Maggie's Monster Bike & Hike celebrates its eighth year

Over 650 amazing participants enjoy a fantastic atmosphere and brilliant weather over the May bank holiday weekend in the Scottish Highlands.

Maggie's Monster Biike & Hike celebrated its eight birthday with glorious weather seeing participants on their way. The event send participants on a 30 mile cycle from Neptune's Staircase near Fort William on to an 8, 22 or 43 mile hike to destinations along the Great Glen Way to reach Bronze, Silver or Gold respectively. Maggie's hopes to raise £500,000 from this year's event.

On the Friday night before Monster, participants were invited to a Pasta Party to prepare them for the long road and hard work that lies before them on Saturday morning. Attendees were treated to a a performance from Sing In The City, a motivating speech from two visitors to Maggie's, Tanya Hay and Ian Gillon, who were taking part in this year's event and advice from experts on how best to cope with the long distances the participants would be going.

Tanya Hay who finished her latest session of radiotherapy only 2-weeks before the event, was taking part with her husband Graeme and friends from work. Tanya said: ‘If I can do this, you all can too. Maggie’s has been a huge help to me and my family and I am delighted to be supporting them with so many of my fantastic friends and colleagues in this manner.'

The fastest time at Monster this year was set by Elaine Whyte, who made it to Gold in a remarkable 9 hours 53 minutes. Not only was Elaine more than an hour ahead of the competition, but it she was also the first woman to set the fastest time in the event since its inception.

Maggie’s would like to thank everyone that took part or helped to make the event happen, with special thanks to SPAR (supplying the fantastic goodie bags and also taking part), Fleet Alliance (for supplying cars for Maggie’s staff and volunteers and for entering a team), Tiso and Alpine Bikes and Wildfox Events and Activities.

Registration is already open for the 2012 Monster Bike and Hike which will start on 5 May. We're offering a special early registration fee of only £75 for the first 400 people to register. Download and complete the registration form or call 0300 123 1801.

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