All the best in 2007

The year is all but finished and we are looking ahead to 2007.

bike and hike has had a busy and eventful year in 2006 with the buying of the Trossachs Transfers name we became the only baggage transfer operator on the, Rob Roy Way, the Lochs and Glens North section of the National Cycle route 7 and also in the Eastern side of the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park.
The business continues to offer walkers,cyclists, mountain bikers and other outdoor users a unique set of services to support them in getting out and about and enjoying the wide variety of outdoor experiences the area has to offer.
This year has also seen a significant increase in the cycling development area of the business with an increase in the On Yer Bike Programmes offered by Glasgow City Council, Culture and Leisure services, Outdoor Team. There has also been a positive development in bike maintenance courses offered through the OYB programme and through Glasgow University. There have also been maintenance courses run on behalf of, Braendam Link Govan, Pollockshields Cycling Development Group and more recently Anniesland College, Health and Fitness Studies Staff. We have continued to offer cycle leader services and this area has also increased this year with groups from North Lanarkshire, Celtic Education Active Steps, Dundee, Spain to name but a few.
Our contact with other companies who offer outdoor activity services has also increased this year. These services are offered through the baggage service and other activity holiday support services. This area has a great deal of potential and we look forward to collaborating with others in developing these services.
I would like to this opportunity to thank all those who we had contact with in 2006.
I have meet a great deal of people throughout the year a part of the role I really enjoy.
To all those people who I have met in 2006 and those I have yet to meet 2007.
I wish you all a Very Happy and Prosperous New Year. Colin.

Seasonal Wishes

Christmas is nearly here and we are thinking of winter and all the beauties it brings. This winter so far has been a mild one with lots of rain over the last few weeks. This picture taken in 2004 and is a little more wintry. A Winter Sunset, it is looking over Callander Meadows and the River Teith to the West.
There has been a lot less going on over the last few weeks. The conclusion of this years On Yer Bike beginners courses and a one day trip to the Callander area. I have been asked by the staff at Anniesland College to provide some input on bike maintenance on 21st December and that will be last offering for 2006. I'm looking forward to 2007 and a lot more cycling and walking. The first OYB day trip is planned for the 28th January, a route over the hills from Balloch to the Cardross area. May 2007 bring you all the best and many more trips out into our great outdoors. Colin

Saturday 18th November and more

This Saturday morning saw the third week of an On Yer Bike beginners programme at Bellahouston. Three ladies are well on their way to developing their cycling skills and displaying lots of enthusiasm.
This is the fifth OYB beginners course that Glasgow City Council has run this year and all the participants that attended regularly have completed the course cycling. Some have gone on to take part in other OYB courses and the cycle trips that are arranged once monthly. Look out for the winter monthly programme which is included in the Culture and Leisure services walking programme booklet.
Saturday afternoon saw the second week of a trail side maintenance programme run on behalf of Braendam Link Govan. The project plans to run cycling groups and trips as part of it's ongoing programme throughout the year. This week saw a much more practical session with cable care and replacement, brake shoe replacement and adjustment, removal of rear wheels and repairing a flat, the setting up of a bike for the rider, handle bar and seat adjustment, with a review of the the previous weeks topics.
bike and hike are more than happy to be involved with groups like Braendam Link particularly as they are encouraging others to get out there on their bikes.

The next GCC On Yer Bike trip is on Sunday 26th November to the Carron Valley Trails, a skills development session. The trip is described as 'Difficult' as is the skills level required. The aim of this trip is develop the riders, individual riding skills to a level that they can take on more challenging rides for them. Then in the longer term ride safely and enjoy the experience.
Footnote.
There are concerns being expressed through out the British/Scottish Mountain Bike scene at present regarding the large increase in MB accidents. This is in part attributed to the large increase of people taking up mountain biking and particularly at purpose built centres. There are also developing concerns that riders can easily over estimate their abilities and experience and are undertaking to difficult and demanding routes to early resulting in many of these accidents.

