Free advice sessions for cyclists
A series of free sessions geared towards cycling enthusiasts has being offered ahead of the spotlight turning in the region’s direction.
The events, available between July 31 and August 3 from Mill Street in Perth, will take place ahead of the UCI World Cycling Championships.
Scone Palace will be the finish point for both the Gran Fondo and Medio Fondo road races, which will welcome top-class riders on August 4.
Competitors in the Gran Fondo road race will cover 160.3km through the Perthshire countryside which will see them tackle 1663m of climbing.
The Medio Fondo peloton will compete over an 85.7km route with 777m of climbing.
In a bid to build excitement, “something special”has been organised to give local residents the chance to show off their own pedal power in the lead-up.
Cycling fans of all levels are being invited to sign-up for sessions between Monday, July 31 and Thursday, August 3.
Three time slots are available each day (9.30am-12.30pm, 1.30-4.30pm and 6.30pm-9.30pm).
‘Come and Try Cycling’encourages everyone – especially those who have never tried cycling before – to give it a go and experience the joy of riding on two wheels.
‘Cargo Bikes’will give people the chance to try out cargo bikes and discover their practicality and versatility, while‘Cycling Confidence’ focuses on building your cycling skills and boosting your confidence on the road.
People can join guided rides through scenic routes and explore the beauty of Perthshire with‘Led Rides’and experience the thrill of electric bikes at‘E-Bike Trials’.
‘All Abilities Cycling’is an inclusive session that caters to cyclists of all abilities.
And‘Evening Games’engages in fun activities like bicycle geocaching, a bicycle treasure hunt, and a bicycle “who’s who”game.
This is said to be a perfect family-friendly adventure with exciting prizes.
Throughout the four-day event, a Dr Bike service will be available, offering tune-ups and small repairs for your bikes.
Meanwhile, it was announced this week that, due to“recent safety concerns”, the Gran Fondo route in Pitlochry has been changed.
The Gran Fondo race through Pitlochry will now travel southbound into Pitlochry from Garry Bridge, then turn left up Larchwood Road, right onto Strathview Terrace and left onto the A924/ West Moulin Road towards Moulin, before rejoining its original route travelling east towards Kirkmichael.
A change to the Medio Fondo race sees it take a new route in Bankfoot, travelling through the town from Prieston Road onto the B867 towards Waterloo, towards Murthly, before rejoining its original route on the B9099 towards Caputh.
To sign-up for the free sessions visit the Eventbrite website and search for 2023 UCI Cycling World Champs Gran Fondo Events.