This charity Sportive, now in its ninth year, is organised by Perth Kinnoull Rotary Club working in partnership with Malawi Fruits.  We are offering a memorable and enjoyable cycling challenge in some of Scotland's best scenery while raising funds to support local Perthshire charities and the international charity Malawi Fruits.

This event was attended in 2018 and again in 2021 by Mark Beaumont, Guinness World Record Cyclist and this is what Mark had had to say about the event.

'The Tayside Challenge is without comparison the friendliest and most scenic sportive that I have taken part in. Following roads that I know so well during my training for cycling round the world, including the epic climb of the Amulree Pass and the sweeping descent of the Sma Glen. But best of all is the people - the volunteers and the camaraderie of fellow riders, all of which makes the Tayside Challenge a must-experience ride.'

Participants have the choice of the Tayside Challenge 81 - a challenging 81mile route or the Tayside Challenge 46- a more modest 46 mile cycling challenge for those who would not be able to complete the longer route in eight hours or less. Both events feature timing facilities and we ask for a donation of £40  for the charities, rather than an entry fee.  Because the proceeds go to charity, if you are able to tick the box for gift aid on the entry form then this is a great additional benefit.  Participants may choose to raise additional funds through sponsorship if they wish but this is not required.

Our routes taken in some of Highland Perthshire's best scenery and the longer route has a great climb up from Loch Tay just after the half way point. Whatever route you choose you will be sustained by great sandwiches and home baking provided by our team at the feed stations as well as bananas and health bars for that added sustenance

This event is linked with the Ayrshire Alps Sportif, Heymooth Sportif and the well-established Highland Perthshire Challenge so why not consider entering one or all of those  too! The events have the same ethos and Ayshire Alps has 80, 62 and 48 mile routes on quiet roads with challenging climbs; Heymooth - to Hill and back Sportif offers 40 mile and 70 mile routes - the longer route including the Mony Nutts climb and Highland Perthshire Challenge is based at Perth Airport and has two routes - 100 miles or 50 miles.  Book two events at the same time and you can claim a £10 discount ; three to get £15 off and all four to get £25 off the total donation!