Farmer Billy Henderson is launching a bid to sign up 400 cyclists and helpers for a bumper charity event.
The next big fundraiser for the late rugby ace Doddie Weir’s motor neurone disease campaign takes place early next year, but Billy has been recruiting volunteers now.
The event is Doddie’s Grand Bike Tour of Scotland and will actually start in Dublin before reaching Dumfries and Galloway with stops at Stranraer, Castle Douglas, Annan and Dumfries before heading north, covering a route totalling 700 miles over four days.
He said: “Off the back of the success of the Doddie Cup 500 ride in 2022, Doddie Cup 555 Ride in 2023 and All Roads Lead to Rome in 2024, the next instalment is Doddie’s Grand Bike Tour of Scotland in 2025.
“It’s starting on February 5 and there will be a stop for refreshments and entertainment at Violetbank, then on to various rugby clubs and royal residences around Scotland, finishing at the ramparts of Edinburgh Castle on Saturday, February 8 including a big bike parade to Murrayfield ahead of the Ireland game in the Six Nations on the Sunday.
“We have various Scottish/Welsh/English and Irish ex-internationals taking part including Rob Wainwright, all to raise money to support the fight against MND.
“These bike rides have raised more than £2 million.”
He added: “If anyone wants to form a Team Annan and enter, give me a shout. People can do the whole route with me or just a part. And if anyone wants to help out with the hosting and hospitality to our visitors, also give me a shout.”
Billy, 54, of Quarry Park Farm, near Kirtlebridge, is a former Annan Rugby Club player and said: “I played number seven but now I coach the girls’ team. It is important to get organised now because I am looking for 400 people to sign up.
“At the moment there are only three so that’s why I am appealing now for bikers.
“We are looking for helpers and sponsors.
“We hope to have 400 for a dinner at Annan Rugby Club on the journey. In the past, people have put up the cyclists or they’ve even stayed in the rugby clubs along the way. There’s great
camaraderie in these events.