Press release:
What – get the kids out cycling on a family-friendly led bike ride
Where – along the Caledonian Canal in Inverness. Meet at the rugby pitch car park
When – 10am on Saturday 27th June
Who – the ride is led by Sustrans volunteers, including organiser John Davidson
Why – to get families out on their bikes in the Highlands this summer to mark the 20th anniversary of the National Cycle Network!
Families with young children are being encouraged to get out on their bikes this summer with a free cycle ride during National Cycle Network week in Scotland.
Sustrans volunteers, including John Davidson of Inverness, who edits Active Outdoors for Scottish Provincial Press, will lead the ride along the Caledonian Canal towpath in the Highland capital on Saturday 27th June.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the National Cycle Network, the charity’s flagship project. In Inverness there are a number of national routes, including Route 7, which goes to Glasgow, and Route 1, which goes east to Aberdeen and north to John O’Groats.
A new route is due to be launched this year linking the city to Fort William, Oban and Campbeltown. The Caledonia Way – also known as Route 78 – will run for 228 miles through the Great Glen and south through Argyll to Kintyre.
People coming on the ride will be able to find out more about family-friendly places to ride along the network.
Mr Davidson, who cycled from Land’s End to John O’Groats in May to raise money for the Special Care Baby Unit at Raigmore Hospital in Inverness, said: “Cycling is a wonderful way to get children into the outdoors and help encourage them to become active and independent. This gentle ride alongside the beautiful Caledonian Canal is a great way to get them – and their parents – to appreciate the freedom of riding a bike.
“We’ll be taking it at a very easy pace and enjoying a picnic at Dochgarroch before returning to Tomnahurich, where the kids will be able to head to Whin Park for some play time – if they’ve got any energy left!”
Participants are asked to register in advance for the event, which starts at the rugby pitch car park at the Bught at 10am. The ride is seven miles, with no hills, and people should bring warm, waterproof clothing and a picnic. Trailers, tag-alongs and children’s bikes are all welcome. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
To celebrate the NCN’s 20th anniversary, Sustrans staff and volunteers are organising led rides and walks across the UK. Join a ride or walk near you to discover local routes, get some fresh air and meet new people.
Everyone who registers to take part in this Go Explore with Sustrans event will be entered into a prize draw to win a break at Center Parcs. For more details and to register for the event visit www.sustrans.org.uk/events