The Capital Trail – 24 hour cycling challenge

In August, civil servant John Purcell set himself a huge challenge: to complete the 250km Capital Trail, an off-road route normally done over several days, in just 24 hours.

John took on the ride to raise funds for the Charity for Civil Servants and has already raised over £600 through online and offline donations.

The Capital Trail Challenge takes you through some very remote and beautiful places around the Scottish capital and can be called tough, rugged and scenic all at the same time. With ca. 5,000m of climbing the Capital Trail is a real challenge but offers an amazing variety of singletrack, Land Rover tracks, forest roads and quiet country lanes.

John tells us about the challenge and what the day was like.

“It was incredibly tough but so beautiful.”

John’s day began at 5:30am with a big breakfast and plenty of coffee before setting off from Portobello promenade. His route wound through East Lothian and into the Lammermuir Hills, where the first steep climbs tested his determination.

“The legs were really feeling it,” John recalls. Although the spectacular 360-degree views helped to keep him going. 

There were moments of challenge and humour too, from navigating rocky descents in fading light while in Innerleithen to accidentally ending up on a golf course.

“I laughed at my mistake, worked out where to go and made the short trip to meet the gang,” he says.

Powered by family support

After more than 120km in the saddle, John reached Peebles to meet his wife Christina and son Zach at the Glentress Mountain Biking Centre camping pods.

“How much was I looking forward to seeing my family? A lot and not just because they had some food waiting for me” John says. “They were a constant source of laughs and support in the months leading up to the ride, letting me get out and train on weekends.”

Exhausted but determined, John pushed through the final stretch in the dark, welcomed back into Edinburgh by a stunning sunrise. “I felt a sense of exhausted satisfaction knowing I’d made it home.”

Riding for the Charity for Civil Servants

For John, the ride was about more than just physical endurance.

“It was a privilege to do this challenge, especially in aid of the Charity for Civil Servants.”

He reflects that taking on such a demanding 24-hour ride reminded him how vital support networks can be.

“Friends and family gave me great encouragement and my fantastic teammates and manager were behind me from the start. I feel very lucky to know such people.”

“We’re lucky to live in such a country where we have the freedom to go where we want. I was the one who went on the ride, but like anything else you try to do in life you need help.”

Just like the Charity is there for civil servants when life gets tough.

Support John’s Fundraising

Thanks to everyone who has donated so far, John has already raised over £600, helping the Charity provide emotional, practical and financial support when civil servants need it most.

Sponsor John today and help turn his incredible 24-hour ride into lasting support for the Civil Service community.

inspired by John?

Why not organise your own fundraising activity – from doing a bake sale, running a 5k to sky diving from 12,000 feet – see how you can support your Charity.