Kingussie’s Bikeathon in need of vital cog for 2026 outing
Kingussie High School is keen to ensure that the town’s fundraising Bikeathon continues to roll on and on.
The institution has taken on the lead for the cycle ride for the past three years but is now appealing for help.
The Kingussie Bikeathon began in 1993 as the LLR Scottish Bikeathon, a sponsored cycle event organised by the Badenoch and Strathspey Branch of Leukaemia and Lymphoma Research - led by town couple Shirley Nield and husband Bobby - to raise funds for the LLRF.
Following their long stint at the helm, volunteers from within the town took a lead on it including Mark Tate from and Cycle Friendly Kingussie (CFK) and representatives from the school’s parent council.
As the annual event usually pulls in about 300 people, there are many jobs to do to ensure a smoothly run cycle ride.
Route planning, marshalling, refreshments, bike repairs, risk assessments, evacuation procedures, communicating with estates and other landowners are just some of the examples.
Kingussie High School headteacher Gavin Murphy explained: “It is quite an undertaking.
“With various other commitments, the school is taking a back step this year in the organisation of the 2026 Bikeathon.
“Therefore, we are looking for a new volunteer leader to help coordinate, organise and deliver the Kingussie Bikeathon 2026 in September.
“They will be supported by the school, our parent council as well as local volunteers and CFK.”
The latest outing on June 15 saw riders tackling a new route taking in some of the stunning gravel trails in Glen Feshie and through Inshriach Forest.
The return of the balance bike event was also hugely popular with mini-riders completing a treasure hunt around the town.
Mr Murphy said: “The event raised £500 for each of our two chosen charities between the bike ride itself, the bike jumble sale and the family ceilidh which all took place over the course of the weekend.”
The beneficaries were (CRY) Cardiac Risk in the Young and suicide prevention charity Mikeysline. A further £1,700 was raised for the school.
Mr Murphy said: “This money will be held by the parent council for use at their discretion for the benefit of the school’s pupils.
“SLR cameras, the S6 Yearbook, various transport costs and the S6 graduation are some of the ways the money has been used in the past
“Next year provides an excellent opportunity for the event to continue to develop and we are keen to hear from anyone who might be interested in taking a lead on organisation."