Granny Mave, the oldest woman to cycle Land's End to John O' Groats presents the Elgin Cycling Club awards including the new Mavis Paterson Inspirational Award to club fundraiser Stu Dick
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Elgin Cycling Club wanted an inspirational figure to speak at their annual awards, and no-one fitted the bill more than 'Granny Mave'.
Record-breaking Dumfries and Galloway octogenarian Mavis Paterson was the special guest at Elgin Golf Club for the local cycling outfit's end-of-year bash,and what stories she had to tell.
The 85-year-old took up long distance cycling in 1991 when she crossed America on her bike, and was bitten by the bug.
By the age of 70 she traversed Canada with panniers and a tent, and aged 81 she became the oldest woman ever to cycle from Land's End to John O'Groats.
Last summer she pedalled 1000 miles of routes across her native Scotland, and in total has raised over half a million pounds for Macmillan cancer support, a cause close to her heart after her sister was diagnosed with breast cancer.
"She is already planning this year’s long-distance adventure across America one more time after she turns 86," said club committee member Sheila Scott.
The incredible Granny Mave spoke about some of her adventures, then handed over 11 club prizes including a brand new accolade inaugurated in her honour.
The Mavis Paterson Inspirational Award was presented for the first time to Stu Dick, who had been voted for by the club membership as the most inspiring cyclist of the year for his adventures, fund raising and social media coverage of his Lands End to John O Groats trip in 2023.
Club winners were as follows:
Volunteer of the year: Elizabeth Duncan
Club Member of the year: Diane Maciver
Most improved female: Fiona Fraser
Most improved male: Stuart Evans
Most improved time trialist: Jean Cowie
Rider of the year: Sam Glover
Road racer of the year: Dan Long
Ladies’ Trophy: Lorna Breetzke
Off Road Trophy: Craig and Lorna Breetzke
Tourist Trophy: Kenny Maciver
The Mavis Paterson Inspirational Award: Stu DIck
Mavis also presented medals and awards to the winners of the Club Confined Time Trial league and the ongoing challenge to improve performance (personal best) up one hill in Moray.
Overall TT winner (Al Sutton Trophy): Sam Glover (2nd Gareth Wignal, 3rd David Hutcheson)
Road bike winner: Darren Dean
Overall TT winner female: Lucy Dent (2nd Anna Dewsbury, 3rd Anna Johnson)
Kintrae Brae PB Challenge winner: Rhona Gomez
Elgin Cycling Club organises regular Sunday and week day rides, as well as a variety of cycling events, away days and social events.
All road cyclists are welcome at the club's Sunday rides, setting off from Grant Lodge at 8.30am or 9am.
