HELENSBURGH’S mountain bikers are gearing up for another summer of action - and can’t wait to get back out on to the trails built by locals.
Last year the Advertiser reported that the Helensburgh mountain biking community had agreed terms with local land owners over the use of newly built bike trails in the area - and as winter turns to spring, the ideal conditions to enjoy them are almost here.
Summer has always been the best time for outdoor activities, and mountain-biking is no different.
With long summer nights and drier terrain, the hills surrounding Helensburgh are the place to be for local bikers.
And with restrictions easing over the summer months, and boredom set in from lockdown over the past half a year, this should be a special summer for many.
READ MORE: Helensburgh mountain bikers strike deal over woodland trail use
Jacqueline Hood, from the Helensburgh Mountain Bike Meet-up group, told the Advertiser: “One of our members was speaking with a Scottish Woodlands representative recently, and they are completely happy with how the trails are being used by bikers.
“It gives local youngsters something else to do in the town now that the skate park is temporarily out of action. For me, I’m looking forward to riding in shorts!”
Jacqueline’s children Benjamin, 16, and Oliver, 14, can’t wait to get back out on the trails too.
Benjamin said: “I’m really looking forward to the usual spell of good weather in April and May and hopefully for the rest of the summer so the trails can dry out properly and I will be able to ride every day.
“I’m also looking forward to the longer evenings and the school holidays.”
READ MORE: Helensburgh and Arrochar bike shops sign up to repair scheme
Oliver added: “I can’t wait to spend time with my friends outside and doing something fun and challenging and keeping fit at the same time.”
Enjoying the trails is not the only thing that the local family have been participating in, with the Helensburgh Mountain Bike Meet-up group’s members looking to aid the local community by maintaining the local paths network.
“We’re hoping to help to benefit both local walkers and riders,” Jacqueline continued. “We’re hoping to get work groups made up of our riders organised in the better weather to improve the pathways, particularly those youngsters doing their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, as this will count towards their volunteering section.
“Also, we now have a women’s only mountain biking group who organise informal relaxed rides.”
For more information or to join the women’s only group, contact the 'Helensburgh Mountain Bike Meet-up' Facebook page.
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