April 28/07 8:41 am - Kilts Across Canada

Posted by Editor on 04/28/07
 

Ewan McGregor Supports Scots Biking Across Canada in Kilts!

Two Scotsmen are raising money for charity by cycling across Canada - in kilts!

On June 1, Ross MacInnes (30) and Stephen Backer (28) are starting their 7200km trip, from Vancouver to St. John's, Newfoundland. All the money raised will go to the Children's Hospice Association Scotland (CHAS), and a target of £10,000 ($25,000) has been set.

The idea for the trip came from seeing Scottish film star Ewan McGregor at a question and answer session for his 'Long Way Round' trip, where he rode from London to New York on a motorbike with friend Charley Boorman.

McGregor recently pledged his support for the adventurous pair and encouraged others to do the same: "Choosing to raise funds for CHAS by donning kilts and cycling across Canada is a great idea and I very much support their endeavor. It would be wonderful if you would too."

Ross, a sports scientist graduate is keen to get on the road. "I've been on the cycling machine in the gym, and also been doing weights and exercises to strengthen my lower body."

Ross continued: "The fact that we will do the trip in our kilts is a world first as far as I can tell from my research. We chose CHAS as they support terminally ill children and their families, and when I researched their work I was impressed as it is so wide- ranging."

Stephen, a sports and health studies graduate, works as a fitness instructor and sprint coach.

The pair hope to cover about 100km a day and will encounter a variety of terrain including the Rockies, the lakes in Ontario and the prairies. They will cycle during daylight hours, and break their trip by camping.

Anyone willing to donate services, supplies or anything else should e-mail kiltssacrosscanada@hotmail.com. A website has also been set up for people to sponsor Ross and Stephen, at www.kiltsacrosscanada.com.

For further information:
Ross MacInnes/Stephen Backer, kiltssacrosscanada@hotmail.com
Lauren Chesney, 647-989-4905, laurenchesney@hotmail.com