When you have a buzzing club full of enthusiastic cyclists, then why bring things to a halt as the darker evenings encroach on the regular activities?
Ben Wyvis Cycle Club is a friendly Ross-shire based cycle club encompassing all forms of on and off-road riding for all ages and experience. Between the months of April to September they run Junior club rides every Monday night and in an effort to continue these evening club rides throughout the year, they approached the Alpkit Foundation for support in obtaining bike lights that would enable the clubs junior riders to continue getting out and exploring the trails.
Wayne Browne from the club filled us in.
“As a club, we are aware that bike lights can be an expensive purchase for some parents, so to ensure that our qualified leaders can continue to take the children out safely, we as a club were looking to purchase a bank of loanable bike lights that the children can use.”
Cycling at night delivers its own special blend of adventure, one that challenges the usual perspectives and dials in the senses to whole new experiences. Being able to take the younger members of the club out on guided rides in the dark, gives the club the chance to help deliver even more memorable moments that build their skills and love of getting outdoors all year round.
With a Alpkit Foundation equipment voucher of £350, matched with a grant from Highland Community Energy Society, it meant they were able to purchase enough bike lights and helmet mounts for up to 22 children at a time to benefit from access to the lights. The added bonus of course is that these lights will the club be able provide safe lead Junior night rides this year but for years to come.
Alongside this, it’s also great to hear that 8 of their U14's have signed up to do the Strathpuffer race in January, so this will allow them to get in some crucial extra training during the darker hours. We’re looking forward to see how they get on!
“Since the purchase of these lights, we have large numbers of both parents and juniors attending our Monday night rides around Contin woods.
For many of our juniors who have never experienced night riding, it has given them the opportunity to live a new adventure, although the wet nights have given parents more washing to do.“
Ah well, sorry parents, best get those washing machines fired up as we envisage plenty of mud this winter!
Get Involved
Inspired? Find out about Ben Wyvis Cycle Club.