Here’s a great idea for a Christmas present if your loved ones are keen on cycling – or keep promising to take up cycling. Why not book them a place on next year’s freshnlo Pedal for Scotland? Thanks to early bird specials the prices to enter are lower than after January 31 – and buying someone a bike sportive for Christmas has to score highly on the novelty scale! The event takes place on September 8 2013.

Early Bird Prices:

47-mile Challenge Ride – £21 or £11 Concession rate

110-mile Sportive – £32

Edinburgh Family Ride (9mile) – more details to follow

Glasgow Family Ride (9mile) – more details to follow

Transport for the Challenge and Sportive rides is £15.

I took part in the 110 mile Sportive in 2012 and had a fantastic time.