Posts for April, 2023

An evening with Markus Stitz – author of Bikepacking Scotland, Great British Gravel Rides and round the world singlespeed cyclist.

Markus will talk about his new book Bikepacking Scotland, which features routes of different lengths which take in the best of the country, from the Ayrshire Alps, Dumfries and Galloway and the Borders in southern Scotland, through Perthshire’s unique drovers’ roads and the grand architecture of the Central Belt, across to Argyll’s islands on ferry-hopping adventures around Islay, a paradise for whisky connoisseurs, and Jura and Mull to spot magnificent golden eagles.

And of course the Scottish Highlands with an epic tour of the Cairngorms National Park, home to 25 per cent of Britain’s rare and endangered species, as well as the author’s own take on the North Coast 500 and more.

You will also hear more about Markus’ childhood growing up behind the Iron Curtain, his round the world trip on a singlespeed bike and bikepacking races in Kyrgyzstan, Morocco and Scotland.

TRACK DESCRIPTION
A combination of riders desire for new tracks, a central location and the potential for the fastest uplift in Scotland, why wouldn’t we want to head to Glenshee?

Renowned for the infamous Tiger run the new DH track will use the same uplift taking you directly to the top of the track. No massive pedals or push ups, just downhill laps. The track that will meander its way down the hill to have a mix of fast and flowy riding, but it wouldn’t be an SDA race without some techy, steep and rough sections.

ENTRY INCLUDES
– Chairlift uplift for both Saturday and Sunday
– Marshalls
– Live timing
– Commentary
– Rescue medics
– Toilets
– Camping for both Friday and Saturday night in the carpark. We do not recommend tents due to the elevation of the carpark. It can get very windy and the weather can quickly change.

EVENT FACILITIES
– Cafe
– Bike washing
– Car parking
– Pitches with hook-ups which can be booked through Glenshee Ski Centre

If you’re a couple looking for a ready-made, full day of adventure in the Cairngorms, it doesn’t get much better than this! Join Cairngorms Activities for some thrilling outdoor activities such as canoeing and biking across the Cairngorms National Park, and they will even throw in a tasty lunch too!

If you’re a family looking for a ready-made, full day of adventure in the Cairngorms, it doesn’t get much better than this! Join Cairngorms Activities for some thrilling outdoor activities including canoeing, archery, and for the brave at heart – the leap from our high ropes crate stack!

The loch has been chosen for its superb water quality and spectacular surroundings. Coupled with fantastic MTB trails (forest road, easy track as well as sections of singletrack) in the forest, this is one of the very best locations in the UK for off-road racing. “the Short Fast Durty” is an accessible triathlon for anyone looking to take up the sport off road, this sprint distance event is suitable for riders of blue mountain bike trails. “The Long Hard Durty”, this Standard distance race will be a stiff challenge on a tough course in a spectacular location. .

Long Hard Durty:

1,000m Open Water Swim, 18km Technical Mountain Bike, 9km Trail Run

“The Short Fast Durty”, this Sprint distance race will be a stiff but achievable challenge on a great course in a spectacular location.

Short Fast Durty:

500m Open Water Swim, 12km Mountain Bike, 5km Trail Run

The first World Human Foosball Championships will be held in the Cairngorms National Park to raise funds for the Cairngorms Trust to support projects across the area.

Get a team of friends, family and colleagues together for a day of fun, 5 a side foosball! No previous experience is necessary just bring your enthusiasm.

Date: Saturday 20th May 2023
Time: First match 9am, finals from 1pm

Entry is open to teams of 5 over 16 years old.

Early bird entry price is £50 per team to enter until the 28th April. Thereafter £100 team with last entries on the 12th May so we can get the play lists ready. With 1 free car parking space per team.

This event is being held to raise funds to support projects that to support the landscapes, wildlife, local culture and economic health and encourage sustainable and community led local development within the Cairngorms National Park.

Please use our Just Giving page to ask friends, family and colleagues to support you and your team by donating to the Cairngorms Trust.

Spectators are welcome on the day with a suggested entry fee donation of £2 per person to the Cairngorms Trust.

There will be food stalls available on the day along with family friendly entertainment.

Discover a wide range of cycling options at this festival that celebrates the first UCI World Cycling Championships in Scotland, and invites everyone to try many different ways of using cycling as possible.

Partnering with local bike shops, mountain bike leaders, accessibility champions, and nearby villages, the festival is based in Aviemore and showcases the location and sport to a new and diverse audience: e-bikes, cargo bikes, balance bikes, mountain bikes, road bikes… did we say, just, bikes?!

The festival is free, inviting and engaging to all, with particular focus on getting people riding for the first time.

Ride-ins from nearby villages, led by professional bike leaders, will be available to book online.

Join us at Loch Insh Outdoor Centre on Sunday 11th June 2023!

Registration will be open from 9:30am at Loch Insh Outdoor Centre, giving you plenty of time to set up your transition zone.

Fitnessat58° Founder, Sam Cairns will lead an event brief and warm up on Loch Insh beach at 11:45am, before the race begins at 12pm.

The race will start and finish is at Loch Insh Outdoor Centre. There will be vehicles available for you to leave your belongings during the race.

Car parking will be available at the Kincraig Shinty Pitch, next to the Loch Insh Outdoor Centre, just two minute walk from the car park to registration.

Entry costs:

Individual Entry – £69.99
Team Entry – £25 per discipline, £75 total

The distances are as follows:

1. 500m swim

2. 18km cycle – 70% gravel/forest tracks and 30% road

3. 10km run – 90% gravel/forest tracks and 10% road

If you have any questions simply message us through Instagram @fitnessat58degrees or email us at samcairns@fitnessat58.com.

Highland League: Strathspey Thistle FC v Keith FC, Seafield Park, kick-off 8pm. Snack bar, merchandise, half-time £50 raffle. Car parking at ground and at Burnfield Avenue coach and car park (250m). Event is weather dependent – if in doubt check www.highlandfootballleague.com and/or www.strathspeythistlefc.com.

Highland League: Strathspey Thistle FC v Buckie Thistle FC, Seafield Park, kick-off 3pm. Snack bar, merchandise, half-time £50 raffle. Car parking at ground; coach and overflow car parking at Burnfield Avenue Car Park (250m.). Event is weather-dependent – if in doubt, check www.highlandfootballleague.com and/or www.strathspeythistlefc.com.