The Trossachs Heartland's walk

Picture from the shores of Loch Vennacher by Callander

I have had the wish to develop a walking route that takes the walker through the Heart of the Trossachs for some years. I have now got my act together and the information together and have developed a route description. It is a self guided route which can be started from three places on the southern approaches to Loch Lomond, Milngavie, Balloch and Drymen and then makes it's way by the West Highland Way or the South Loch Lomond Way to Inverbeg and a ferry to Rowerdennan. Then across Ben Lomond to Kinlochard. Over BenVenue to Loch's Achray and/or Katrine where a choice has to be made about continuing through Brig O' Turk, Balquhidder, Glen Dochart on to Killin. Or along Loch Achray to Callander and through Glen Artney to Comrie and Glen Lednoch to Loch Tay and Killin. The route length varies depending on the option chosen. The walker can expect to take 6 or 10 days again dependent on the options taken.
I have prepared a route outline that can be sent out to those interested in completing the walk. A more detailed route description will be available as will information on accommodation and other support services. If you are interested please contact bike and hike services through colin@bikeandhike.co.uk or by phone on 0044 (0) 1877339788

Great Cumbrae and Millport

Sunday 12th November saw a hardy group of individuals brave the uncertain weather and set of Bellahouston to Largs and the ferry to Great Cumbrae/Millport. The group first came together as On Yer Bike Group who met at Scotstoun during August and September this year.
As indicated above the weather forecast for the day was uncertain and we got all four seasons weather in the one day.
The route around the island can be done in either direction on leaving the ferry, we choose to go right, north first then around the west side of the island and met the rain as we neared Millport.
But we soon found a cafe in Millport with hot soup and good coffee, what more do you need.
Although this is not the most challenging route in Scotland. The sense of achievement you feel in completing it, particularly for the first time, is no less than you would get from completing some more difficult routes. It's the Island thing!
This sortie was an appetiser and encouragement for the group to take up some of the routes that are planned as part of the Glasgow City Council winter programme. Details of these routes are included in the new Walking booklet produced by Glasgow and should be available from the Culture and Leisure services outdoor team from this month.
We also held a Trail side maintenance course for staff and volunteers from the Braendam Link project. The course was held at Bellahouston pavilion and 5 members took part. This was the first session of 2 and looked at, bike checks ,cleaning and lubrication with tangents of into chains and brakes.
Next week we will be doing more practical things like removing wheels, fixing flats, adjusting brakes and so on. These courses are becoming popular and access to them can be arranged through Glasgow City or by contacting bike and hike direct.
The Autumn is almost over and winters at the door. This is the time of year I get out and do more things on my own. I need to keep fit for the spring and summer. I will keep you up to date with my progress. Colin.

Hi, I have been reviewing some of the pictures from this years mountain biking and I thought that this image of concentration would be a good one to post.
These young lads are from the YES group in Glasgow and they took part in an intro session during the Easter break.
The venue was Queen Elizabeth Forest south of Aberfoyle.
They are also obviously enjoying the mud and challenging terrain.
These sessions and others like them are arranged through councils, schools, smaller groups and families and are great to be involved in. I hope you get that from the faces in picture. If you are interested in a similar type session or trip just contact me. Colin.

Here we are at the end of October

Again my apologies for not being able to keep this bloc as up to date as I would like.
This month has seen the weather change from the long hot summer to autumn with all it's glorious colour, Loch lomond and the Trossachs is a great place to visit all year but the autumn brings big colour and has to be seen to be believed.
We completed another of Glasgow City Council ON YER BIKE courses with all of the members wanting more. We are planning to get together for a trip on to Great Cumbrae for a cycle around Island visiting Millport. This trip has lots of memories for people from Glasgow and the west as it was one of the many destinations Doon The Water in days past.
Glasgow again ran 8 days of mountain biking for city youth groups based in Aberfoyle. The young people accompanied by leaders were introduced to the delights of off road cycling in the Queen Elizabeth Forest Park on the south and West side of the village. The weather was fine for most of the time with only 2 groups getting wet. These days are planned to introduce the young people to the sport and include short section of skills development on single track. These are the sections the young people respond most positively to. However this year we have introduced a word of caution. Given the statistics in relation to mountain biking accidents the young people are advised not to over estimate their abilities and develop their skills progressively, keeping themselves in one piece.
Glasgow also put on it's second all day bike maintenance course based in Bellahouston Bowling Pavilion. The feed back was again very positive we the participants wanting more.
We were also involved with the Celtic Education Trust again putting on session giving young people from schools throughout the east of the city an introduction to mountain biking using the Polock Park mountain bike trails. The same advice regarding over estimating abilities and experience were included in these session. The weather played an inevitable role in these sessions with 2 sessions being cancelled due to bad weather. So as you can see October has been a busy month and I do have an excuse for not spending time on the blog.

