Sunday the 19th of May 2019 is the date for this year’s Solway Sportive, a popular cycling event in Dumfries and Galloway. Monies raised from the entry fees for the event go entirely to local charities and over the last three years alone an outstanding £10,000 has been raised. The event is organized by volunteers of the Rotary Club of Dumfries Devorgilla and Dalbeattie Community Initiative working together in partnership.
This year the event routes have been completely revised with the new Yellow 40, Blue 75 and the impressive Red 100. This for the first time provides a 100 mile route to challenge the most experienced cyclists and will take cyclists along the Solway coast to Sandyhills, into Dalbeattie and Castle Douglas and then along Loch Ken and up to Carsphairn before turning homeward through Corsock to Crocketford and then the Military Road back to Dumfries. The course covers an elevation gain of some 1490m and takes cyclists through some beautiful countryside on quiet roads on routes designed by fellow cyclists.
The Sportive starts and finishes at Dumfries Rugby Club with parking, changing rooms, and showers post event. Feeding stations will be available on all three routes and food and drink is provided at the finish in the Rugby Club. Automatic timing is also provided giving cyclists an accurate time for the rides which will be posted on the event website and a Solway Sportive certificate provided to each cyclist.
The choice of routes provides variety for all level of cyclists with the shortest 70km (43 miles) or the mid-route of 123km (76 miles) also available to provide a challenging test whatever your fitness level. Entries can be made on the day at the Rugby Club or for a cheaper price, online through www.solwaysportive.co.uk.
It is hoped for a good turn out on 19 May 2019 and that cyclists will enjoy a great day out riding through some of the best scenery Dumfries and Galloway has to offer and in turn raise money for charity.
