Meet the pedalling pensioners who’ll be cycling across the Highlands as they raise money for children’s cancer charity

They have a legacy of injuries and illness that would keep a team of A&E doctors and theatre surgeons busy, but Scotland’s pushbike pensioners are determined to complete a marathon cycling run through Scotland.

With an average age of 72, they are planning to travel off-track from their homes in The Trossachs, Stirlingshire, up through a winding Highland route to Cape Wrath on the north coast.

It will be uphill for much of the cycling crocks’ route – they will climb a total of 28,000 feet over the course of their journey.

With emergency puncture repair kits, camping gear and food in their saddlebag panniers, they are ready to set off on their 340-mile journey north in May.

‘It’ll be hard going’

Leader Tim Tindle, 68, a retired businessman from Callander, has undergone several operations to have his spine fused, replace both his hips and rebuild a dropped foot.

“Much of our route will be off-road, through the Old Military Road,” he says.

“These roads are so called because many were constructed by General Wade, in the wake of the 1715 Jacobite rebellion.

“It will be hard going for us all, but I made a pledge in my 50s that by the time they put me in a box, I would be worn out.

“You can roll over with injuries in life or get on with them.”

© Andrew Cawley

His wife Penny, 68, a retired nurse and midwife, has had a knee replacement and one of her ankles is fused.

She is a cross-country skier who began cycling more than 12 years ago.

Her years of working in the NHS make her the designated tour medic.

“I will work as well as I can with my fused ankle, especially if we visit plenty of good tearooms with plenty of tea and homemade cake.

“There’s nothing better, after a bike run, that and the company of your fellow cyclists.

“As a former nurse, I think I will manage to treat any injuries along the way.”

Fellow cyclist John Walker, 76, also from Callander, says he has managed to keep prostate cancer at bay for 16 years.

He endorses medical research which shows that a positive attitude and exercise help patients survive.

His love of cycling saw him previously own a cycle shop in Kilmaurs, Ayrshire. That and a background in management with Scottish Enterprise.

He is a frequent visitor to Glasgow’s Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome and has been appointed the team mechanic.

“I have been a fan of cycling since I bought my children bikes when they were around 12, around 30 years ago,” he says.

“That prompted a love of bikes and my daughter and I are one of the many regulars at the velodrome.”

Like Penny, he is looking forward to cafes with home baking en route.

“A lovely slice of cake and a cup of tea will go down a treat,” he says.

Charity support

He is driven to complete the trip by the plight of children with cancer who are desperately reaching for normal lives amid the pain and distress of their treatment.

“It’s a marathon trip for Cyclists Fighting Cancer, which donates bikes to child patients.

“I can’t think of a better cause because I know the worry and distress cancer and its treatment can cause.

“It must be so much more difficult for children to bear.”

Mike Blakemore, 76, a retired head teacher who now works part-time helping young adults with learning disabilities, has cycled since he built bikes in childhood.

“I had ankylosing spondylitis, which affects the spine and 60 years ago doctors wanted to put me in a plaster cast, but I resisted,” he says.

“However, I have managed to live a normal life, so this trip is particularly special as I approach 80.”

The cycling crocks have carefully planned their route with not only pit-stops at tearooms and cafes, but cycling shops and pubs serving good steak – high on Tim’s list.

Their epic journey on two wheels will see them ride through some of Scotland’s most stunning scenery.

“We are experienced cyclists and will make it uphill to some of the best views in Scotland,” said Tim.

Following behind will be two campervans driven by John’s wife Susan and an old friend.

The pedalling pensioners plan to set off at the beginning of May in the hope of good weather over the two-week trip.

They will bed down for the night in campsites before refuelling at local pubs for food.

“This whole trip will be weather and mechanical dependent, and we will be mindful to avoid any damage to the bikes,” says Tim.

“We will carry necessities like folding spare tyres and drop by a few cycle shops on the way.

“As long as there are a few good places for steak and chips, I’ll be happy.”

© Andrew Cawley

Since 2005, Cyclists Fighting Cancer has helped more than 9,500 families of children and young people fighting to survive serious illness.

The charity says: “We are passionate about sharing the benefits of exercise and activity for people living with and beyond cancer.”

Donations can be given at www.justgiving.com/page/the-pedalling-pensioners