Our Lindsays team enjoyed a fantastic day at Tour de Forth 2017 as they joined over 800 riders to cover 97.3km. When asked to sum up the experience, these were some of the phrases they used: “fantastic fun”, “brutal hills”, “challenging ride, top notch organisation”, “dodgy road surfaces”, “super marshals and volunteers support”, “long but with some amazing picturesque views along the scenic route” and “brilliant camaraderie”.
We are really pleased that everyone completed the course in one piece (aside from one bollard collision and one puncture both suffered by Corporate Associate Alastair Smith) and significant funds have been raised for charity.
Everyone agreed that the route was tougher than expected. And certainly facing some serious hills in the second half of the circuit, after 36 miles of cycling, generated considerable anguish for many riders with tired legs. However, these climbs added to the overall sense of achievement felt.
The event aims to raise funds for two very worthy charitable causes: Cash for Kids and Mercy Corps, we are delighted to have generated donations in excess of £2,400. All the support for our team from colleagues, family and friends is much appreciated.
Peter Tweedie, our Chairman, was the driving force and organiser of Team Lindsays, as well as being a key player in organising the whole event in his role with the Tour de Forth charity.
Peter commented on the success of day, saying: “I am grateful to all of Team Lindsays for their participation and for their fundraising efforts. And whilst we were undoubtedly very fortunate to be blessed by a rare day of Scottish sunshine from start to finish, the support from the marshals, event organisers, the charities and of course Radio Forth all helped to make for a massively enjoyable day.”
Look out for Team Lindsays in Tour de Forth 2018!
Noted below are some comments from our team members offering a flavour of their experiences from the day:
Chris Todd, Commercial Property Partner in our Dundee office:
“I was singing Johnny Cash songs on some of the big hills to take my mind of the steepness and a fitter guy passed me on one hill and joined in! I had a fantastic day and want to thank Mr Tweedie for lending me his bike after telling me my 18 year old mountain bike might not have been suitable!
Marianne Stirling works in our Dispute Resolution and Litigation (DRL) team in Glasgow:
“On Sunday morning all I could compare myself to was someone who had once been on a donkey at Blackpool Pleasure Beach and decided to enter the Grand National.
“For some reason I thought the hills on the route were to be found on the first half of the course. I arrived at the half way food station feeling confident. The first half is the tough section with the hills after all. I might be able to do this! How very wrong was I? The last 20 miles delivered brutal hill, after brutal hill, after brutal hill. My legs were burning, my body and head screaming at me to stop. I am not ashamed to say that there were tears as I came round the corner after the canal bridge at Linlithgow to be faced with another horrendous hill.
“I cannot thank the marshals enough for the cheering and encouragement. Not only did they effortlessly guide us along the route they helped me to keep going when all seemed impossible.
“I am not afraid to admit that that was the hardest thing I have ever taken part in. But I loved every single second of it and may consider next year. But most definitely with a new bike!!!!
Andrew Duff, Associate in our Edinburgh Rural team:
“A big thank you to all the volunteers who dealt with the organisation, registration and the food station, and to the volunteers and marshals keeping us safe and on the right route!
Gregor McEwan, a Senior Solicitor in DRL in Edinburgh:
“There were quite a few shouts of “Come on, Lindsays!” along the way. That was nice, especially at the tough bits.”
Andrew Ritchie, Private Client Senior Solicitor in Dundee:
“I’ve done quite a number of cycle events and must say the organisation here was top notch. Clearly a lot of work had been done by a lot of people, so a big thank you to all involved.”
Lynne McLean, Residential Property Associate in our Glasgow office:
“This was my first organised sportive and I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. The volunteers and marshals out on the course were so enthusiastic and encouraging - the sound of cow bells is still ringing in my ears!”
Alastair Smith, Senior Associate in our Corporate and Technology team in Edinburgh
“I do hope I was the only person to hit a bollard on the Kincardine Bridge. Suffice to say Kincardine Bridge bollard 1 – 0 Lindsays.
“I really hope the cheery volunteers had a good day.”
Paul Harper, DRL Partner in Edinburgh
“This was my first sportive and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Although far hillier than I expected that adds to the sense of achievement. The support from the marshals and volunteers was great although the volunteer telling me I had only (?) 14 miles to go when the airport looked about 2 miles away was a body blow.
“Thanks to Peter for getting us all involved and arranging the tops – best looking team on the day for sure.”
David Walker, our Risk and Compliance Director:
“Brilliant day, good weather, really well organised and great to raise a good amount of funds for the two worthy causes.”
