Bothy’s brilliant bike repair day
A bike maintenance day proved popular with cycists, with mechanics arriving to a mountain of bikes needing attention.
Offering to cover the cost of labour, The Ardrishaig Bothy made sure bikes across Mid Argyll were in tip-top condition, only asking for the parts for bigger jobs to be paid for by cyclists.
Mechanics from Billy Bilsland Cycles travelled from Glasgow to repair the bikes that had been dropped off in advance – adjusting brakes, gears, tyre pressures and more complex jobs.
Coinciding with the bike maintenance day on Saturday December 14, free try-outs of the hub’s electric bikes, including mountain, folding and cargo versions, were offered to those willing to brave the wind, rain and hail.
Alec Ohnstad, The Ardrishaig Bothy project co-ordinator, hopes to arrange another trial for these bikes when the weather is a bit kinder, so keep an eye out on The Ardrishaig Bothy Facebook page for updates.
Based at the Scottish Canals’ building in Pier Square, Ardrishaig, bothy volunteers, in partnership with MACPool, offer services from one-to-one confidence building bike rides and night rides to led walks and strength and balance based walks.
The Ardrishaig Bothy works with Scottish Canals and Cycling UK to engage with other organisations to enhance and develop opportunities for walking and cycling in Mid Argyll. With a varied selection of bikes available to try, there is something for everyone and in spring next year an all-abilities project will be run, using tandems, hand pedalled, side-by-side and trike bicycles.
Further volunteers are being sought to train as community ride leaders.
For information on activities and events, or how to volunteer, email Alec Ohnstad at alec.ohnstad@cyclinguk.org or by phone on 07887 567578.