Entries for the latest in a growing stable of Scottish cycling sportives have been launched. The new sportive is the Highland Perthshire 100 – a challenging 100 mile route. A more modest 50 mile event will take place on the same day, called the Highland Perthshire 50.

Taking place on Saturday August 27, 2011, both sportives will start and finish at Scone Airfield, north of the town of Perth.

The new cycling challenge is the brainchild of a trio of cyclists, Alan Laverock, Eric Wagner and Kevin Simpson. The three riders have a huge fondness for the Highland Perthshire area and a personal commitment to helping some of the world’s poorest people. They have all been part of teams that have worked in Malawi and they are now involved in a longterm economic development project in that country.

The aim of the sportives is to have fun and tackle a cycling challenge while making a difference to the lives of people in developing countries. Details about the charities being supported are: maf-uk.org and theraventrust.org

Entries are limited to 400 and the entry fee is £30 per person for the Highland Perthshire 100 or £20 for the Highland Perthshire Challenge 50. At least £25 of the entry fee will be given to the charities (or £15 in the case of Highland Perthshire Challenge 50). Also, if you tick the Gift Aid box on the entry form then the charities get further benefit from claiming tax back on your donation.

Anyone planning to take part?