NCR 7 Problem

A tree has been blown down over NCR 7 about 150 mtrs north of Kilmahog above Callander. Although the tree covers the track there is space to get around it on the track verge.

National Cycle Route 7 Windblown Tree Blocks Route

Just reporting a wee problem on NCR 7 just north of Callander and Killmahog on the NRC 7. A tree has been blown down and has fallen over track about 150mtrs north of Killmahog. Although the route is still passable with care on the track verge.
Have a good day. Colin

A good day around the Clyde

Sunday 1st October. The On Yer Bike group that has been meeting at Scotstoun took a trip round the Clyde. We set of along NR 7 to the Erskine bridge not expecting the weather to be all that great. The weather was brilliant and so was the trip, the views from atop the bridge, fantastic, but no one had a camera!!
The route on the south side of the river was new territory for most of the group, there are paths along shore area almost all the way to the Renfrew ferry.
Yes we crossed the river on the ferry and back onto NR 7 to return to Scotstoun. A great day was had by all.

Where did August go

Well it is true, time does fly when you are enjoying yourself. It has been a very busy month plus for bike and hike. The volume of baggage transfers continues to increase. The Rob Roy Way is getting more popular with overseas visitors and more home grown stravaigers. The comments made about the route are very positive with many comparisons being made with other routes such as the West Highland Way. Walkers are enjoying the terrain and the way the route meanders through lowland forests, both planned and the more natural rugged Oak Woods. Through Leny pass on into Glen Ogle and highlands of Acharn wood above Killin and over the hills into Pitlochry.
On the Mountain biking/cycling front, I was pleased to be involved with Wildcat Adventures on two of there coast to coast trips this year, one east to west and the other west to east.
The Glasgow City summer On Yer Bike programme has continued and the final intermediate course has 2 weeks to go. The Gorbals Healthy Living Project has continued twice weekly Tuesday and Thursday evenings it came to an end two weeks ago. George of Saltire Adventures stood in for my absence for 2 weeks helping out with the above programme and in providing Trail Side maintenance courses through Glasgow university. A new departure for the GHL project is on going at the moment. Four sessions for those who wish to learn cycling and also for those wishing to return. The first session was for 3 ladies who had not cycled before. One participant did remarkably well in getting her balance and cycling on her own for the first time in this session.
The plans for October are taking shape with 6 sessions planned for the school support programme run by Celtic Active Steps. These sessions will all be held at the Glasgow Cycling centre at Bellahouston and Pollok Parks.
Glasgow City Culture and Leisure outdoor services have planned a 9 day programme for Youth Groups through out the city. The venue has yet to be decided but Carron Valley trails look to be the front runner.
Glasgow City are also planning to run On Yer Bike day trips once monthly through the winter depending on demand. The venues for these trips will be published in the councils new outdoor activities booklet which is to be ready for the end of October. There will also be series of Trail Side and more in depth Bike maintenance courses provided over the winter months.
The summer rush has gone and things will hopefully take a more relaxed pace through the autumn and into winter so I will have no excuses for not keeping this site up to date. Colin

The Late July Posting

Hi Folks, sorry for the late update of the site.
It has again been a busy month with the numbers having their bags transferred on the RRW increasing. This month has seen 7 people cycling the Lochs And Glens North route on NCR 7 Balloch to Inverness. 4 Canadians from British Columbia and a family of 3 from Northern Italy.
The weather has been really kind to us all most of this month although the last few days have been unsettled with some heavy rain catching every one out. There has also been a lot going on in the biking training and trips front. The On Yer Bike intermediate course at Bellahouston Park was completed early on in the month. A beginners course has been going for 5 weeks at Scotstoun and Victoria Parks with 1 week to go. This has been a popular course and some of the members are keen to develop their cycling further and have asked for further sessions.
There has been one trip this month with a group of 8 cycling along the Clyde cycle way and into Clyde Muirshiel Country Park. I was unable to attend this trip and the bold Willie stepped in to lead on the day.
This month has also seen the beginning of the Gorbals Healthy Living Network Tuesday and Thursday evening trips in and around the Clyde and city centre.
On Wednesdays some Glasgow City Council staff have been getting together to train up for a council staff marathon based in Bellahouston Park on the 19 August. These sessions have been well attended and have concentrated on the use of gears, spinning, hill climbing, cornering and basic fitness and preparation for the day.
I have also been spending some time at the Jeely Playzone in Castlemilk. 6 staff took part in a Trail Side Maintenance course early in the month. They have a small fleet of bikes which have been serviced and are being used on a 6 week programme of safe cycling for the children of the area.

