Record-breaking cyclist Mark Beaumont is gearing up to promote the benefits of cycling at the Etape Royale sportive and the Royal Deeside Family Cycling Festival in September.

The long-distance cyclist, who is known for completing an 18,000 mile round-the-world cycling challenge and who has tested the 100 mile route of the Etape Royale on a penny farthing, is supporting the festival, which this year takes place from Friday 16 to Sunday 18 September.

Long-distance legend Mark Beaumont is lending his support to this year's Etape Royale sportive.
Long-distance legend Mark Beaumont is lending his support to this year's Etape Royale sportive.

The Royal Deeside Family Cycling Festival is the latest addition to an exciting summer of events for the Ballater area. It takes places from 16-18 September to complement the Quilter Cheviot Etape Royale - one of Scotland's most scenic and challenging closed route cycle sportives, starting and finishing in Ballater.

The 100-mile circular route of the Etape Royale takes participants on a traffic-free journey through historic Royal Deeside and Aberdeenshire, Moray's Whisky Country, and back along the banks of the picturesque River Dee. For those who don't feel quite up to the full distance, there are also 45 and 65 mile routes available.

A series of family-friendly events and activities are on offer over the course of the weekend, such as a mountain bike skills circuit and a bike roadshow featuring weird, wonderful and wacky bikes from past and present. Those participating in Etape Royale are being encouraged to bring their families along to enjoy the festivities and the rest of what Ballater has to offer.

David Wright of Aberdeenshire Council, says, "The whole of Ballater is looking forward to welcoming cyclists and their families to this year's Quilter Cheviot Etape Royale and the Royal Deeside Family Cycling Festival.

"Mark Beaumont is such a well-known name in the world of cycling and we're confident that he will do a brilliant job in encouraging more people to take an interest in cycling, either as a hobby or as an alternative method of transport.

"The entire weekend will be a celebration of all things cycling and there are plenty of activities for all the family to get involved in. For those who aren't interested in bikes, there will be a farmer's market on the Saturday, a climbing wall, and zorbing. A ceilidh has also been organised to welcome visitors to the area at the Victoria & Albert Halls on the evening of Saturday 17 September.

"The weekend will help to highlight the excellent selection of cycling routes available in Ballater and Royal Deeside. The entire area is a cyclist's dream, as there are scenic roads and recreational routes, plus plenty of mountain ranges for the adrenaline seekers to enjoy."

The Quilter Cheviot Etape Royale gets underway on Sunday 18 September. For more information and to book your place, visit www.etaperoyale.com.

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