Rider Guide

We’re counting down the days until Cancer Research UK Etape Caledonia and we are buzzing with excitement! This is your source of information for the big day - it will be continually updated with the latest information. Can’t find the info you’re looking for? Check out our FAQs:

Key Event Info

Sunday 11 May 2025

start line

The start line is located on Pitlochry high street (PH16 5BX).

bike hire

Cycle Hire Scotland is the official bike hire provider and can assist you throughout the entire process, from booking your bike in advance to delivery at the event village, collection on event day, and return. For more info, visit their website.

RIDER PACK - POSTAGE

Your pack can arrive any time up until Friday 9 May, so please keep an eye out! Your pack will contain: a bib, bike number (this has the timing chip at the back, please do not bend!) and 2 cable ties. If you are missing any items in your pack, or you need safety pins for your bib, just come and say hello at the Help Desk!

RIDER PACK COLLECTION

SATURDAY 10 MAY 10:00 - 18:00: Please be sure to bring your QR code with you to pick up your event pack – without this we cannot assign you a pack. Each rider must pick up their own pack. Please note, you will not be able to collect your event pack on Sunday morning.

RIDER BIB NUMBER

Please attach this to the back of your jersey. (85 Mile bib is gold, 55 Mile bib will be dark blue, 40 Mile bib will be red)

EVENT PARKING

Parking is available to purchase as an add-on through your Let's Do This booking here. There will be NO parking available to purchase on the event day, so please book in advance to avoid missing out.

WHAT IF I WANT TO DOWNGRADE DISTANCE?

If you registered for the 85 mile route, and therefore your starting Pen allocation is in A-C, you will be held at a point where the route splits if you are looking to shorten your distance. You will be held here until the lead rider of your new, shortened distance reaches the location.

Pop by our Helpdesk on Saturday between 10:00 and 18:00 so that we can advise you on the distance change.

MECHANICS ON THE ROUTE

Cycle Hire Scotland will also provide mechanics on the route. Check with them to see if replacement parts or specific repair work are required. The mechanic will provide you guidance on whether they have the parts, if they have the capacity to carry out the work, and the price of the repair.

THE BEST SPECTATOR SPOTS

Pick one of these great places to watch your family and friends taking part in the Etape Caledonia:

  • Start and finish line in Pitlochry

  • Garry Bridge - access road coming from the North from Blair Atholl. Please note you will not be able to access this part of the route from the South as roads will be closed for the event

  • Kinloch Rannoch - this is a beautiful spot on the event route and with a short walk along the loch shore you can see loved ones go through this part of the route twice. Please be aware that you must be in position before the road closures, and then wait until the roads have been reopened. This area is quite remote and movement during the event is not possible.

  • Aileen Creaggan Hotel (access from Aberfeldy - not Strathtay) is a good viewing point and they do an excellent Sunday roast too, booking advised if you'd like to be positioned here

  • Logierait Hotel - access from the A9/Ballinluig turn off only

Heads up! All of these locations are close to the route and therefore road closures will impact travel times on event day. You can find some useful links here below to find out more information: