Angus & The Mearns

Pictures as Ride the North cyclists take to the roads of Angus

A field of 2,000 cyclists took on 70 and 100-mile routes around Angus in Ride the North on Saturday.

The glory of Angus on Ride the North. Image: Jason Hedges

By Graham Brown

August 26 2024, 10:46am

August 26 2024, 10:46am

Angus rolled out the welcome mat as 2,000 cyclists wheeled in for Ride the North.

Saturday’s challenge was the largest cycle event the area has ever staged.

And its Angus debut was a runaway success.

Ride the North has been staged on the roads of the north east for more than a decade.

It’s format as a social ride rather than a race has made it a massive hit with cyclists of all abilities.

So it was quickly a sell-out when organisers revealed it would be coming to Angus for the first time.

The huge field set off from Arbroath on Saturday morning.

Along the way the cyclists enjoyed refreshment breaks at checkpoints on the route.

Businesses and community groups set up stops for coffee, cake or even a burger.

Ride the North cycle event comes to Angus. — Ride the North cyclists were grateful of a refreshment halt at Memus Hall. Image: Jason Hedges

The challenge showcased the entire area, from the stunning Angus glens to the North Sea coast.

The route took the cyclists to Forfar and Kirriemuir before looping north around Brechin and a return to Arbroath.

It is also set to deliver a massive charity boost, with organisers hoping this year’s event could raise £400,000.

Photographer Jason Hedges was out and about to capture the Ride the North action.

Ride the North cycle event comes to Angus for the first time. — Thumbs up from this group of riders. Image: Jason Hedges

Ride the North cycle event comes to Angus for the first time. — A bicycle made for two. Image: Jason Hedges

Ride the North cycle event comes to Angus for the first time. — Grabbing a shot of stunning Balintore Castle. Image: Jason Hedges

Ride the North cycle event comes to Angus for the first time. — Freewheelin’ in the glens. Image: Jason Hedges

Ride the North cycle event comes to Angus for the first time. — A little break from the saddle.

Ride the North cycle event comes to Angus for the first time. — Memus checkpoint and a bite to eat. Image: Jason Hedges

Ride the North cycle event comes to Angus for the first time. — Maggie’s Dundee supporters encourage the riders at the start. Image: Jason Hedges

Ride the North cycle event comes to Angus for the first time. — Running repairs on the route.

Ride the North cycle event comes to Angus for the first time. — Downhill to the finish line. Image: Jason Hedges

Ride the North cycle event comes to Angus for the first time. — The braes of Angus present a bit of a challenge. Image: Jason Hedges

Ride the North cycle event comes to Angus for the first time. — High five across the line. Image: Jason Hedges

Ride the North cycle event comes to Angus for the first time. — Made it! Image: Jason Hedges

Ride the North cycle event comes to Angus for the first time. — A high point in a great day. Image: Jason Hedges

Ride the North cycle event comes to Angus for the first time. — Ouch. Image: Jason Hedges

Ride the North cycle event comes to Angus for the first time. — Fuel for the riders out at Memus. Image: Jason Hedges

Ride the North cycle event comes to Angus for the first time. — Stacey and Debbie Townsend at the finish with Dudley the dog. Image: Jason Hedges

Ride the North cycle event comes to Angus for the first time. — Taking a tumble at the finish line. Image: Jason Hedges

Ride the North cycle event comes to Angus for the first time. — Going strong. Image: Jason Hedges

Ride the North cycle event comes to Angus for the first time. — Tasty treats along the way.

