Loch Ness Glen Affric Gravel Sportive hailed a resounding success by entrants from across UK and Ireland as Strathglass and Glen Urquhart communities rally in support
A new cycle event climbing through spectacular scenery above Loch Ness proved “a triumph of community spirit” as organisers and competitors hailed its success.
The first Loch Ness Glen Affric Gravel Sportive last Saturday drew in more than 100 riders from the local area and across the UK and Ireland.
The 55-mile event was run entirely by volunteers from the Strathglass and Glen Urquhart communities, with the support of Forestry Land Scotland, Scottish Woodlands and local landowners in Glen Urquhart and Glen Affric.
It featured a challenging route with approximately 6,000 feet (over 1,800 metres) of climbing, passing through local villages and scenic areas like Cannich, Tomich, and Dog Falls.
Organisers paid tribute to the outstanding support of the local communities in making the event possible, with riders treated to a spectacular day of gravel cycling through some of the area’s iconic landscapes and vistas.
All profits from the sportive will be reinvested in local community projects, underlining the organisers' commitment to creating a lasting positive impact for the area.
Russell Fraser, managing director at Loch Ness Hub in Drumnadrochit, said: “We couldn’t have asked for a better start.
“The positive feedback from riders has been incredible, with the overriding feedback centred around what really made the day special, was the community effort behind it.
“I wish to pay special tribute to Matt Jones, Graham Whyte and David Girvan, who put in a monumental effort to deliver the event, but I also know they would want the spotlight to be on the community and volunteers, such is the ethos of everyone involved.
“Community empowerment and collaboration are a powerful combination, and this event is testament to that.”
Fellow event organiser Matt Jones, who runs the Bog Cotton Café in Cannich, added: “It was amazing to see Cannich buzzing with cyclists and supporters.
“Events like this not only bring people to experience our incredible landscapes but also showcase the warmth and hospitality of the communities here.
“We’re proud to have played a part in such a successful first edition.”
The organisers hope the sportive will now become an annual fixture, with plans being discussed for incorporating a family friendly element, potential for route length options and further establishing Loch Ness and Glen Affric as a world-class destination for outdoor adventure tourism and community active travel.
Entrant Nicola Forbes, who was the third woman home in her first-ever gravel race, described the sportive as a triumph of community spirit, calling it “a superbly-organised, community-driven event with amazing volunteers”.
Nicola added: “The 55-mile route was beautiful. Starting in Glen Urquhart and pushing across Corrimony to the dramatic landscapes of Glen Affric, the combination of quiet roads and gravel tracks was pure bliss.
“My legs loved the challenging climbs and my smile got even bigger on the long, flowing downhill sections.
“Cycling past Dog Falls and through Tomich, surrounded by the vibrant autumn colours, was a truly beautiful experience.
“Knowing also that the event's proceeds will fund local cycling and walking paths is the perfect final touch, benefiting the community for years to come.”
Stuart Dick, a local cycling content creator who attended the event, said: “The atmosphere was brilliant.
“From the feed station to the friendly chats with complete strangers, it felt like a real community event.”
First male home was Krzysztof Pater of Moray Firth Cycling Club in 3hrs 20 mins and 31 secs, pipping second place Lindsay McCrae by just four seconds.
First female was Jill Sommerville in 4hrs 40mins and 40 secs.