to take part in the Iron Ride in support of the Oor Hoose appeal please get in touch with Debbie Mooney at CHAS on 0141 779 6180 or at debbiemoomney@chas.org.uk.

To find out more about the event visit www.ironride.co.uk Devil DashIF pedal power isn’t your cup of tea but you’re still feeling sporty, don’t worry we’ve a DEVILISHLY great alternative.

The CHAS Devil Dash is a 6.66k fun run which will take place at Balloch Country Park on Hallowe’en.

That makes it the ideal excuse to get dressed up!

Everyone who registers will receive Devil Horns and a Devil Dash medal.

There’s a maximum of 500 places on the run, and spots are filling up fast so don’t delay, sign up today.

We’ll give you more details of the fabulously fearsome event soon.

To enter email devildash@chas.org.uk, call 0141 779 6180. To ensure you run as part of Team Oor Hoose, make sure you enter “Oor Hoose Devil Dash” in the notes box when you complete your registration.DONATEROBIN HOUSE is 10 years old and what better present than an amazing show of kindness?

CHAS is about to embark on a major building programme to bring the hospice bang up to date and offer even better facilities to the children, teens and families who use it.

We want to raise £1 million and that’s where you come in.

We’ve tried to make it as easy as possible for you to give, so there are several ways to donate. And please use Gift Aid if you can.

TEXT Text CHAS10, leave a space then enter the amount you want to give (eg CHAS10 £10) to 70070. It is important you include a £ sign

ONLINE Go to the Oor Hoose JustGiving page at campaign.justgiving.com/charity/chas/oorhoose or give via www.chas.org.uk

CHEQUE Send cheques payable to Children’s Hospice Association Scotland (CHAS) to: Oor Hoose, CHAS 10, 2nd Floor, Buchanan Tower, Cumbernauld Road, Stepps, G33 6HZ.