Ride the North cycle event comes to Angus for the first time. — Lots of support from the sidelines for the Ride the North cyclists. Image: Jason Hedges

Ride the North cycle event comes to Angus for the first time. — A brief halt along the way. Image: Jason Hedges

Ride the North cycle event comes to Angus for the first time. — Menacing clouds out on the road. Image: Jason Hedges

Ride the North cycle event comes to Angus for the first time. — A cacophony of cowbells at the finish line. Image: Jason Hedges

Ride the North cycle event comes to Angus for the first time. — Tricia Walker, Jodi Stevenson and Alaina Ramsay from Aberdeen took part. Image: Jason Hedges

Ride the North cycle event comes to Angus for the first time. — Friends of Anchor support the cyclists. Image: Jason Hedges

Ride the North cycle event comes to Angus for the first time. — Crossing the finish line at Victoria Park. Image: Jason Hedges

Ride the North cycle event comes to Angus for the first time. — Taking a bend. Image: Jason Hedges

Ride the North cycle event comes to Angus for the first time. — Riding for Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance. Image: Jason Hedges

Ride the North cycle event comes to Angus for the first time. — Full gas for one rider. Image: Jason Hedges

Ride the North cycle event comes to Angus for the first time. — Traditional encouragement from the roadside. Image: Jason Hedges

Ride the North cycle event comes to Angus for the first time. — Technical checks. Image: Jason Hedges

Ride the North cycle event comes to Angus for the first time. — Welcome back to Victoria Park. Image: Jason Hedges

Ride the North cycle event comes to Angus for the first time. — Coffee and a chat at Memus. Image: Jason Hedges

Ride the North cycle event comes to Angus for the first time. — Happy faces half way round. Image: Jason Hedges

Ride the North cycle event comes to Angus for the first time. — Maggie’s Dundee supporters wave the riders off at Arbroath. Image: Jason Hedges

Ride the North cycle event comes to Angus for the first time. — A checkpoint stamp at Memus. Image: Jason Hedges

Ride the North cycle event comes to Angus for the first time. — Tandem on tour. Image: Jason Hedges

Ride the North cycle event comes to Angus for the first time. — Passing Balintore Castle. Image: Jason Hedges

Ride the North cycle event comes to Angus for the first time. — Dodging the showers. Image: Jason Hedges

Ride the North cycle event comes to Angus for the first time. — On the Angus hills. Image: Jason Hedges

Ride the North cycle event comes to Angus for the first time. — Digging in. Image: Jason Hedges

Ride the North cycle event comes to Angus for the first time. — Four seasons in one day. Image: Jason Hedges

Ride the North cycle event comes to Angus for the first time. — Powering on. Image: Jason Hedges

Ride the North cycle event comes to Angus for the first time. — A stunning glens backdrop. Image: Jason Hedges

Ride the North cycle event comes to Angus for the first time. — All smiles on the road. Image: Jason Hedges

Ride the North cycle event comes to Angus for the first time. — Chapeau! Image: Jason Hedges

Ride the North cycle event comes to Angus for the first time. — Leading the pack. Image: Jason Hedges

Ride the North cycle event comes to Angus for the first time. — Passing places. Image: Jason Hedges

Ride the North cycle event comes to Angus for the first time. — Time to wave. Image: Jason Hedges

Ride the North cycle event comes to Angus for the first time. — In the shade. Image: Jason Hedges

Ride the North cycle event comes to Angus for the first time. — Another stamp on the route card. Image: Jason Hedges

Ride the North cycle event comes to Angus for the first time. — Enjoying the event. Image: Jason Hedges

Ride the North cycle event comes to Angus for the first time. — Memus Hall welcomes the riders.

Ride the North cycle event comes to Angus for the first time. — Locals enjoy the spectacle. Image: Jason Hedges

Ride the North cycle event comes to Angus for the first time. — Planning the route to the finish. Image: Jason Hedges

Ride the North cycle event comes to Angus for the first time. — Puncture pit stop. Image: Jason Hedges

Ride the North cycle event comes to Angus for the first time. — A busy Memus Hall halt. Image: Jason Hedges

Ride the North cycle event comes to Angus for the first time. — One young supporters cheers the riders home. Image: Jason Hedges

Ride the North cycle event in Angus. — Early on the Ride the North route. Image: Jason Hedges

Ride the North cycle event in Angus. — Breath-taking scenery for the Ride the North participants. Image: Jason Hedges

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