Organisers behind Ride the North (RTN) have revealed next year’s event will be hosted solely in Moray.
Since its launch, the fundraiser has raised more than £1.6 million for charities.
The last two events have been cancelled due to the pandemic.
Why is Ride the North only being held in Moray?
RTN 2022 will be held on Saturday, August 27.
The day event will start and finish in Elgin with two routes of 100 miles and 57 miles.
Founder Neil Innes explained: “The reasons for hosting the event just in Moray are the cycling infrastructure and strong connection with the region.
“Moray Speyside and Elgin have always been at the heart of the event.
“We want to comeback bigger and stronger.
“Work with Moray Council, Visit Moray Speyside and other partners is going good.”
Hopes for the grand return of Ride the North
Earlier this year, ‘sobering’ figures revealed the Moray tourism industry’s economic contribution dropped by more than half during the pandemic.
Mr Innes hopes that next year’s event in Moray can bring economic and social benefits.
He said: “I am aware that a lot of charities have had tough times.
“Tourism and hospitality industries have faced challenges.
“This event has filled many hotel beds and supported the economy.
The sociable element is vital as people have been working in isolation for a year and half now.
Neil Innes
“I want to run an event with economic benefits for Moray and something for people to look forward to.
“The sociable element is vital as people have been working in isolation for a year and half now.
“I want to push the importance of mental wellbeing.”
Tourism and council bosses welcome the popular event
Moray Council leader Graham Leadbitter said: “Ride the North has always been an excellent annual event.
“The event has grown in size and the news that it is coming to Moray next year is welcomed.
“It is a major outdoor event for Moray and will bring more visitors to the area.”
Visit Moray Speyside chief executive Laurie Piper added: “Visit Moray Speyside are delighted to support 2022’s Ride the North event.
“Moray Speyside has featured in the event route over several years but next year has a distinctly Speyside flavour which will see the event hub based in Elgin and both ride distances starting and ending there.
It is the ideal base for the return of Ride the North in 2022.
Laurie Piper
“We are looking forward to working with the event organisers and local businesses to welcome participants to Moray Speyside next summer.
“Moray Speyside offers miles of cycle friendly back roads and wonderful natural landscapes – the ideal base for the return of Ride the North in 2022.”
More information about the event is available at: www.ride-the-north.co.uk
