Cyclists will tour through Cumnock as part of build-up to an inaugural cycling mega-event taking place in Glasgow this year.
Organisers of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships launched the 23 Million Mile Challenge in partnership with Love to Ride with 100 days to go until the championships.
To mark the occasion, endurance athlete Jenny Tough and YouTuber Katie Kookaburra are recreating the first-ever bicycle ride undertaken by Scottish inventor Kirkpatrick Macmillan on the treadle bicycle in 1842.
The pair started the journey from the Crichton in Dumfries on Tuesday morning, and are cycling 94 miles towards Glasgow, passing through Burnhead, Sanquhar, Cumnock and along The Sir Chris Hoy Cycle Path, a 19.8 mile circular cycle route linking Kilmarnock and Galston.
Once in Glasgow, they will be joined by Sir Chris himself - an 11-time UCI Track World Champion and six-time Olympic champion - and 19-time UCI Para-cycling World Champion and eight-time Paralympic Champion Jody Cundy on their way to the finish line and a celebration in the city's George Square.
Sir Chris, who is an ambassador for this summer's event, said: “In 100 days, the greatest cycling athletes in the world will bring the biggest and best cycling event in history to Scotland.
"The 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships will be full of can’t-miss moments across the country for everyone to experience and enjoy.
“I’m thrilled to help mark today’s milestone and kickstart the 23 Million Mile Challenge by logging some of the first miles as part of the journey we can all be part of on the countdown to the Championships.”
Jody added: “I’m excited to help kickstart the 23 Million Mile Challenge to mark 100 days to go until the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships.
Having para-cycling track integrated with track for the first time, will make it especially exciting to be part of this inaugural event.
"Performing in front of a home crowd and hearing and feeling their energy is going to be quite special. I truly cannot wait till August.”
Jenny added: “I’m so excited to be recreating Kirkpatrick’s historic journey from Dumfriesshire to Glasgow alongside Katie to log the first miles of the 23 Million Mile Challenge as part of 100 days to go until the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships.
“My life is all about adventure and enjoying the wonders of the outdoors, whether it's on foot or on a bike.
"The challenge is a wonderful opportunity to get out on your bike and discover the freedom it can bring - whether it’s going for a ride with your family or setting off on your own to discover what the world has to offer.”
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