East Renfrewshire's first junior cycling club is proving a massive hit with dozens of youngsters racing to signing up.
The Craigie Trailblazers was launched by Include Me 2 Club's Bike Hub at the end of last month and is open to those aged between eight and 18 years old.
Based at Cowan Park, it currently runs on Saturday mornings, and is for kids who are confident on a bike and want to learn more skills, especially for off road riding, or those who may wish to compete in cycling down the line.
It offers youngsters varied sessions from coaching on techniques to general fitness in preparation for covering larger distances on bikes.
Steven Rutherford, the Bike Hub’s manager, told the Barrhead News: “Given the popularity of cycling for leisure and competition, this is a fantastic alternative too football - hence why running it at the same time as junior football.
“It's a great outdoor activity that is brilliant for mental health and wellbeing, especially when we will ride off road.
“We use our Sender Ramps system to teach essential skills and build confidence with the children.
“So far with more than 60 kids signed up, we are having to manage the volume of sign ups and look at a waiting list but rotating this for any non-attendance.”
Those behind the initiative plan to take the kids out to local trails and for longer days out to trail centres including the likes of Carron Valley, Cathkin Braes and Glentress.
The first two sessions are free, with subsequent sessions costing £3, along with a £2 charge to hire one of the hub’s high-end bikes if needed.
The club is also doing a membership scheme which includes a club uniform and discounts at the hub, along with exclusive deals on bikes and other equipment.
All safety equipment is free to borrow at the sessions.
“It's an initiative supported by Sports Scotland, Scottish cycling, East Renfrewshire’s leisure trust and the Active Schools programmes and a legacy of the UCI 2023 world cycling championships in Glasgow,” added Steven.
"It brings another first from the Bike hub team at IM2C.
“This is the first junior cycling club in East Renfrewshire and we are also the first and only active travel hub in the local authority.”
The club is on the lookout for volunteers to help and support the club by providing an extra pair of hands or by doing administrative tasks.
They are also keen to get experienced mountain bike riders involved so that they can become qualified as a coach or as a MTB leader.
To get involved or find out more click HERE.
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