2nd MAY 2010

Information

Building on the success of the inaugural “Homecoming 2009” event, this year’s “MEGACYCLE” is sponsored by SESTRAN.

The “MEGACYCLE", a charity event, open to all, is due to take place on Sunday 2nd May. Hundreds of entrants are likely to take up the challenge of this family cycle ride from Penicuik, Midlothian to the Prestongrange Museum, East Lothian, a distance of some 20 miles.

On mostly traffic free roads, the route traces the former railtrack from Penicuik to Dalkeith, then meanders alongside the River Esk to its mouth at the Forth. Some minor changes, yet to be approved, are proposed.

Organiser, Quintin Young, swears it is "almost all downhill" and easily achievable with the minimum of effort. Transport for bikes and riders is available from Prestongrange car park both before and after the event.

As well as increasing visitor numbers to the area, the event is designed to reap various other benefits:

• Establishing Mid and East Lothian on the tourist map
• Raising awareness of the area's mining heritage.(The ride through the former Lothian Coalfield passes the sites of 40, now vanished, coalmines).
• Drawing attention to the fine network of footpaths throughout the region.
• Promoting cycling as a healthy activity, and, last but not least...
• Benefitting 2 nominated charities.

Musical entertainment will be provided at the Penicuik start and the Prestongrange finish, while midway, at Dalkeith Palace grounds many spectators and riders are expected to pic-nic and replenish their energies.

Registration from February is through the website www.sestran-megacycle.co.uk and potential entrants are asked to register as early as possible to avoid disappointment.