|
Braveheart Ride & Dinner 2008
One of the highlights of the British leisure cycling year is the annual Braveheart Cycling Fund ride in which attracts around 500 cyclists of all ages and abilities to Ayrshire to raise money to help aspiring Scottish racing cyclists. The ride is attended by several of the big names in professional cycling and affords ordinary cyclists the oppportunity to ride with the sport's stars.
The ride is followed by the Braveheart Dinner, a unique social event featuring a charity auction and raffle, which help boost the Fund's coffers. In the raffle, Walkers Cycling Club member Laura McFarlane was the lucky winner of a superb road bike, donated by Claud Butler.
Here are some images from a memorable, if somewhat wet, 2008 Braveheart weekend.
Above: riders queue up to register for the Braveheart Ride |
Above: staying in the dry and warm until the last minute! |
Above: the Wilier stand at the trade show |
Above: ready for the off |
Above: Mark Cavendish, front, leads a group out |
 Above: Eurosport's David Harmon, left, interviews Chris Hoy |
 Above: Celtic Spirit entertain guests at the dinnner |
 Above: Guests at the Walkers Cycling table |
 Above: more happy faces at the Walkers Cycling table |
 Above: Laura McFarlane, second left, with her new Claud Butler Paris |
Leisure Cycling Web Links
Check our Local Cycling Events page for details of cycling events in south west Scotland.
Everyday Cycling
Everyday Cycling is a site to help you get as much out of your riding as possible. There's a full searchable database of routes and rides – from family rides on gentle, traffic free paths to road epics in the mountains. It also aims to become the hub for leisure cycling, ranging from family fun events to MTB marathons and enduros.
Bike for All
Bike for All is a joint initiative of the Bicycle Association and the Association of Cycle Traders. Aimed mainly at beginners, the site claims to provide "Everything you wanted to know about cycling but were afraid to ask." Sections include 'Bike for School', 'Bike for Work' and 'Bike for Leisure'.
Cyclists Touring Club
The CTC is the UK and Ireland’s largest and longest established national cycling membership organisation. Regardless of age or ability, off road or on road, seasoned cyclist, beginner
or commuter - CTC has something for you.
Leisure Cycling - Where to Ride
Looking for a leisure cycling route in south west Scotland?
The links below will open external websites in a separate window.
Sustrans National Cycle Network
The National Cycle Network, coordinated by Sustrans, consists of routes that are free to use and open to all, making them a great way for you and your family to stay fit and healthy while enjoying a breath of fresh air. An amazing 232 million trips were made on the Network in 2005 alone. Free route maps covering the network in Scotland can be downloaded from the Sustrans Get Cycling > Scotland > Maps and Leaflets page.
Ayrshire Paths
The Ayrshire Paths initiative provides, sensitively managed, well sign-posted routes for all capabilities of walker and cyclist. The site features an online path finder with maps and local info on 12 cycle routes.
East Ayrshire Council - Cycle Routes
Information on routes including Kilmarnock town centre, Dean Park and the Scottish Coal Cycle Route between Dalmellington and Coalburn.
South Ayrshire Council - Walking & Cycling
Information on routes in the south of the county including Ayr and Girvan town centres.
7 Stanes - Scotland's Biking Heaven
The 7stanes are seven mountain biking centres spanning the south of Scotland, from the heart of the Scottish Borders to Dumfries and Galloway. Most venues have routes suitable for family and leisure riders.
Drumlanrig Castle & Country Park
Situated in the spectacular surroundings of the Nith Valley in Dumfries & Galloway, Drumlanrig is home to a Cycle Museum and base for a network of on and off road trails many of which are suitable for family and leisure rides.
The Southern Upland Way
The Southern Upland Way is Scotland's coast-to-coast long distance path which can be enjoyed by cyclists as well as walkers. You don't have to ride the whole 212 miles - there are on and off-road sections which can be undertaken as short rides.
The National Byway
The National Byway is a 4,500 mile, signposted leisure cycle route that meanders round Britain, providing discreet sign-posted direction along some of the most attractive and peaceful rural lanes, which carry traffic at only 2% of the national average level. In addition to the main route, there are 50 circular Loop rides.
|
