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.