"  M  E  G  A  C  Y  C  L  E  " CALL FOR ENTRIES TO LOTHIANS CYCLE EVENT

This is the year of "Homecoming Scotland 2009" and the Midlothian Tourism Forum have come up with an ambitious scheme to attract more visitors to the area. The "MINERS MEGACYCLE", a charity event, open to all, is due to take place on Sunday 3rd May. Hundreds of entrants are likely to take up the challenge of this family cycle ride from Penicuik town centre to the Prestongrange Museum (adjacent to Musselburgh Racecourse), a distance of some 20 miles. On mostly traffic free roads the route traces the former railtrack from Penicuik to Dalkeith, then meanders alongside the River Esk to its mouth at the Forth. Organiser, Quintin Young, swears it is "almost all downhill" and easily achievable with the minimum of effort. Transport for bikes and riders is available from Musselburgh Racecourse carpark both before and after the event.

As well as increasing visitor numbers the event is designed to reap various other benefits including;

• Establishing Mid and East Lothian on the tourist map,
• Raising awareness of the area's mining heritage.(The ride through the former Lothian Coalfield passes the sites of 40, now vanished, coalmines).
• Drawing attention to the fine network of footpaths throughout the region,
• Promoting cycling as a healthy activity
• Benefitting the 2 nominated charities "CHEST HEART & STROKE SCOTLAND"  and "CHILDREN 1st".

Musical entertainment courtesy of Midlothian's "Ceilidh Trail" will be provided at the Penicuik start, the Prestongrange finish and, midway, at Dalkeith Palace grounds where many  spectators and riders are expected to pic-nic and replenish their energies.  Organisers hope this will become an annual event in the Lothians sporting calendar.

Registration is through the website www.minersmegacycle.co.uk.  Entry fee £10 (transport extra), children 8 - 15 yrs. accompanied by an adult, go free!  Potential entrants are asked to register as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Latest News:

The "MEGACYCLE" has teamed up with Prestongrange  Homecoming Weekend, to ensure an entertaining finish to the ride. A full programme of events, displays and exhibits will be on view, and all Megacycle entrants and spectators are welcome.

Note to editors:

Midlothian Council & Midlothian Tourism Forum are co-ordinating a series of events in the local area as part of the national Homecoming celebrations. These include: Scottish Mining Mayfest, Miners MegaCycle, Brass in the Park plus others still to be announced.

Homecoming Scotland 2009 is a Scottish Government Initiative managed by EventScotland in partnership with Visitscotland.

Homecoming Scotland 2009 seeks to motivate people of Scottish descent, as well as those who simply love Scotland, to come home and join us in a national celebration of our culture, heritage and the many great contributions scotland has given the world: www.homecomingscotland2009.com