The 15th Glen Moray cycle and sportive was a record-breaking success yesterday – but the personal victory of one blind entrant and his tandem partner stole the show.
Former digger driver Bruce Cruickshank first benefited from the support of North East Sensory Services (Ness) after losing his vision to type 1 diabetes in 2010.
To help raise awareness for the charity, the Keith 32-year-old saddled up on a tandem bike with his cycling partner and Ness colleague Sandy Comfort to take on a 25-mile challenge.
The pair completed the circuit from Glen Moray Distillery around Burgie, Califer viewpoint, Rafford and Pluscarden in two hours 30 minutes and raised over £900.
Mr Cruickshank was cheered over the finish line by family, friends, his guide dog Quaver and scores of other participants.
The Ness fundraising assistant said: “I really enjoyed it. It was certainly a challenge. A bit more training for next year and a bit more padding in my shorts.
“There was a couple of hidden surprises. There was a gradual climb and all of a sudden a steep hill at the back of Califer Hill. That was the hardest part. I wasn’t sure we were going to make it up, but we managed. I think Sandy is used to someone a lot lighter than me on the back.
“I didn’t expect this many people to come and support me though. That was really good. I will be more prepared for it next time.”
Mr Cruickshank’s wife, Steph, said: “I was nervous and worrying about him, but I’m really proud of him for doing it.”
Mr Comfort, 63, added: “It was really good. Bruce did well and the weather held out for us apart from a couple of heavy showers in the last 30 minutes.”
The event, also featuring a 75-mile and a 10-mile route, will raise funds to help Ness assist more than 4,500 people throughout the north-east with severe visual or hearing impairment.
Glen Moray Distillery manager, Graham Coull, said: “We enjoyed record-breaking numbers this year.
“It’s great to see someone like Bruce being able to get involved. He has benefited from the Ness charity, so it’s nice he can give something back.”