Air we go with bike festival

Watch the stunts and test your skills

Keen riders will hop on their bikes this weekend for a day of fun and games at the annual Stirling Festival of Cycling.

The event, which will take place at Stirling High School from 10am to 4pm on Sunday, also acts as the start and finish point for the Pedal for Parkinson’s challenge.

While many will be saddling up and taking on either a 23, 34 or 51-mile challenge in aid of the good cause, others will be at the festival to simply enjoy the bikerelated fun on offer.

Stirling Cycle Hub are one of the event organisers and they say the festival will be home to a host of entertainment and activities.

Topping the bill are The Clan – Scotland’s cycle stunt team – who will no doubt impress the crowd with their spectacular showcase of skilful tricks – from mid-air flips and leaping gaps to negotiating hair-raising drops.

Performances will be at 11am, 1pm and 3pm. Those who go along on the day will also have the chance to test out their own pedal power.

Chris James, community cycling officer with the cycle hub, reckons there’s plenty to keep people of all ages and abilities busy on the day.

He said: “The festival is a celebration of cycling for everyone to enjoy. We want to inspire a love of cycling and encourage local people to make more everyday journeys by bike.

“We’re offering plenty of opportunities for families to get involved on the day – from trying out e-bikes and cargo bikes to testing their own cycling skills on the Bike Track People’s features track.

“We’ll also be leading bike rides around the city for those who can’t wait to explore Stirling on two wheels.

“For the very little ones, Trail Tots will be on-hand with plenty of balance bike activities to keep them entertained.

“There’ll also be a free bouncy castle, face painting and a performance by children’s entertainer Mr Boom at 3pm, as well as lots of different stalls with a wealth of cycling info and advice, including free bike