The Oban Sportive will have its 7th birthday this year, and I am very happy to join the celebration as their ambassador for this year. As the Oban Distillery is the main sponsor of the event, they will host a free talk for all riders on Saturday evening about my round the world trip on a singlespeed bike.

The weekend of cycling starts with the Cruachan Inn Hill Climb, a gruelling 1000ft climb over two and a half miles to the Cruachan Dam. The rewards are plenty, as you will get stunning views over Loch Awe from the top. And even better, there won’t be any traffic, as this is a closed road event.

The Distillery Yard will be a great start for the main sportive on Sunday, when hundreds of cyclists pour out to tackle some of the most scenic roads in Scotland around Loch Avich, Loch Awe and Glen Lonan. There are two courses to choose from, 87 and 56 miles. And there will be an additional gravel route added this year, as the gravel mania doesn’t stop on the West Coast. The forest tracks around Loch Awe are featured in the Wild About Argyll Trail, and are utterly stunning!

If that all sounds good, then join me and book your space at www.obansportive.co.uk.