Cyclists Take on North Coast 500 Challenge to Raise Funds for Local Charities

A dedicated team of eight cyclists will tackle the world-renowned North Coast 500 this September, riding approximately 100 miles per day over five days in support of Heather’s Heroes, a charity founded in memory of Heather Dallas.

The core riders – John Valentine, Ryan Magennis, Jack Weatherall, Jamie MacLennan, Adam MacLeay, Craig Batchelor, Ross King, and Kyle Gordon – will set off from Muir of Ord on the 23rd of September, covering more than 500 miles and climbing a total of 33,514 feet, higher than Mount Everest, before returning to the start point on 27th September.

Heather’s Heroes was established in January 2024 and is committed to supporting a network of local charities that provide care, resources, and comfort to individuals and families during their most challenging times. Each rider has a personal connection to cancer within their families, making this journey both a physical and emotional test of endurance.

Throughout the challenge, the core team will be joined each day by corporate cycling teams, including riders from RSE, Scottish Water, R&I Cruden, and Highland Industrial Supplies, to complete 50-mile stages of the route, providing encouragement to the core team and raising additional funds. Together, they will contend with Scotland’s unpredictable weather, remote roads, and notorious Highland midges, whilst also tackling their own physical challenges.

The event will culminate on Saturday, 27th September, at the Heather’s Heroes Highlands Fun Day at the Black Isle Showground, where the cyclists will be welcomed back by supporters. The celebration will also mark the finish of Allan Dallas’ “Trac-tour de North” Challenge, in which Allan will complete the NC500 in his John Deere 2038R tractor across five overnight stints.

Ryan Magennis, Heather’s Heroes Board of Trustee and core team rider, said:

“This challenge is about more than just the miles. Each of us has been personally affected by cancer, and we want to honour Heather’s memory by raising vital funds for charities that make a real difference in people’s lives”.

Heather’s Heroes kindly asks for your support by donating to the NC500 Cycle Challenge JustGiving page, with every penny contributing towards supporting a network of local charities and spurring the cyclists on every mile towards the finish line.

You can also stay tuned with the team’s progress during the challenge on Heather’s Heroes social media platforms, including LinkedIn, Facebook and TikTok, and the public is encouraged to cheer on the team with a wave from the roadside or a toot of the horn to get them through the miles.

The funds raised from the ambitious Heather’s Heroes North Coast 500 Challenge will aim to extend the impact of the charity to reach more people, offer more support, and make a lasting difference in our local communities.