August looks as like it will be as busy as July with a number of Trail Side Maintenance courses being run for Glasgow University staff. I have recruited the help of George from Saltire Adventures in providing these courses.
I will also be away for 2 weeks helping lead on 2 Scottish coast to coast tours with Wildcat Adventures one of the many companies and organisations we are pleased to collaborate with.

A well earned stop in the Abernethy Forest

Busy month

It has been a busy month here at bike and hike. Sorry I have not been keeping this site up to date.
The baggage transfer side of things has steadily increased on the Rob Roy Way with some transfers on National Cycle Route 7.
The On Your Bike courses have continued particularly on a Saturday in the middle of the day with around 6 participants. This cycling improver course uses tracks and parks in and around Bellahouston and Pollock and venturing into the city. This Saturdays plans are to cycle into the city and Kelvin Park.
The weekend the 16th, 17th and 18th saw 18 adventurers taking part in the Glasgow On Yer Bike programmes first weekend away. Leaving at 4.30pm on the Friday and heading for Aviemore Hostel.
The Saturday trip took the group out to Boat of Garten, Loch Garten, Tulloch and the Abernethy Forest to Ryvoan Bothy and into Glen More and returning to Aviemore with some of the group going around Loch Morlich and the others heading back to the Hostel on the road. This was approximately 27 miles and some of them very challenging. The weather was very unkind to us showers that lasted 4 hours and then the midges!
The Sunday morning was a little shorter12 miles, heading for Loch an Eilen and the Rothiemurcas forest and another visit to the cafe at the forest visitor centre in Glen More returning to Aviemore by the cycle track and road. The evenings were a do as you please, with some venturing out to see the bright lights of Aviemore.
The initial feedback was' when are we doing it again'.
Look out for the On Yer Bike autumn and winter programme for more information.

bike and hike services welcomes Trossachs Transfers

As of today 1st June 2006, the baggage transfer company trading as Trossachs Transfers becomes part of bike and hike services. Trossachs Transfers provided similar services to that of bike and hike on the Rob Roy Way and within the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park.
Due to a family illness the previous owners have decided to withdraw from the business.
The plan is that in the immediate future that the 2 trading identities, bike and hike services and Trossachs Transfers will continue as separate identities but will trade as one. All enquiries regarding the services will be directed to myself through the bike and hike, e-mail address and telephone number. Any further developments will be posted on this site as and when they are arranged.

On Yer Bike trip to Dunkeld and Loch Ordie

Sunday 21st June. 16 0f us set of from Glasgow in unsettled weather hoping it would improve. The day turned out fine with only few spots of rain throughout the day. The high ground above Dunkeld and between it and Pitlochry is crossed by well maintained land drover tracks. The terrain is hilly but has only a few bigger climbs, the route is well way marked with a combination of yellow walker symbols on poles and signs directing you to Loch Ordie, although the map had to be referred to occasionally. The group managed the aprox 10 miles on the out ward journey fairly well with a couple of the team finding the going a little tuff. A well earned rest and lunch was taken at the Loch with spectacular views as an additional reward.
The return to the vehicles proved to be a little more challenging than planned. We descended on a moderate decent to Dowaly craft and coffee shop, which tested a few of the groups skills and pushed the threshold for others. The refreshments and sun worshipping was well received at Dowaly. The returned was planned to fallow the route adjacent to the A9 and over the old Wades road to Dunkeld. Unfortunately the Wades road section is under repair and the way through blocked. There was a way past the works when the route was checked out some 2 month ago. So the bold group set of on the verge of the A9 looking for a path along the river Tay's banks. This was found only after about a mile of walking on the verge and a short cycle on the A9 which was considered by most to be the most challenging part of the day. The track on the banks of the river was soon found and the National Cycle Route was followed to Dunkeld. Most of the group made their way to a local hostelry where refreshments were welcomed with a few of us braving the last climb out of Dunkeld to the vehicles. Aprox 18 miles in total distance. Another good day was had by all.

