Elgin Cycling Club members raise funds and donations for Moray Food Plus
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RIDERS from Elgin Cycling Club have helped to raise much-needed funds and donations for a local charity.
A total of 82 cyclists took part in the club's reliability races on Saturday, March 5, raising more than £300 for Moray Food Plus.
In addition, every rider took a physical donation to give to the food bank.
Elgin Cycling Club's Sheila Scott said: "We had tons of carrier bags of food to donate.
"It was such a happy, brilliant day. There was great banter on the road.
"Conditions were fine, there was a threat of rain but a bit of a headwind was the worst of it."
Cyclists came from as far afield as Skye and Banchory to take part in the event, which saw the 82 riders split between three distances (43 miles, 60 miles and 100 miles).
All met up for a bacon roll or home-baked piece at Findochty Town Hall after 23 or 37 miles. The town hall also donated £50 to Moray Food Plus.
A number of riders also cycled onwards to Windswept Brewing, in Lossiemouth, where they received a complimentary Velo beer.
Event organiser Lorna Breetze said: "We knew Moray Food Plus are under huge pressure of late and that a donation would help the organisation support more families and individuals in need locally.
"Then we realised we could also ask the riders to bring along supplies or donate on the day, as they gathered to start the rides. All our riders were keen to help Moray Food Plus."
Mairi McCallum, project manager at Moray Food Plus, said: "We would like to thank everyone who took part in the Elgin Cycling Club reliability rides and donated to us.
"It is wonderful to be supported by the local community through such a fun event. At a time when demand is increasing and we are struggling for stock we appreciate the support very much."
Traditionally, reliability rides are organised to test the suitability – or reliability – of riders’ bikes, legs, hearts and heads for the season ahead after a long winter.
Elgin Cycling Club are offering reliability rides – as well as regular club rides – to a wide range of regular riders.
There is a thriving ‘touring group’ – who cycle at a relaxed 13mph average, as well as hugely competitive racing groups.
Club events include British Cycling races, time trials, night rides and fun days out.
Regular Sunday rides start at 8.30am. New riders are invited to come along for two taster rides before deciding whether to join the club.
More details on the club's facebook page at Elgin Cycling Club.
