The increasing popularity of the Highland Perthshire Cycling Festival has seen its events opened up to younger athletes.
Demand for places from young mountain bikers and their families has seen the entry age for next month’s inaugural Highland Perthshire Enduro event dropped.
Riders of just 14 and 15 will now be able to enter the all-mountain cross-country stage race, which kicks off the week-long festival on Saturday May 4.
The region is gaining a growing reputation as one of the country’s top locations for cycle-related events and breaks, and the festival itself is going from strength to strength.
Tourism bosses are confident that the 2013 event will attract hundreds of visitors and competitors to Highland Perthshire.
Family fun days, kids’ events and a series of local rides have all been organised, and there will also be a film night in which the newly-refurbished Birks of Aberfeldy Cinema will play a role.
At the forefront of this year’s event is, however, the Enduro, which will challenge its now even more youthful field to take on 49km of off-road trails around the village of Dunkeld.
The route selected encompasses all the best bits of the Dunkeld valley in one exciting ride, with lung-bursting climbs and technical descents combining with fast flat roads and stunning views. And, in true Enduro style, it will also contain at least four timed stages.
Kat Brown, from Highland Perthshire Cycling (HPC), said: “The Highland Perthshire Enduro is all about a challenging race that riders of all ages, abilities and styles can enjoy with their mates.
“It’s great to see so much enthusiasm for this event from so many young riders and we urge as many as possible to sign up now.
“We look forward to seeing them on the trails of the Enduro route at the beginning of May, where I am sure they will be out to prove themselves to the older, more experienced riders.”
Places are selling fast and, with the deadline for entries looming ever closer, organisers Highland Perthshire Cycling and No Fuss Events are urging riders to grab their mates and sign up now.
Riders can enter via No Fuss Events, with a cost of £40 per rider, at nofussevents.co.uk.
Organisers, meanwhile, are also seeking volunteers to help out during the event and ensure that everything goes off without a hitch.
Opportunities will be available at the Highland Perthshire Enduro on Saturday May 4, at the Girls on Tour guided ride the following day, and also at the Big Day on Saturday May 11.
Marshalls are being sought for the Enduro route and “sweeper” cyclist roles for over-16s are also available. The sweepers will ride at the back of the pack to accompany and offer moral support to struggling riders, assist in an emergency and help with the clear-up.
The popularity of the Girls on Tour ride has also brought about the need for a further qualified female cycle ride leader.
Volunteers are also required to assist at the Big Day in Victoria Park, Aberfeldy, with jobs set to include general set-up and take-down of the event, gate collections, manning the HPC stand, selling raffle tickets and overseeing the “Funny Bikes”.
In return for volunteering, participants will receive an HPC T-shirt, refreshments and the offer of a free place at a future HPC event.
Anyone who would like to volunteer is asked to email kat@highlandperthshirecycling.co.uk.
For more information on Highland Perthshire Cycling and the Highland Perthshire Cycling Festival, visit highlandperthshirecycling.co.uk.