Perthshire cyclist's mountain route challenge for Alzheimer's

Daily Record

3 days ago

Firefighter Alastair's solo cycle is for his grandmother Doreen who has been diagnosed with vascular dementia.
A Perthshire cyclist is to take on a challenging 200-mile north east Scotland mountain course with a total ascent of 11,000ft this month for charity.
Perth city fireman Alastair Hare's route includes the Cockbridge to Tomintoul road over the Lecht which reaches a height of more than 2,110ft as well as the Cairnwell Pass on A93 Glenshee road (2199ft) and the Cairn o' Mount (1,493ft) on the Banchory-Fettercairn road.
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The 41-year-old decided to take on the July 17 solo challenge - which starts and finishes in his home town of Coupar Angus – to raise money for Alzheimer Scotland after his grandmother Doreen was diagnosed with vascular dementia around two and a half years ago.
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Alastair said: 'As a family, it has been truly heartbreaking to watch the decline in her health as she was once a strong individual who enjoyed being able to do her daily activities and was an active member of the community.
'Sadly, this is no longer possible as both her communication and mobility skills have rapidly deteriorated.'
During the July 17 cycle Alastair - who is also retained firefighter at Coupar Angus – will be backed by family in two support vehicles including Alastair's wife Sam and eight-year-old daughter Charlotte, his dad Iain and stepmum Alison.
Alastair, a former Rattray Primary and Blairgowrie High School pupil, said of the challenge: 'Honestly, I feel a bit of everything I am excited, nervous, and definitely wondering if I've taken on more than I can chew.
'Cycling 200 miles in one day is a massive challenge, especially doing it solo, and there are moments during training where I think 'What have I signed up for?'
'The route is a really challenging one as it has a bit of everything and as we know the Scottish weather can be unpredictable.
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'It's not only going to be a challenge physically but also mentally just as tough, especially when you start to get tired.
'I will have to focus on the road ahead and be able to push through those moments of doubt.
'But at the same time, I feel incredibly motivated. This isn't just a physical challenge it's something really personal.
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'I'm doing it for my gran, and for everyone affected by dementia. That purpose is what keeps me going, even when the legs are tired or the weather's awful.
'I know it's going to be tough, but I'm proud to be taking it on and I'm really thankful for the amazing support I've had along the way.'
The Perth United Cycling Club member, who plays football and attends the gym regularly, also used to swim for Blairgowrie Dolphins for many years.
However, he has never taken on a cycling route like this before, commenting: 'I have cycled for a few years now, although most of my cycling was to commute back and forward to work to save a little bit of money and to help keep myself fit.
'I have done a few of the local sportives over the years which range from 80 to 100 miles and the last couple of years I have joined Perth United Cycling club and regularly go out with other members from the club on group training rides.'