kkdown's request below

kkdown has asked a very difficult question on the last posting. They are doing some research as part of a uni degree course, this research appears to be looking at cycling/cyclists, the full details I'm not aware of. The information requested is about how to contact cyclists. The best way would be to get in touch with a national org such as the CTC which could allow you to contact their membership through their web page. An other way may be to do some active research, outside or inside a local bike shop if they would allow you to. Maybe check out a local cycle trail requesting users to give some of their time. Contacting your local clubs either by attending meets or through the web. These are the ones that come to mind. Other readers may have other ideas. Colin

Bike Maintenance course Bella pavilion

Sunday 14th May. Today was another first for the Glasgow City Council On Yer Bike Programme. 11 bold cyclists came together today to take part in the first On Yer Bike Maintenance course. This 6 hour course took the participants through from Cleaning and Lubrication to more tricky stuff like adjusting gears. There was some hands on stuff around checks and removing replacing wheels and lots more. The venue was the pavilion building opposite the Bella Leisure centre. Feedback at the end of the course was very positive with people looking for more, the next stage is to request more as these courses are arranged on demand. Another successful first. Colin.

On Yer Bike day Out to Glen Tress

The On Yer Bike Group from Glasgow had a day out to do some sport mountain biking at Glen Tress in the Scottish Borders near Peebles on Sunday 7th May. The day started wet in Glasgow but as we ventured further East the skies began to clear a little.
This was the first time for most of the group so they were unsure about what to expect. We got our selves set up, up in the 'Buzzard's Nest' car park and set of down the 'Electric Blue' section of the blue trail were we joined the forest road, a good introduction to the delights of 'single track'.
On reaching the road we continued down it to the 'HUB' and the cafe for a well earned snack and refreshment. Being totally refreshed we set of on the long climb up to the 'Buzzard's Nest' CP for the most thigh busting climb that most of the group had ever experienced. The above picture is half way up and a well deserved resting spot. On recovery, no CPR needed, at the top we then set of for the 'Skills Loop' for an introduction to some of the skills required in mountain biking. A good play was had by all and Tony did a good demo of how not to ride a board run by coming of head first.
We then returned to the CP and all of the group desended by 'Electric Blue' and then on to 'Falla Brae' the down hill single track to the HUB. Tony and I followed up with vehicles only to be informed by one of the rangers that we should pay the CP fee. We indulged in the food and refreshments either bought or brought and had a well deserved rest before setting of for Bella and home. Feedback has been very positive, a good and challenging day was had by all. Colin

Rob Roy Way baggage transfers

Whilst April saw the start of baggage transfers on the Rob Roy Way, 15 people in total. May has seen a big increase with the 11 people walking with support from bike and hike over the first week. A group of six men who are impressed with the walk and the hostelries on the way. 2 men, one of whom unfortunately had to give up due to ill health problems. Ian who is now on his own was doing the spur out to Amulree today (2 May). 3 ladies from the Dundee and the North East set of on Monday planning to complete the route on Friday. This week another 4 people will start with a big increase over the weekend to come. The weather has not been all that kind over the last few days although the forecast is for fine to good with possible high temps at the weekend.
Sat 30th April saw the second meeting of the On Yer bike 2 course at BellaHouston. The 5 group members enjoyed a longer trip to and through Pollock Park with a coffee stop on-route. One of the members is slightly older than the rest of us at 74 years returning to cycling after some fifty odd years. Wednesday 3rd will also be the second meeting of the On Yer Bike 1 course. The group members see themselves as a little less experienced and three are beginners. The group was split into 2 with 5 going of to practice the basics, stopping, balancing, some gear changing. and steering around Bellahouston Park. The 3 beginners stayed close to the back of the leisure centre trying to get basic balance and control. A lot of progress was made with one person making it with some wobbly wheel. He was over the moon. Colin.

