Spring is here at last, that is despite the best efforts of the weather over the last few weeks, namely a certain beast. But as the sun again becomes a regular fixture in our days, let’s look at what occasion can next get us out beneath it. The Fundraising Ahead blog is a Fit4Change series aimed at providing our users ideas for fundraising opportunities and events as they arise over the course of the year. We have so far looked at The London Marathon and Sport Relief, but as a result have spent a lot of our time on our feet. Let’s take a seat for a change.
Etape Caledonia
Yes, we’re going for something a bit different this time, and what better way could there be than to cycle through the beautiful Scottish Highlands? Well, that is exactly what Etape Caledonia entails, brilliant isn’t it! The cycling event follows an 85-mile route amid some of the most picturesque views in the British Isles. With 5000 riders taking on the gruelling challenge each year, this is a fundraising opportunity that could never be forgotten, and an accomplishment that can never be played down.
How did it begin?
The youngest of our focus events so far, Etape Caledonia was first cycled in 2007. The event intended to combine a love of cycling with the incredible views of the Scottish Highlands, where together they have created an arduous but incredible journey of resilience and beauty. It has, naturally, proved popular, with more than 35,000 cyclists drawn to the event since its inception. Each year, the event raises large sums of money for charity, whether through official charity partners or through individual participant’s commitments.
Etape Caledonia Today
The rolling hills propel the racing wheels of thousands every year in May. With this year being the twelfth Etape Caledonia, the event is widely considered as the United Kingdom’s leading closed road cycling course, and deservedly so.
The 2018 Etape Caledonia will be taking place on Sunday the 20th at Pitlochry in Scotland. In addition to the standard route of 85-miles (it was previously set at 81, but has been increased this year), the Etape Caledonia is also being cycled this year on a new 40-mile route. The new route, aimed at increasing participation, will, just like the main route, start and finish in Pitlochry, but will cut the course in half.
Etape Caledonia is currently partnered with the remarkable Marie Curie charity, which supports and cares for people suffering with terminal conditions or illnesses. Participants entering the Etape Caledonia as part of Team Marie Curie will not only be able to fundraise larger amounts for the charity but will also be provided active support on the day.
Fit4Change and Etape Caledonia
As usual, we appeal to any Fit4Change user thinking of getting involved in events to use our app to supplement their fundraising experience. The use of our app both on the day and in the weeks leading up to it can raise substantial additional funds for charity. We hope to be in a position whereby we can assist our users involved in large events, for your experiences to inspire new developments within our app.
Getting involved.
If you would like to participate in the Etape Caledonia, then please do visit their website or contact them to receive more information regarding what it will entail.
As always, we would love to hear about your experiences, so if you decide to get involved then feel free to message us through our Home page, and we hope to be able to support you where possible. We may ask you for a photo or two of the course afterwards, after all we think it’s only fair we get to marvel at the views as well!
Whether you run, walk, or cycle, fundraise for free with Fit4Change.
