The Radar Ride

After the roaring success of last year's inaugural event, the newly christened Southern Uplands Sportive is back in '09.

Starting in Wanlockhead - the highest village in Scotland - and finishing at the top of Lowther Hill - the highest road in Scotland - the Radar Ride climbs 2,300m in 105 miles.

For those who like the idea of tackling Scotland's highest road, but not the distance, there is the 40 mile Baby Radar. Billed as the toughest short course sportive in the UK, the Baby climbs for half of its distance and finishes with the 9 mile climb to the radar station at the summit of Lowther Hill.

Now, for 2009, there is a higher and even more dramatic finish.
Due to essential work to the NATS radar station, and with the kind permission of Scottish Power, the '09 event will summit at the top of Green Lowther. Positioned just along the ridge it is less than a mile further on but at 732m it is 7m higher and therefore qualifies as the highest point on the highest road in Scotland!

Also new for '09 is the Junior Radar; a 65 mile option that offers just as much of a challenge but without the 40 mile loop required to kill yourself up the fearsome 20% slopes of the 'Wall of Talla'.

Organiser Peter Smith said; "After the success of last year's event we just had to do it all again. The buzz was incredible and interest has been high even in advance of registration opening. Entries are again restricted this year so book early to ensure you get a tilt at Scotland's highest road."