Glasgow Polloch and Glen Tilt

It's been a few days since I last posted any thing. I have been kept busy with a little more biking. Last week Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday I was in Bellahouston and Polloch Parks with some school groups who attend the Celtic Education Trust,(yes the same Glasgow Celtic) active steps programme. This programme has been set up in collaboration with the Glasgow City Council Education services to provide additional support to young people who may be struggling a little at High School. We had six groups for half day sessions. With a some initial input on the basics at the Bike Shed behind Bellahouston leisure centre we then set of to the MB trails in Polloch about a mile away. Given the time limits on the groups they got some experience on to the green (easier) trail and then on to the blue (moderate) trail. As these are mixed ability groups it is some times difficult to give each individual the level of excitement they would like or could handle. The facilities at Polloch are very good and even much more rare given their inner city situation. Bellahouston is developing into a bit of a cycling facility centre with a recently completed road circuit in the park and a vellodrome being built in the park at present.
Most of the City Council Culture and leisure outdoor service 'On Yer Bike' programmes are based there and the day trip programme meets there once a fortnight on a Sunday.
Saturday so the beginning of a six week 'On Yer Bike 2' programme. This is a short course to participants take cycling on to the city trails and cycle routes as well as develop their individual cycling skills.
On the Sunday past the 'On Yer Bike' day trip was to Glen Tilt. After a few hickups at the beginning, bus and trailer problems, we eventually got of to Blair Athol. The weather was ideal for cycling, bright but not to hot. The scenery in the Glen is some thing to behold and the 9 participants, 2 leaders Colin and Ronnie had a memorable day with aprox 17 miles being completed, not bad considering the earlier difficulties.
This Wednesday is the first session of an evening 'On Yer Bike 1' course 6.30 to 8.30 this is a basic skills programme helping the individual participant to become more confident on their bikes so that they can begin to explore more of the city bike trail.

Camping on the Rob Roy Way

The Rob Roy Way does not have a lot of camp sites along it's length. Most are some way of the route. Yesterday14th April, 2 brave walkers set of from Easter Drumquassie Farm, this camp site is on the West Highland Way about 3 miles outside Drymen and is the nearest camp site to Drymen and the start of the RRW. They were heading for Immervoulin Caravan and Camping site at Strathyre a long walking day aprox 29 miles. Their plan was to walk from Strathyre to Kenmore and be transported from Kenmore to Aberfeldy and then transported back to Kenmore the next day. However the long walking distances and early starts and late finishes has taken it's toll. Their plan was changed to include a stop at High Creagans camp site just 2 miles out of Killin. There is no longer a campsite at Kenmore the next nearest being Aberfeldy Caravan Park necessitating in the transport arrangements to and from Kenmore.
It is possible to camp along the RR way but as you will gather it does present some planning issues as well as some long days of walking. These days can be shortend by including the use of sites at Cobeland, Balquhidder Station. For information on the camp sites that can be used go to the RRW web site or contact bike and hike. Colin.

Mountain Biking and Walking the Rob Roy Way

Sunday 9th April. This week saw the continuation of the Glasgow City Culture and Leisure service outdoor teams Spring Break Programme. Each day from Monday the 3rd April groups of young people from youth groups throughout the city made their way to Aberfoyle by mini bus driven by the bold Willie, where they met up with myself and the bikes. After being kited up and some basic instruction on how to handle a bike we set of. The route taken varied depending on the groups over all abilities. They all visited the David Marshal Lodge visitor centre, for lunch and use of the very good facilities. The playground at the rear of the centre was a big attraction.
The route to the centre provides a good taste of riding skills, particularly the climbing side. It also allows the leaders the opportunity to suss out the fitness and skill levels. Most of the groups then undertook a longer ride into the forest park south of Aberfoyle and returning by the way of the cycle track. The feed back from the participants was when/how can we do more, this was despite some very bad weather which delayed some groups setting of. Next week we have another 3 days planned and the long range weather forecast is for more unsettled weather, we will see how the groups attending these sessions get on.
Thursday 6th April saw the first baggage transfers on the Rob Roy Way of the season. A party of 4 from Kirriemuir and on Saturday 8th a father and son from Bearsden.

Spring Fever in Glasgow

Saturday 1st April. This was Glasgow City Parks day when they opened Victoria Park up to lots of outdoor activities that can be done through out the city parks. There was sailing and model boats on the pond, a climbing wall, bowling, mini golf and many other activities. We were there with a small cycling skills course for children and young people. The event was open from 12 noon to 4.oopm. We were at it all of that time with a constant small line waiting for their go.
This proved so successful that we had to call a halt to the event at 4 with a number of young people still to have a go. We eventually closed up shop at 4.30. It is hard to say what the participants get out of this sort of event but we did try to build in some coaching and skills development. The course it's self did encourage development moving from initial stuff like brakes,awareness, steering. And body position then moving on to some more handling skills over small logs and a larger block. The weather turned out fine except for the cold wind all in all a good day. Colin.

