Uncle Bob’s Cycle, the annual charity event set up by licensed trade legend Bob Taylor, is nearing its 2026 starting flag – but there is still time to get yourself involved.
More inclined to socialising than speed, this grand ride-out takes place on the 9th of June this year, with participating cyclists asked to meet up at around 8am at Manorview’s Bowfield Hotel & Spa, in Howwood, for an informal breakfast, in preparation for a 9am departure.
Thereafter participants have a choice of two routes – the Green Route, which is 36 miles long and will involve around 2hour 20 minutes on the road, goes from Bowfield to Lochwinnoch via National Cycle Route 7, then from Lochwinnoch to Kilbirnie, thence to Brisbane House in Largs for lunch.
After lunch, Green cyclists will reverse their outwards route back to Kilbirnie, then to Lochwinnoch, then back to the Bowfield Hotel via that National Cycle Route 7, which comfortably misses out the A737.
By contrast, the Red Route is 56 miles long, requiring some five hours in the saddle, going from Bowfield Hotel to Lochwinnoch via National Cycle Route 7, Lochwinnoch to Kilbirnie, Kilbirnie to Kilwinning, Kilwinning to Ardrossan, for a coffee stop at Ceccinis, then following the coast to Brisbane House Largs for lunch.
The return leg matches the Green team, with the intention that all roll back to Bowfield for more food at 3pm.
Hospitality Health, the Scottish charity dedicated to improving health and wellbeing in the hospitality and tourism industry, has been chosen as the charity partner for the event.
Founded by Gordon McIntyre in 2018 with a mission to change the way the industry thinks about mental health, the charity seeks to provide employers with the tools and skills to bring about positive change by putting support in place to help staff experiencing mental ill health.
This year Bob Taylor has handed the organisational baton over to Steve Graham of Manorview, Michele Pagliocca of Monteleone Group and director of sport Robert Campbell, who will be supporting all in the event’s ‘broom’ wagon.
At a pre-event meeting, held at the Bowfield, Uncle Bob said: “We are delighted to support Gordon and the team at Hospitality Health. The work they do in raising the need for wellbeing in the industry is so important. We are hoping to get a good number of cyclists out for the day.”
Mark Hannah, Sales Director at Tennents, one of the sponsors of the event, commented: “We are overjoyed to be able to support the event this year – Uncle Bob is a legend and this event gets people out and about for a great cause. It is very well organised.”
Chairman of Dunns, Jim Rowan, asked: “Is it that time again? It’s a brilliant day to get out on the bike, great to be out to socialise, and support a brilliant charity. Great job to all who have planned and organised this.”
Stephen Russell, managing director at Inverarity Morton commented: “Here we go again. Inverarity Morton are delighted to support this event – and we hope everyone has a wonderful time.”
Richard McFadzean, CEO and founder of NIXON Ltd, said: “I’m happy to continue sponsoring Hospitality Health in the Uncle Bob cycling charity event and be associated with a great cause.”
Michele Pagliocca said: “On behalf of everyone at Monteleone, we’d like to extend a huge thank you to all of our sponsors for their generosity and support.
“This is a charity very close to our hearts, and raising awareness and support for mental health is something we are incredibly proud to stand behind.”
McIntyre added: “We are delighted to get the support from Bob, Steve, Michele, Robert and the cyclists taking part this year.
“It is a perfect fit for what we are trying to do at Hospitality Health. A fit body is a fit mind; there is not a better thing to do than catch up with friends and head out on the bike for exercise and fresh air.”
Organisers Steve, Michele and Robert said: “We are excited to support Bob and take over the organisational responsibility – cycling gets you outdoors, keeps you fit and is good for the mindset, Hospitality Health fits as a great cause for us to support.”
The team said that they are ‘always’ looking for more cyclists to join them, and that you do not have to be an elite rider to take part.
“There are people of all ages and abilities already signed up to take part and raise sponsorship for Hospitality Health.”
For more information and to sign up contact Alison Haverstock.
To make a donation, follow this link to Uncle Bob’s JustGiving page.
