Scouts get set for midsummer adventure

23 May 2013

INTREPID Ross-shire scouts have been honing their cycling skills in advance of an exciting two-wheeled adventure in the local hills.

Members of the third Ross-shire scout pack in Muir of Ord took part in an action-packed session with local community cycle trainers Lizbeth Collie, Sheila Wickens and Giles Mackins as part of preparations for a 40km cycle and overnight bivvy on midsummer weekend.

Road skills and bike control, diagnosis and repair of basic fault and some First Aid basics were among the skills covered during the session at the Muir of Ord Showground.

The trainers also carried out a similar session with local cubs striving to achieve Cyclists' Activity Badge.

"I'm really excited about the trip - we're going to cycle to just past the Orin Dam and sleep in bivvy bags. We have to plan the whole thing ourselves," said 13-year-old Hannah Emerson.

"If I hadn't come to this training I wouldn't have been safe on the road.  We've learned how to use signals and how to keep steady. It's been good fun and I'm a lot more confident about cycling," added Rhona Urquhart, 12.

Sam Christman and Stefan Mathieson said they had learned a lot about keeping their bikes fit for the road. "I didn't know how to check a bike til now," said Stefan. "It's important to know how to check for faults as they can be dangerous. We've learned about things like dealing with punctures and sorting the brakes."

Sheila Wickens, one of the trainers leading the sessions, said: "The cubs and scouts we've been training have been really good - they've paid attention, practiced hard and showed a marked improvement in a short time. Their awareness, observation and road skills are definitely much better and this will stand them in excellent stead for their expedition."

Twelve community cycle trainers are now working in villages across the Black Isle as part of Transition Black Isle's Million Miles project, which aims to cut car use in the area by one percent a year.

Sociable, guided bike rides, a bike to work buddy scheme, safety training for cyclists of all ages and games and adventures are among the free activities on offer, and the cycle trainers are always keen to hear fresh ideas on how they can support folk to get on their bikes.

To contact them e-mail millionmiles@transitionblackisle.org or phone 07715663781. A programme of forthcoming events across the Black Isle is available at www.transitionblackisle.org