Gus ready to battle a Monster

Apr 24 2009 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

FORMER St Johnstone director Gus Stewart has been limbering-up for the gruelling 24-hour Maggies Monster Bike and Hike through the Great Glen, from Fort William to Inverness.

Gus, a partner with surveying firm Ryden’s Aberdeen office, will join five younger colleagues on arduous event on May 2 and 3.

Last year, he completed the challenge in 19 hours 26 minutes and he’s aiming to clock a better time.

Ryden has sponsored cancer care charity Maggies for several years and Gus said: “I decided to join some of the younger ones taking part last year. At 61, I will be one of the older participants.”

Gus and another Perth exile, Tom Clarke, head for the hills once a month, with 48 Munros already bagged.

The one-time Perth Academy pupil revealed a dare by Perth solicitor Charlie Fraser triggered a lifestyle change four years ago.

He explained: “Over a pint, Charlie said we couldn’t complete the Laraig Ghru. We managed it and we’ve gone on from there. We are out doing a point to point or climbing Munros on a monthly basis.

“The May challenge is 73 miles and four or five hours are during the dark.

“There is one particularly trying section which goes straight up the hillside and through a forest which is lit by fluorescent lights.

“Walkers have to wear head lamps to try and avoid broken ankles and the like.

“I was fine last year, apart from a few blisters.

“My sponsors already include Aberdeen chairman Stewart Milne so maybe I can expect a call from Saints chairman Geoff Brown!

“I’ll have my radio held to my ear when Saints play Morton next Saturday. Hopefully I’ll also have a title win to celebrate.”

Donations can be made via www.justgiving.com/maggies_mountain_monsters