Businesses have been urged to sign up teams to raise funds for charity as Pedal for Scotland celebrates its 20th annniversary.
Cycling Scotland organises the nation's biggest annual bike event which invites riders to travel from Glasgow to Edinburgh on closed roads on Sunday, September 8.
This year it has teamed up with the British Heart Foundation (BHF), SAMH (the Scottish Association of Mental Health), Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity and the STV Children’s Appeal.
Cycling Scotland chief executive Keith Irving said: “Whoever you are, whatever your level of fitness or ability, there is something for everyone at Pedal for Scotland. Anyone any age can take part – last year, our youngest participant was a one year old and our oldest was 88.
“Since its inception, 113,000 people have pedalled for Scotland and last year riders rode 294,000 miles, the equivalent of 11 times round the Earth. A lot of people take on the challenge to get fit or raise money and then discover the joy of cycling and keep it up beyond the event.
“I would urge anyone reading this to join us in September and raise vital funds for the amazing charities that benefit from Pedal for Scotland each year. Just think of the sense of achievement when you cross the finish line.”
Pedal for Scotland has grown from 400 participants in 1999 to more than 7,000 last year, delivering an estimated £2 million in health benefits and £1.1 million for the economy.
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Participants can choose from the 45-mile Classic Challenge , the 100-mile Big Belter sportive and the 10-mile Linlithgow to Edinburgh Wee Jaunt for riders of all abilities.
Lee Craigie, Scotland’s Active Nation Commissioner, said: “When I was young the idea of riding a bike between Glasgow and Edinburgh was incomprehensible, but little by little, more and more felt possible to me and now that distance seems much smaller.
"I’m still fascinated by how our perceptions of things are constantly changing and with them, our comfort zones for trying something new or riding that extra mile. We are all capable of so much more than we think we are and it’s events like Pedal for Scotland that help us realise that.
“It’s not about the time you set, it’s about being part of something bigger when you cross the line. No matter your level of fitness, it’s a real achievement for all those who participate, so get involved and get on your bike for Pedal for Scotland."
