What’s On: Cycle September

We’ve all been hearing about the benefits of exercise for our mental and physical wellbeing… but it’s not always easy to get started. At Love to Ride West Lothian, our ‘Cycle September’ campaign is aimed at getting more people cycling, and we would love it if you would join us!

We run lots of fun challenges year-round. Our website is packed with local information on cycle routes, events, community groups, and so on. You can record your cycles, set goals and win achievement badges. Inspiring stories and photographs from local cyclists encourage you to get out and about - give them a virtual highfive of encouragement as you read their stories!

WHAT IS CYCLE SEPTEMBER?

Cycle September is a work-place challenge designed to get groups of colleagues cycling (together or separately) to compete against other local individuals and work places. It’s fun, friendly and there are great prizes to be won. There are, of course, points to be gained for each ride and for distance covered, but there are also big points awarded for getting other people to join you and giving them the confidence to give cycling a try. You only have to cycle for 10 minutes to get points…and to realise why so many people love cycling. This is a great way to bring people back together (physically or virtually) and work towards a common goal. You can even invite other workplaces to compete against you for a bit of friendly competition, for example teachers in one school can challenge the teachers of another school. Great fun!

HOW DO YOU JOIN?

Register on the lovetoride.net/ westlothian website. It’s easy to sign-up, completely free and the health benefits can last a life-time. You can start at any time in September. Record any rides and you’re in with a chance of winning.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU DON’T KNOW HOW TO GET STARTED

Please get in contact at lyndsey@lovetoride.net if you would like help to get started. We can put you in touch with clubs, show you where to find maps and even help you access bikes. We are lucky to have the West Lothian Bike Library on our doorstep here. There are also some fantastic local cafes to head towards as a reward for your efforts. Some we love are Abby J Cakes in Mid Calder, The Park Bistro in Linlithgow and, for a longer cycle, Hickety Pickety Tea Room near Forth. There is also a fantastic new business in Livingston called Ptarmigan Coffee who do ‘Pop-up’ events selling their artisan bakery goods and roasted coffee – and for when you don’t feel like cycling to reach them, then they deliver their products to you by bike (in Livingston area). Come join the challenge, have fun with colleagues, enjoy the health benefits and win some prizes. This years prizes include lots of biking merchandise, a £50 voucher for the Park Bistro, £50 voucher for Ptarmigan Coffee, and a decadent cheesecake from Abby J Cakes. Lots more prizes on the website. Register at LOVETORIDE.NET/WESTLOTHIAN

This article is contributed by Lyndsey at Love to Ride West Lothian. Love to Ride West Lothian is funded by West Lothian Council