The first ever Cycle Cairngorms took place on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 September 2007.

Eight cyclists took part in the challenge as part of a pilot to test the route in order to broaden the appeal of the event and aim for a large scale cycling event in 2008.

Day 1 saw the cyclists leave Badaguish Outdoor Centre (the charity organisation who are the events organisers), cycle through Nethy Bridge, Tomintoul, Bridge of Brown and through over the Lecht, taking the competitors up to 2090 feet. The road from the Lecht flowed down into Gargarff and Cock Bridge before finishing in the Main Square in Ballater, covering a total of 54 miles on the first day. All the competitors completed day one in just over 3 hours.

The event organisers put on a BBQ at Cycle Highlands shop for all the competitors and supporters on the Saturday evening, there were a few tired people who headed off to bed early to prepare themselves for the Big Second Day!

An early start on the Sunday morning saw the competitors leave Ballater for the long second day -120 miles back to Badaguish Centre and pass by Balmoral Castle and through Braemar before the long climb up and over Glenshee - the weather had turned a little and there was a strong head wind, the group battled on and were all happy to reach the top! From Glenshee the rolling road took the cyclists through to Kirkmicheal and down into Pitlochry. Passing through the small towns of Killiecrankie, Blair Atholl, Bruar and Calvine the route picked up the sustrans route all the way up to Dalwhinnie. Again there was a stong head wind as the competitors cycled over Drumochter.

From there it was the final stretch home to Badagusih centre, where a small crowd had gathered to welcome the cyclists home!

"Just to tell you what a fantastic time we had on your event, I can't tell you how much we enjoyed it. It was very special being 2 days with the short ride on the Saturday, starting at a sensible time of day and arriving to the BBQ with the Beer and T-shirts. Then the music and the Prize-giving in the hotel-it was all so well planned and worked perfectly."

"The weather was also really great. Then Sunday-what a great ride, although the numbers of riders were small compared to other sportives it actually meant we got a group together who stayed together, made the ride more interesting and easier. The route was epic from beginning to end even though it would be nice if Sustrans could tarmac their paths better! I couldn’t stop thinking about the event afterwards I enjoyed it so much. It was definitely worth making the journey up from Milton Keynes and I think other cyclists should do it and would also enjoy it. I must also say that you had the best marshalling we've ever had, so attentive we felt spoiled-a bit like sheep with very attentive sheepdogs!"

"I would just like to say a HUGE thank you for organising such a fantastic event. I was part of 'team matheson!' and along with my 2 brothers we had just an amazing 2 days (hard work but amazing!). I was so impressed by all the hard work that had very obviously gone into organising the event. The road markings and caution cyclists signs where excellent and very reassuring. The route was everything a cyclist wants - good hills, nice tarmac, incredible scenery and sunshine. The Marshall's and organisers were so friendly and made us feel very welcome."

"Just wanted to drop you an email to say a huge thank you for such a fantastic event over the weekend. The organisation was superb, the route perfectly signposted, the burgers and beer on Saturday and soup and gallons of tea on Sunday enormously welcome.
I'd like to say an extra big thank you to all the marshals whose cheers, smiles and glorious apple stodge helped keep energy levels high and made the event so friendly."

"Hi Dylis, Andrew, Sylvie, Angela, Pam & Bob (plus ahh budy else) - First of all I’d like to say thanks to everyone of the Badaquish team for a smashing weekend, once the rides were over it was even better (only joking). I’ll be back for next year!"

Thank you all for your kind remarks!!