TWENTY FIVE YEARS AGO Friday April 16, 1999
Get your kicks on Route 73
Pastor Ross Ferguson of the church said: “It used to be mothers and carers sitting and playing with their toddlers with toys and we realised they wanted more than that. We have some new toys and soft play shapes which we got two weeks ago and the children loved.”
Twice world cycling champion Graeme Obree launched Argyll’s first designated National Cycle Route between Claonaig and Campbeltown last Thursday.
Graeme, who was twice world individual pursuit champion and four times British champion, cycled across Scotland via ferries to Arran and Claonaig on Thursday morning.
He was met at Claonaig by Campbeltown cyclist William Brian who joined him in cycling down the 30-mile Kintyre cycle route.
Making their way to the Campbeltown Ferry Terminal, Graeme then officially opened the route during a ceremony involving local dignitaries and council officials.
He was welcomed to Campbeltown by Campbeltown Brass Band who played him in to town.
Transportation and property committee chairman councillor Donnie MacMillan and roads official Carl Olivarius introduced Graeme Obree and spoke about hopes for the future use of the cycle route including linking it with routes in Northern Ireland and elsewhere in Scotland.
Argyll and Bute Council’s transportation and property service arranged for the route to be designated National Cycle Route 73, in partnership with Forest Enterprise.
Transportation director Alistair Gow said: “This is the area’s first designated cycle route and it will not be the last.
“The council is committed to the promotion of cycling in recognition of the sport’s health benefits, as well as recognising it has no negative effects on the environment.”
Graeme Obree, who hit the headlines when he used part of a washing machine to create a new cycle design, covered the route on a standard mountain bike.
Launching the route, he said it was like a connoisseur of wine comparing good wine to plonk – the new Kintyre cycle route to him was one of the best there is.
He said: “I am familiar with the Kintyre peninsula and although I have cycled all over the world, I can say this is one of the most beautiful coastlines I have seen.
“Argyll and Bute Council is taking an important step by promoting cycling as a healthy pursuit. Ten years ago people rode a bike if they couldn’t afford a car – now they do it through choice.
“I don’t hold a driving licence and yet I never feel I’m missing out.”
After the route was officially opened, a group of local cycling enthusiasts, including Campbeltown Grammar School pupils, were among the first to cycle the route.