19 out on ladies bike ride

Many thanks to all the 19 riders who made the Ladies bike ride an excellent event, and especially to Debbie, Diane and Michelle who organised the event and to Eve who helped lead the ride.

The Ladies Bicycle ride organised by the West Lothian Clarion at the weekend was great pedal powered success. 19 Women joined in to ride along West Lothian's country lanes from Linlithgow to Dalmeney and back.

The group finished off at the Black Bitch where fabulous food was provided as a reward for the efforts of riding the 30 mile round trip.

The Clarion cycling club wants to encourage more women out on thier bikes and enjoy the freedom of cycling around our beautiful county, so three members, Debbie Pollard, Diane Cox and Michelle Gregory got together and planned out the women-only bike ride. They wanted as many ladies to come along so even changed the start time of the normal club cycle ride to suit more women.

Riders of all levels took part and there was a good mix of road bikes, hybrids and mountain bikes. The group was so big it had to be spit into two. Co organiser Debbie Pollard said "The sun was came out soon after starting, so most people ditched their jackets and we headed straight through Winchburgh and Kirkliston, stopping at the entrance to Dalmeny house for a snack and a bit of a blether."

"It was a thrill to see so many turn up, I wasn't expecting such a big group! Every one seemed to enjoy themselves, and those I spoke to said that they would try a club run, or would come back if we repeated something like todays ride."

Michelle said "The ride was certainly a challenge for some but a rewarding one, judging by the smiles and positive comments afterwards as people settled down for a drink and a bite to eat in the pub"

You didn't have to be super fit to ride, the emphasis was on getting out on two wheels and having some fun. Joan Hemesley liked this approach "We thought the promised lolly pops from our guide were just a bribe to get us to cycle uphill, so we were pleasantly surprised when we got to have an official lolly pop stop at the gates of Dalmeny Estate! We had a great afternoon of cycling and we're both looking forward to the next one."

Another rider, Katie Alps, normally cycles indoors at Spin classes but is keen to cycle more on the roads "I'm involved in Spinning (indoor cycling) throughout West Lothian, but my outdoor experience is fairly limited. This Clarion event was a great opportunity for women of all abilities to get outdoors and it's great to feel the wind in your face for a change. I'd thoroughly recommend anyone wishing to increase their confidence, outdoor cycling skills and fitness to get involved and give it a go!"

A few super keen riders even rode to the start and back, travelling more than 20 miles on top of actual club run.

Diane Cox says The club would like to thank all those who came along, for those who couldn't make it out we are planning another ladies bicycle ride in August"

For more details email treasurer@westlothianclarion.co.uk or visit the club's website at www.westlothianclarion.co.uk.