WITH SCOTLAND currently hosting the biggest ever UCI Cycling World Championships, the Aberdeenshire town of Ellon is set to celebrate all things cycling by hosting a week of bike-themed events and activities aimed at helping everyone enjoy the activity.
Organised by Colin Allanach of Ythan Cycle Club, Ellon Bike Week launches on Sunday 13 August with the BrewDog Sportive – a challenging 66 mile ride round the Buchan countryside, followed by beer and burgers.
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The week culminates on a high with the hugely popular Ellon Pedal Car Race and the youth cycle races round the town on 20 August 23.
While it is bookended by these two high-profile events, during the week a cornucopia of cycling activities will be on offer for all abilities and ages:
· Councillors take to their bikes for a cycle round Ellon to view the work done as part of Ellon’s integrated travel town project;
· Races for the speedier cyclists organised by Ythan Cycle Club;
· Ellon Rotary are trialling Cycling Without Age trishaw rides through the town;
· Drop-off for those who have bikes they no longer need which can be recycled for Stella’s Voice charity;
· Cycle UK are putting on led rides for families and beginners, one to one cycle teaching sessions and a bike doctor session for any bike repair issues;
· Scottish Adventure Club are holding an introduction to gravel riding led ride
· Pedal pebble painting competition for children;
· Ythan Cycle Club is running youth coaching sessions;
· For kids not quite up to pedalling their bike there is a balance bike activity morning
· Try an e-bike session;
· Ladies only led bike ride around Tarves area;
· Jumps, lumps and bumps cycling from Level-Up coaching;
The week will also see the launch of Ellon’s Rock Up and Ride disabled cycling initiative – a new cycling hub which offers people with additional support needs the opportunity to try out adaptive bikes.
Driven with the aim of making the sport accessible for all, this exciting scheme builds on partnership working between the town’s Ythan Cycle Club and the Ellon Opportunities Centre, as well as the ongoing efforts with Aberdeenshire Council to develop Ellon as an Integrated Travel Town.
This development for all abilities cycling has been made possible through work with projects such as British Cycling’s Limitless project, Scottish Cycling’s Rock up and Ride project and Grampian Disability Sport’s Grampian Inclusive Cycling Bothies.
Construction of the first phase of the long-anticipated Ellon Wheel Park project is also due to start later this year. The new facility will enable cyclists of all abilities to learn how to cycle, gain confidence and have fun on all types of bikes in a safe traffic-free environment before venturing out on roads and trails.
Ythan Cycle Club Secretary Charles Daniel said: “The club has a long history of involvement with helping people with additional needs to cycle – Olympic and World Champions Neil and Lora Fachie, were once members of Ythan Cycle Club. The disability hub allows people of all abilities to try out adaptive bikes and enjoy accessible active travel options.”
The hub is looking for ride leader volunteers to support with running sessions in and around Ellon. Training will be provided for this very rewarding volunteering opportunity. For further information please contact [email protected]
Colin Allanach added: “The Cycling World Championships have arrived in Scotland this week, and we are hoping people are inspired by the athletes taking part to get out on their bikes. The partners delivering the sessions have put together a whole week of varied cycling activities for all abilities and ages. There is something to suit anyone who wants to go out on a bike. There are rides of all different lengths and speeds, you can come along and try out adaptive bikes for those who might find two wheeled bikes difficult, try an E-bike to give you a bit of assistance on the hills, get you bike looked at by trained mechanics, or if you have an old bike in the shed you no longer use, drop it off for it to be recycled for charity.”
To find out more information about any of the activities, please email: [email protected].