Carron Valley on the web

Just in case you may wish to visit their site http://www.carronvalley.org.uk/

Scott to answer you queries as best I can.

Hi Scott. Glad you were able to make contact through this blog. You asked what the weather can be like in early June. Like most parts of the world we are experiencing very faried changes in the weather patterns. June over the last few years has gone from being fairly cool with lots of showers in 2000,2001 and 2002. To being very wet in 2003 but warm. again 2004 we had some fairly cool weather. But 2005 June was a warm and dry month, but so was the summer last year. Our day light hours a very long with light up until late evening 10p.m. ish. In Scotland hikers and walkers will carry light wear gear but will also carry good outer shell rain wear. They also carry some light gloves and head wear just in case the temp falls. But what can I say be prepared for the worst and enjoy the best.

A very wet Monday. The opening of the Carron Valley MB trails

My self, Colin and Prasad, another cyclist from Callander,attended the opening of these trails today. The weather started of where it left of yesterday, wet. We arrived fairly early at the CP and sat in the van waiting for the rain to change into something more pleasant, fat chance. So after changing the rear tire on my trusty stead we set of on the trails. With no previous knowledge of the set up we followed the trial signs, easy to follow clear directions so we had no bother. The trails turned out to be fairly to very challenging over all with some bits giving me in particular a lot more of a challenge. Not a good day for me, had this heavy breathing problem that comes with over eating and the like.
The trails are said to resemble a shamrock shape with all of them ending on an inbound trail which is has lots of humps,double humps banks and sharp corners. With a small tented village including Red Bull hospitality tent at the end. This is where all the dignitaries and officials spent there time. Lots of photographers there doing their stuff so there should be a few wild pict's in the MB and local press. By the way the weather cleared and it turned out a good day. Colin.

Walking in Scotland

Walking in Scotland
Hi Scott, Colin form bike and hike here. Looks like a fine blog you have developed for your trip. The Rob Roy Way is less well known than the West Highland Way Scotland's most well known long distance trail. The RRW way travels through some great country and crosses the Highland Boundary Fault, a geological fault, that marks the transition from the lowlands to the highlands just north of Callander at the Leny Pass. This route has been a traditional route for a long time and is named after the area and the river Leny which passes through it. The majority of the route is now within the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, Scotland's first national park.
The route also coincides with a cycling route, Lochs and Glens North, Glasgow to Inverness, which is part of our national cycle network for some of the way. I look forward to meeting you and your son on your trip. All the best Colin. bike and hike services.

Loch Ecke

Sunday 26 March
A trip in the wet. As part of the Glasgow City Council ' On Yer Bike Trips' programme. We set of from Bellahouston Park at 9.30 am. The weather In Glasgow was dull but fine. As we drove north it got worse and even more. By the time we got to Arrochar, discussions about what we be doing began to focus on short trips. By the time we arrived and the Benmore Gardens coffee shop we had decided to get on the bikes no matter what. The coffee and scones set us up well. We all dressed in full wet weather gear set of up the western side of the Loch. It is a dirt track, forestry road all the way from Benmore to Glenbranter some 10 miles plus farther on. There were a few small breaks in the weather so we did manage to see some good views although they were all a very wet and cloudy looking.
More by default, than an active decision we were on the main road heading south and back to Benmore. The main road was not all busy. We did adopt a defensive cycling grouping with myself sitting out from the others, one of whom was a little apprehensive about road cycling, most of the way.
It is obvious by the amount of road kill that this is a fast road for traffic and would not be advisable for cycling in the high season.
After removing our soaked outer shells another visit to the coffee shop with 20 plus very wet miles under our wheels and arriving back at Bellahouston at about 17.00 pm. A wet trip but every one enjoyed it. Colin.

What's on over the next few months

Now that spring has sprung we are now receiving a lot more new enquiries and bookings each day for all our services. The outdoor fever has now arrived and there seems to be a lot of people suffering from it. Here is how it is effecting us up until the middle of April.

Sunday- 26th March- Glasgow-On Yer Bike Trips programme - To Loch Eck area.
Monday- 27th March- Carron Valley Mountain Bike Trails official opening. Will be going along with a few others from Callander. M/bikers requested to attend to give these routes and this area a good start.

