Kids saddle up for cycling fun
EAST Renfrewshire’s first junior cycling club is proving to be a big hit, with dozens of youngsters racing to sign up.
The Craigie Trailblazers was launched by Include Me 2 Club’s bike hub last month and is open to those aged from eight to 18.
Based at Cowan Park, it meets on Saturday mornings and is for kids who are confident on a bike and want to learn more skills, especially for off-road riding, or those who may wish to compete in cycling down the line.
It offers youngsters varied sessions, from coaching on techniques to general fitness, in preparation for covering larger distances on bikes.
Steven Rutherford, bike hub manager, said: “Cycling is a great outdoor activity that is brilliant for mental health and wellbeing, especially when we ride off-road.”
The first two sessions are free, with subsequent sessions costing £3, along with a £2 charge to hire one of the hub’s high-end bikes if needed.
There is also a membership scheme which includes a club uniform and discounts at the hub, along with exclusive deals on bikes and other equipment.
All safety equipment is free to borrow at the sessions.
“It’s an initiative supported by SportScotland, Scottish Cycling, East Renfrewshire’s leisure trust and the Active Schools programmes and is a legacy of the UCI 2023 World Cycling Championships in Glasgow,” added Steven.
“This is the first junior cycling club in East Renfrewshire.”
The club is on the lookout for volunteers to help by providing an extra pair of hands or doing administrative tasks.
It is also keen to get experienced mountain bike riders involved.
To find out more, visit www.facebook.com/IM2CBikeHub.