This is a bulletin to update you with information concerning this year’s Highland Cross.

Discount Voucher from Run 4 It
Participants in Highland Cross can now get a 15% discount voucher from Run 4 It.  If you have not received one, e-mail us and we will send one out.

Graham Laing, the local manager, is a keen athlete and past Highland Crosser and he has arranged this generous discount for participants.  Please support this initiative – the voucher can be used in any Run 4 It shop in Scotland.

If you wear your kit out on the Cross, Graham has also arranged a second voucher that will be in all finishers’ packs on the day.

Cycle Route – New Signage for Fasnakyle Brae
Following comments raised by participants in previous Highland Crosses we have had the safety signage used on Fasnakyle Brae reviewed.  Participants thought that there were too many Highland Cross warning signs.

Les Houlker, a retired senior Road Engineer in Highland and a regular and very competitive road cyclist, kindly looked at the route and gave us his advice.  We are following his recommendations and the amount of signage will now be reduced.

There will be reminder signs at the start of the cycle section and then only specific warning signs before the drops and bends on the last section of Fasnakyle Brae.

The route is a public road and any feature thought to be a hazard by the Roads Department has a national warning sign appropriately positioned.  Adjust your riding to take account of these signs.

When we have spoken to participants who have had problems on the Brae in the past a common theme of competitors “going for it” beyond their normal cycling capabilities comes through.  The Brae is challenging cycling but perfectly safe if you ride it sensibly and within your limitations and the limitations of your bike.

Bike safety and preparedness
By now you should be confident about your bike and have it in “tip top” condition.  Please do not leave having it serviced until the week before the Cross!

Have you got your spare tubes and a puncture repair kit assembled and does your pump fit the tubes and work?

See the "Safety" section on this site for further information.

Breakfast in Morvich
Once again the local school in Kintail plans to run its Breakfast Bar at the start assembly area.

The facility was extremely popular last year with all the “IOUs” left by penniless participants being paid!

If you want a bacon butty, a fairy cake or just a strong brew before hitting the route the children and parents from the school will be there to meet your culinary needs.  But you have been warned that it is happening so there shouldn’t be a need for any “IOUs” this year!

Event T shirts etc
Remember you can buy hooded sweatshirts, t-shirts, polo shirts and event stickers using the order form from the Sign Centre that was included in your participant’s brochure.

The Sign Centre is one of our longest standing supporters and any trade that you give to them is greatly appreciated.

Sponsors, Suppliers, Supporting Organisations and Volunteers
Highland Cross could not take place without the incredible support that it receives from the sponsors, suppliers, supporting organisations and the army of volunteer helpers that come forward year on year to make it happen.  Any support that you can give to them is a small reward for their commitment to the event and to you.

The Highland Cross Organisers are working to give you a great, challenging and enjoyable day.  Prepare yourself and your equipment and you will get the maximum from the Highland Cross “experience”.

Maximise your fundraising – your efforts deserve great recognition and the charities that you are supporting will make fantastic use of every penny that you raise!