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16 DECEMBER 2010
NEWS RELEASE No: 14306
7stanes Women on Wheels events in the New Year
Women who want to try mountain biking for the first time, or experienced female riders wanting to refresh their skills, are being invited to three guided sessions on the famous 7stanes trails.
The three sessions, the first on 23rd January at Ae Forest, will give female cyclists the chance to learn basic mountain bike riding techniques and bike repair.
Ruth Asbery, one of the female tutors for the sessions said:
"These events are the perfect opportunity for women to try cycling. The main aim is to have a fun day with no pressure and learn more about mountain biking and how it can be an easy way to improve your fitness."
The events are being organised by Forestry Commission Scotland, Dumfries and Galloway Council and Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland.
Doug Knox, the Commission's cycling manager in South Scotland, added:
"The events are being put on to encourage more women to take up cycling in Dumfries and Galloway. There are so many great 7stanes trails to be found in the area and these events are designed to women give that first step into biking.
"Hopefully by the end of these three taster sessions, those taking part will have enough confidence to sign up with their friends and families to take part in the British Heart Foundation's 10km charity cycle at Kirroughtree, near Newton Stewart, on the 26th of March 2011."
The first Women on Wheels event is to be held at Ae Forest near Dumfries on Sunday the 23rd of January and will include:
* A 'have-a-go' circuit within the forest car park
* Guided forest cycle rides in small groups with a local female tutor
* Lunch and refreshments provided by the Ae Bike Shop and Cafe
* A lunchtime talk from the inspirational charity cyclist Mavis Patterson (AKA Granny Mave)
* Basic bike maintenance tuition.
Following this event there will be a further two optional events at Mabie Forest (20th Feb 2011) and Kirroughtree Forest (13th March) where those who took part in the first event can join in organised rides with the same female tutors.
* First event at Ae to cost £20 with bike hire, £10 if bringing own bike.
* Optional follow up events at Mabie Forest and Kirroughtree Forest, £15 with bike hire, £5 if bringing own bike. Please note, no lunch or refreshments at these two events.
For further information on the Women on Wheels Events visit http://www.7stanes.gov.uk/womenonwheels or contact Margaret Bryden on 01387 272440 or 7stanes@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
For further information on the British Heart Foundation's charity cycle at Kirroughtree on the 26th March 2011 visit http://www.bhf.org.uk/heartride
Notes to Editors
1. The 7stanes project is being managed by Forestry Commission Scotland with partners Scottish Enterprise, Dumfries and Galloway Council, Scottish Natural Heritage, Scottish Borders Council, Solway Heritage and VisitScotland. For more information on the project and where to ride, log on to http://www.7stanes.gov.uk
2. Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland is a project coordinated by the Scottish Mountain Bike Development Consortium. To read more about the project and strategic framework visit http://www.scottishmountainbikeframework.org/
* The aim of the project is to provide a strategic approach to facility development, co-ordinate activity, ensure best practice is spread and maximise the potential of mountain biking in Scotland.
* Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland's partners are Scottish Cycling, Cycling Scotland, Forestry Commission Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage, CTC, EventScotland, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, IMBA UK, Scottish Enterprise, sportscotland, Visit Scotland, NHS and a representative from The Highland Council, acting as a local government advisor.
* Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland's funding partners are Scottish Cycling, Forestry Commission Scotland, Scottish Natural Heritage, CTC, Scottish Enterprise and sportscotland
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