Saturday- 1st April- Glasgow-A day for Families and children- introducing biking/cycling Victoria park.
Sunday- 2nd April- Glasgow-On Yer Bike Trips programme - Women Only Trip to the Aberfoyle/ Callander area.
Monday- 3rd April- Glasgow- Culture and Leisure services Outdoor Team Easter Break Programme- This programme is run for Youth Projects from throughout the city. It consists of a total of 9 day trips in 2 blocks-one of 6 days 3rd to 8th. and another 3 days on the 13th, 14th and 17th.
Sunday 8th April is the Sustrans organisations National Signing Day. Volunteer Rangers from all over the country will be checking on the signs and direction posts on the National Cycle Routes and updating them where necessary.
Sunday the 8th also sees the start of our first booking for baggage transfer services on the Rob Roy Way this year. A father and son from Bishopbriggs. All the best for your expedition.
Thursday 13 and Friday 14th April second part of the Youth Projects programme for Glasgow City.
Tuesday 18th to 20th April, Celtic EducationTrust and Glasgow City Active Steps programme. 3 days of introducing Young People to Mountain Biking using Pollock Parks, mountain biking trails. 6 groups will receive a half days introduction/instruction to off road cycling. This part of a larger programme where the young people are introduced to a number of sports and other topics in an educational group work programme.
Thursday 20th We return to St Mungo's Ac and the bike club for a work shop on trail side bicycle maintenance in preparation for a long spring and summer of cycling.

St Mungo,s to Glasgow Green

Today's diary. An introductory session for 11 young girls from various schools in the east end of Glasgow. We all met at St Mungo's Ac, at 10.00 am got kited up. The session started with some input on the use of observation skills being the most important part of cycling and safety. We then moved on to the sizing of bikes. Then on to the bikes them selves. A few circuits around the upper playground gave us an idea of how the girls were at the basics. We then moved on to the lower play ground and did some work on changing gears and then we were of to Glasgow Green lead by constable Geoff Smith. These in school initiatives are organised by cycle cops from the Strathclyde-Force so we had 3 Police escorts on the short route to the green through the streets, it's a strange experience for a long time serving cyclist to have the traffic stopped to ensure your passage through the busy streets of Glasgow. But it did feel good to have motorists being very cautious when they approached me/us, for a change.
In the green we completed a figure of 8 circuit using the down hills in the park to encourage the good use of brakes. The green has an old cycling proficiency course of mini junctions and a roundabout as well as a BMX course, good stuff to help in developing skills.
The emphases was on observation, control, braking, stopping, starting, signals for turning and slowing down.
The wobbly wheels soon disappeared along with the near misses, with these girls showing a lot of progress in such a short time. A few circuits of the BMX track improved the handling skills still further, we then moved on to doing more down hill control on the rougher ground around the track. Then another unique experience of being escorted by the police on our return on road to the school and into the warmth of the dining hall. All in all a good session with a good degree of all round positive skill improvement and good bit of fun.
This is the sort of work that bike and hike is involved in providing through a number of intiatives organised by the education, culture and leisure outdoor team and land services of Glasgow City Council.

bike and hike scotland

bike and hike scotland
In Glasgow again today attended a display event put on by Strathclyde Police and Glasgow City. Bikes owners were being given the oportunity to have bike passports prepared, a good anti theft programme. There was also a display of stunts using ramps. Good display of how to! Lots of information was also available from Cycling Scotland, they also had a competition which used this years proposed route and you had to find where they have hidden a BMX to win it. Glasgow's Land services where also there with loads of stuff on access and routes. A number of bike shops were also there. All in all a good wee display. Glasgow City Culture and Leisure Outdoor Team services are intending to sell some of their well used mountain bike fleet. You will need to Contact Jane Damer at the Outdoor Team for information.

New to this

This my first visit to blogging. I intend to use the blog to let those who are interested know what has been going on for bike and hike on a regular basis. I hope this informs people who visit what it is that bike and hike does and that through this they will become valued friends and potential customers.
I serviced/maintained 15 mountain bikes used in Glasgow today. These bikes are used by groups who are being introduced to mountain biking. This takes place in Polloch and Bellahouston Parks iin Glasgow. Some of the programmes also go on trips out with the City.
The groups can be made up of young people and adults.