Well, the deed is done. The eight of us completed the course on Saturday 12th without injury, upset or even punctures. The Gold team (Iain, Mark and Stuart) set off ridiculous early - before 6 - for a 7am start. The boys started and finished together in pretty respectable time.

The Bronze team (Arleen, David, Ian, Jill & Eddie) had a slightly more leisurely start to the day and were at Kenmore in plenty of time for their 10am start. The team dragged each other around the off road section at Loch Lyon and, like the Gold team, crossed the line together.  

 Apart from saddle soreness and sun burn - yes, the sun did shine - the day was a huge success and while no one is committing for next year we're all pretty satisfied that we achieved what we set out to do. Celebrations did not continue well into the night - most of us were in bed by 10...

 On the way you've also helped us exceed our fundraising target with more to come - a huge thank you to all for your support.

 

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Team Ignis is a motley collection of individuals who either work at or have a connection to Ignis Asset Management. None of us are experienced cyclists and for some this is the first serious attempt at a cycling challenge. The team are Jill & Stuart Drysdale, Arleen McGichen, David Nicol, Ian Kerr, Iain McMillan, Mark Keegan and Eddie Middleton.

Iain’s recent cycling has been confined to cycling to work through Glasgow, which some may consider a challenge in itself. Iain signed up as a way of getting fit, although that was before he’d appreciated the size of the challenge. Jill and Stuart are cycling to get fit and to enjoy the great outdoors. If it rains and the midges bite they may also learn to appreciate ’s great indoors. Arleen, David and Ian are taking part in the challenge for a variety of reasons: Arleen to learn how to ride a bike (too reckless to start small and aim big) while David and Ian are two very keen cyclists who love the great outdoors, need the exercise and were daft enough to say yes. Finally, Eddie is the original fat man on a bike. He’s doing this not so much to get fit, but to rediscover the joys of being able to tie his own laces without breaking into a sweat.

Whatever our motivations we all have two things in common: we all see the event as a fantastic personal challenge and a great way of raising money for two deserving charities - Cancer Research UK and the Child Hospice Association of Scotland.

This is where you come in. Not only do we have to cycle up some very steep hills, but we also need to raise £3,200 for the chosen challenge before we can get over the start line. We’re not asking you to join us n the challenge, just for a little help to raise the sponsorship by donating just a little money. Finally, we may also be receiving sponsorship from our employer, so feel free to check out what we do at http://www.ignisasset.com.

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor us: The Artemis Charitable Foundation gets your money faster and, if you’re a taxpayer,  Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

So please sponsor us now!