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.