Maggie’s Monster Bike & Hike

If stunning scenery and a 24-hour challenge is your thing, then this is definitely the event for you. You’ll cycle 30 miles and then hike 43 miles from Fort William to Inverness – a grand total of 73 miles!

As you follow the Great Glen Way from under the shadow of Ben Nevis you’ll cross over the Caledonian Canal, hike through forests and farmland along the length of Loch Ness. By the time you reach Inverness you will be both exhausted and elated at having completed such a fantastic challenge.

Now in its eighth year the 4,500 people who have taken part in Maggie’s Monster Bike and Hike have raised over £3.6 million to help build and run Maggie’s cancer support centres across the UK. The centres offer free practical, emotional and psychological support to people with cancer, together with their families and carers.

If you haven’t taken the Monster on yet, or Monster 2011 has left you wanting more – more cake, more hills or just more of the same fun with your friends and family, take advantage of the fantastic Early Bird registration fee – just £75 instead of £125 per person, and sign up for Monster 2012. But hurry - places are strictly limited, and when they’re gone, they’re gone!

in 2011 the 600 people who took part in this challenge are expected to raise an incredible £500,000 to help people living with cancer. The funds raised from 2010’s event covered the vital cost of 25,000 visits to Maggie’s centres across the UK.

Many of those who participate in the ‘Monster’ have compelling reasons for taking part. Bruce Tasker decided to raise money for Maggie’s after finding solace from cancer at the Dundee centre: “Last year I was undergoing chemotherapy when I took part and I made it to bronze, this year I am back again and determined to get to silver. I’ve lost my Dad and my brother to cancer, I thought I was going to die, Maggie’s have taught me that I can live.”

Watch Bruce in action at the 2010 Monster Bike and Hike.

The success of all our events depends on the hard work, commitment and enthusiasm of our volunteers. Contact WildFox staff if you want to join the team at Maggie’s Monster Bike & Hike.

Event Manager: Andrew Hastings

Check out Wildfox’s Flickr site to see our top selection of images from 2011.

Race Tips

• Learn to love vaseline, apply generously and respect the chaffing!
• Buy good quality footwear and socks. You get what you pay for. Make sure they fit!
• Get those miles in. But build up slowly and you really will be able to walk for 40 miles!
• Train with your team members as much as possible, they will motivate you when you want to give up.
• Use walking poles, don't just carry them in your rucksack. According to a 1999 study in The Journal of Sports Medicine, trekking poles can reduce compressive force on the knees by up to 25%. This translates into literally tons of weight that your body will not have to support during the event - Folks listen to the Scientists!!
• Come up with some creative ways to encourage people to part with their hard-earned cash, don't just send an email round to friends and colleagues and put your feet up. On the day you will earn EVERY single penny. The money is out there if you want it!

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• I just wanted to let you know what a fantastic event Maggie’s organised at the weekend. Maggie’s Monster Bike and Hike is the first time I’ve ever done an event like it and I’m now thoroughly hooked. I’ve been telling everyone it was so well organised and encouraging them to sign up for next year. The staff at the event, at every single water stop and check point, could not have been more helpful or friendly. It should have been us clapping you guys!! -
• I just wanted to write to say a big thank you to you all for organising such a fantastic event. It is so well organised, and you are all so supportive and helpful to us the participants. I have taken part in Maggies Monster Bike and Hike three times now - 04 (due to feet injuries only made silver 05 gold and now 09 gold. It is a really challenge both mentally and physically but well worth for such a great charity. - Namaste