Now in its 6th year, the Bethany Edinburgh Sportive is an event for serious amateurs, which involves a ‘super challenge ‘route of 102miles plus a shorter 72miler for those who think they may not be able to complete the longer stretch within the 8-hours time limit.
Riders leave from Lasswade High School, Bonnyrigg (map here) and head south over the Moorfoot Hills to Innerleithen where the long and shorter routes split. The long route takes a spectacularly scenic route around the borders taking in some 8000ft of climb and the formidable Witchy Knowe. For the shorter route, riders return to Lasswade from Innerleithen via the River Tweed and Gala Water valleys then both routes meet again just west of Selkirk. All riders return to the High School over the Moorfoot Hills.
Four feed and water stations will be on hand offering the riders refreshments along the way and the end of the event promises that: ‘riders can relax with well-deserved pie and a cuppa…’
Registration opens between 7am and 9.25, with start times staggered at 2 minute intervals in groups of not more than 14 from 8 to 9.30am. Entry fee, open until June 5, is £30 – event details for the Bethany Edinburgh Sportive can be found at edinburghsportive.btck.co.uk and online entry at entrycentral.com
