THE 2011 RIDE
The Big Bad Bike Ride website has now been updated for 2011.
Thanks to Ali Jardine for the mapsDownload a printable map of the route here > >
ROUTE
The route is circular and the ride is all on tarmac roads (ideal for road bikes). It starts and ends at the Peebles Hydro Hotel.
We will start the ride at 9am and everybody will begin at the same time.
The basic ride is 50 miles, but there is an extra 20 mile loop (which, incidentally, happens to take in a big hill) for the seasoned riders.
There will be several Bum Stops around the route where you can pick up water, chocolate (a sandwich at the middle stop) and psychological counselling.
It is 20 years since I started the Big Bad Bike Ride and for those of you who have not been to Scotland before, you will be amazed by the beautiful scenery. (I should warn you that you may see none of it, as Scotland is notoriously fickle when it comes to predicting the weather.)
The route itself is ‘undulating’.That means it goes up, then it goes down, then up again! There are two big hills and one very fast and steep downhill stretch on which riders need to take great care.
We will mark up the route and you will not need a map, a fully functioning brain will do. Unfortunately people have forgotten to bring their brain in the past, so make sure you pack it.
There will be no times or placing and consequently no need to speed, as safety is our prime concern.
The very nature of this ride is to help others, so please do not take any unnecessary risks.
The ride will be well marked and if you get a puncture or have difficulties, it is always best to walk forward as International Rescue will eventually scoop you up. If it�s too dark and you are lost, light a fire, make a bivouac and pray (this is where you might want to think about your religion).
Mobiles only work at the top of the mountain, so those of you with gizmos that do everything for you are completely stuffed.
If we feel that anyone is taking too long and is creating a risk for others or tying up all our resources, we will either ask you to retire and get on our pick up truck or we will shoot you and inform your relations of your suicide.
Seriously, you need to take on a reponsibility of riding safely and not endangering others...
Always try to stay with other riders or keep within sight of them.
THE HOTEL
For the 2011 Big Bad Bike Ride
Accommodation will be provided at:
Peebles Hydro Hotel
Innerleithen Road
Peebles
Scotland
EH45 8LX
Telephone: 01721 720602
Email: reservations@peebleshydro.co.uk
DIRECTIONS
By car: Peebles is a 4 hour drive from York, and 30 miles south of Edinburgh. You can either go up the A1 to Newcastle, then take the A696 via Jedburgh and Melrose to Peebles, but the quickest route is straight up the A74(M), and then the A701 via Moffat, then the B712 to Peebles.
By helicopter: There is a helicopter landing pad and providing you have a big chopper, you can land at the hotel with no extra charge.
By train / plane: Edinburgh is the nearest airport / train station. There are buses to Peebles (no. 62A) which take an hour, or hire a taxi for about £60.
People should make their own travel arrangements and arrive by evening on Friday 16th of September. A de-briefing will be at the bar at 9pm on the Friday night.
GRAHAM'S EXTRA INFO
“ They dont build hotels like this anymore. In fact, the hotel wasn't built... it just appeared from an Agatha Christie novel. It's perched on a hill made of steel, and overlooks the beautiful scottish countryside.
“ It has a huge swimming pool full of Irn Bru. You can play golf, tennis, putting, and with each other.
“ Every room has its own personal swedish masseuse, BOSE soundsystem, 3D TV, and complimentary iPad 2. There is a bell where you can summon your personal servant to iron your kilt. Viagra tablets are extra. ”
THE COST
�169 per person
This includes:
- Two nights (16th - 17th september)
- Full scottish breakfast each morning
- Gala dinner
- A party
- Sex, sex, violence, sex, and rock and roll
- The Gay Gordons
- and one major hangover
Most rooms are doubles or twins, and they will be allocated on a complete bribary and corruption basis.
YOUR COMMITMENT
To take part in the Big Bad Bike Ride 2011, you must be committed to raising a minimum of £250 in sponsorship money. While we will obviously have a fantastic weekend in Peebles and come back with wonderfully toned muscles, extemely interesting new friends (and a sore bum); it's important to keep in mind that this isn't just about us having a good time and making our bodies look beautiful. It's about raising money for Ataxia UK, and we don't take passengers.
We take motivated, committed people.
We take people who understand how much Friedreich's ataxia can affect people's lives, and want to try to make a difference.
If this describes you, then please sign up now.