Dear

With two public holidays in May many of us will have two extra days off work and have the opportunity to go cycling instead! However having to go to work needn't keep us off our bicycles; cycling to work can be a great way to start the day and a chance to unwind at the other end of the day. Read on to see how Bike Town can support you to cycle; whether to work, the shops, the gym or just for the simple pleasure of riding a bike ...

• Reconditioned bikes for sale; children and adult sizes available
• Affordable repairs and servicing
• Skillful, experienced bike mechanic
• Bike essentials for sale

Open Saturdays and Wednesdays 10am-2pm. However please note that we are closed on Saturday 14th May.

Visit us at 39 Downiebrae Road, Rutherglen, G73 1PW

Weekly adult guided rides

If you're new to cycling or you've not cycled for a long time we can support you to develop your confidence and skills on our weekly easy-paced adult guided rides. These run every Wednesday, departing 10am and returning by 1pm:

• Wednesday 4th May
• Wednesday 11th May
• Wednesday 18th May
• Wednesday 25th May

Pedal for Scotland training ride

This month our training ride tackles 30 miles, helping to build fitness and stamina in preparation of the Classic Challenge route.

You don't need to be signed up for the event to attend the ride; come along and see how you get on. The rides are on mixed terrain and include cycling on cycle paths and roads.

• Saturday 14th May, 30 miles; departs 10am

Please note that places are limited on this ride, please sign up via our online Meetup group. Unfortunately loan bikes are not available for this ride.

Go Further Friday ride

Our monthly faster-paced, longer distance ride is back this month:

• Friday 27th May, departs 10am

This ride is slightly more challenging than our weekly Wednesday rides. We usually manage between 20 and 30 miles, with an average pace of about 10mph. We aim to return by 3pm. 

Guided rides information

• Our rides are facilitated by friendly, experienced ride leaders and a warm welcome is given to all
• We include a rest stop and usually visit a cafe for tea/coffee/food/cake. Please bring money if you wish to do this too
• Unless otherwise stated all rides depart at 10am from our Bike Shop in a Box at 39 Downiebrae Road, Rutherglen, G73 1PW. Loan bikes are available to people living or working in Cambuslang and Rutherglen. Arrive for 9.30am if you wish to borrow a bike
• If bringing your own bike make sure it is in good working order and carry an essential repair kit, e.g. pump and puncture repairs. All participants are encouraged to dress for the weather and carry a mobile phone/money in case of an emergency
• More information is available on our online Meetup group pages

We are offering FREE bicycle security marking for people living and working in Cambuslang and Rutherglen. Come along with your bike to our Bike Shop in a Box on Saturday 21st May, 10am - 2pm. Supplies are limited, so arrive early!

• Free security marking
• Free registration on national register
• Free for people living or working in Cambuslang or Rutherglen
• Usually costs £20 per bike
• One bike per person

A huge thanks must go to everyone who participated in our survey in March.

Over 100 people completed the online survey, giving us information about local cycling and walking behaviour. The results help to inform the work that we do and assist us to apply for funding to ensure we can continue to pursue our ambition to get everybody cycling.

The prize draw winner was Robert Bell from Cambuslang, pictured here with Jim Ewing, Bike Town Development Worker, receiving his prize.

Remember there are more prizes to be won in our #ICycleBecause campaign, see below for more information.

 

We've loved hearing everyone's reasons for cycling for our #ICycleBecause campaign. You can let us know why you cycle, if you haven't already, via Twitter and Facebook, or in person if you meet us at one of our events. Include @BikeTown and #ICycleBecause in your answer. There is a cycling goody bag for the best entry each month.

Watch our #ICycleBecause film here.

European Cycling Challenge

Glagow is the only city in Scotland participating in this European-wide initiative and needs the participation of anyone cycling in and around Glasgow during May.

The challenge involves tracking all your cycle rides using a route tracker called cycling365. This will help build a map of where people are cycling and help the council to improve routes, junctions and cycle parking. There are over 100 prizes to win if you sign up and take part.

Routes can be recorded on the cycling365 app, on a gps device or by submitting them manually.

• Visit the European Cycling Challenge to register
• Download the cycling365 app which is available on Apple, Android and Windows
• Choose your team - you can join the CamGlen Bike Town team if you wish!
• Record your journeys during May

We're still recruiting for our Cycling Ambassador scheme and hope to organise an information session and training soon. We want to hear from you if:

• You regularly commute by bicycle
• You already offer mechanical assistance to cyclists in need or wish you had the skills to be able to do this 

Our Cycling Ambassadors will be trained and supported to promote cycling and provide help when needed. In return you'll get:

• FREE bicycle maintenance training
• FREE bicycle tools and sapres
• FREE Cycle Ambassador Hi Viz
• A warm glow when you help out a fellow cyclist

Please get in touch with us to sign up or find out more by emailing biketown@healthynhappy.org.uk

Find us on: Twitter, Facebook, Meetup