50-mile Moray cycle for Poppyscotland
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A 50-MILE Moray charity cycling event is to return on Saturday with the aim of raising funds for Poppyscotland.
The Moray Poppy Ride, organised by husband and wife Mervyn and Lindsey Stanley from Elgin, sees riders undertake a 50-mile social cycle which takes in many of Moray's war memorials.
The route begins at Cooper Park in Elgin and goes through Garmouth, Mosstodloch, Fogwatt, Miltonduff, Alves, Burghead and Hopeman before finishing in Lossiemouth. And new for this year is a second route with 13 extra miles and more climbs for the more advanced riders.
In 2018, a total of 85 riders took part in the cycle and raised £800 for Poppyscotland.
Mervyn, who is the managing director of a local business consultancy, explained how the event came about. He said: "I wanted to do something for Poppyscotland in Moray.
"(Myself and Lindsey) used to live in Lossiemouth so have always had a strong link with the military and the RAF in particular.
"I also wanted to do something in remembrance of the sacrifice my grandfather made. I look at the picture of him and it’s rather poignant to think that it was taken just three days before he left for Dunkirk. He was in the Seaforth Highlanders and died from injuries sustained at Dunkirk."
Mervyn hopes even more people will take part this year. He added: "It’s a great route, with great company and for a great cause. The great beer at the end of the ride courtesy of our friends at the Windswept Brewery is worthy of a mention, too."
Gordon Michie, head of fundraising at Poppyscotland, said: "The Moray Poppy Ride is a brilliant event that brings people together to do something fun, while also raising much-needed funds to support the Armed Forces communities across the country. To launch an event and raise £800 in the first attempt is an incredible effort, and we would wish all of those taking part this year the very best of luck."
The cycle takes place on Saturday, November 2, starting in Elgin at 8:30am. It is £10 to take part and the event is open to club and non-club cyclists alike. For more information and to sign up, visit www.eventbrite.com/e/moray-poppy-ride-tickets-75047931383.
