But what about Scotland's cycling epics?

Hmmmmmmmm. Just read Susan Greenwood's article in the Guardian about the best cycling challenges for 2010. While it's obvious she had to do a bit of a worldwide round-up and so couldn't cover all epic events the biggest oversight appears to be the 24-hour Stathpuffer, held at Strathpeffer, Inverness-shire. Voted by a top bike mag as one of the toughest MBT events in the world this surely should have got a mention? And then there's the road cycle sportive, the Bealach Mor, that heads up, up, up and over the UK's biggest road climb. Hmm, I feel a lot better now I've blogged about that!

What are you runners/adventurers waiting for?

Word has it that the Highlander Mountain Marathon is filling up fast. So if you haven't entered this brilliant event then you'd better get your finger out. Th event is Scotland's "more remote" answer to the OMM and the LAMM and is quickly gaining a reputation for being smart, safe and well-organised.

The event takes place on April 18/19 so it's a great early season challenge and because there are so many classes it's open to a wide range of adventurers.

From the mouth of a competitor last year: "Brilliantly organised, fantastic scenery, amazing courses and a fabulous overnight campsite plus Ceilidh. I know where I'll be planning to spend my Easter hols in the next few years. The HMM is simply unique." 

The Highlander is part of the adventure race portfolio of Hands On Events, which is also behind the famously tough Strathpuffer24 and the legendary Bealach Mor cycling challenge.

Go on, you know you want to...