Last night the Etape Activities Group (of which I am part of) had a good meeting at the Dunalastair Hotel in Kinloch Rannoch focusing on the Etape weekend 2009 (Saturday and Sunday 16th & 17th May 2009).

Lots of positive things to report:-

• Etape entrants level for 2009 up to some 750 cyclists registered so far - this is way ahead of previous years. The early notification of the dates is having a real impact as cyclists can commit by booking themselves in early. Some accommodation providers are already reporting they are fully booked for that weekend.
• 2008 Etape participant survey reported that the best aspect was the closed roads and the magnificent scenery - the point was made that many of the events that cyclists take part in across the UK do not have the clean fresh air uncontaminated by vehicles as well the magnificent Highland scenery. The survey had lots of positive points to it while also giving us all some ideas of what participants wanted to see in future years, which we (as Highland Perthshire) are focusing on to help deliver in 2009.
• The 5 year agreement the Council have agreed with IMG (the Etape event organisers) includes an agreement that 70% of the finish line area/activities will be devoted to local Highland Perthshire businesses giving them first refusal. This is very important for our Highland Perthshire economy, as we are sparsely populated compared to much of the UK and our businesses many of which are small one man or family operations need to be protected to ensure they make the most from Etape, which takes place on our roads through our villages and rural communities.
• Etape 2009 weekend - with the early notification of the Etape 2009 dates, is allowing us to start planning the activities much earlier than in the previous two years. For the 2009 Etape weekend we are looking for ideas from local businesses and communities to be firmed up and submitted by the end of October - these ideas so far include a number of new events such as a Junior Cycle Event and a one day Cycle Festival in Aberfeldy, a 10K fun run along the core path network between Wade's Bridge in Aberfeldy  and Kenmore Bridge, a village festival in Kinloch Rannoch. Also exploring the idea of a time trial for elite cyclists up the UK's steepest and longest continuous climb at Glen Quaich on the Saturday. These are ideas over and above those that took place at this year's Etape.

Next Etape activities group meeting is in mid November, when we should be able to report in more detail the activities planned for Etape 2009 weekend.

What I can assure all cyclists is that we are working to build on the fact that we are lucky to have Britain's only closed cycle road event here in Highland Perthshire and will be doing everything in our powers to help grow the experience of for all those taking part and who come to spectate.