Burners’ deal to boost cycling in South Ayrshire

Ayr Burners Cycling QTS are pleased to announce a collaboration with the forthcoming Active Travel Hub Ayr that will boost grass roots riding in the area – from toddlers on balance bikes to adults embarking on their first group ride.

Founded just under a year ago to promote local cycling opportunities and encourage cyclists to visit Ayrshire, the Burners are now well-known on our roads thanks to their distinctive bright orange cycling kit and regular weekend group rides from Monkton and Alloway.

The Ayr Burners will subsequently deliver a calendar of events in conjunction with the new Active Travel Hub, opening early in the New Year at Ayr Train Station .

The partnership will see trained Burners ride leaders invite local cyclists, young and older, to take part in eight events in 2016, starting with a cycle jumble and maintenance workshop in February.

In March and June there will be family cycle rides taking in some of South Ayrshire’s quiet roads and country lanes. In April and May ride leaders will welcome toddlers to Balance Bike Games sessions at Belleisle.

April will also see a Family Treasure hunt on two wheels in and around Ayr while in May and June new and more experienced riders will be guided by experienced ride leaders on 35km Novice Group rides. Details of all events will be announced in the press and through www.ayrburners.org and www.activetravelhubayr.org  in due course.

Funded through the Scottish Government’s Smarter Choices Smarter Places programme, the Active Travel Hub Ayr seeks to encourage more people to travel actively, on foot or by bike in South Ayrshire. The “Hub” also committed to supporting and promoting events.

Chris Johnson, Chair of Ayr Burners Cycling QTS said:

The Burners are really excited to be partnering with the Active Travel Hub to deliver bespoke events that will enthuse people of all ages to get into cycling.

These events will also showcase the fantastic family friendly rides that we are so lucky to have in South Ayrshire under the guidance of our trained ride leaders. A big thank you to SAC and the Ayrshire Roads Alliance for giving us the opportunity to help deliver this important initiative.

In our inaugural year, Ayr Burners Cycling QTS has delivered more than 50 rides and events including the Ayrshire Alps Friendly sportive rides.  An equally ambitious calendar is in development for 2016, kicking off with the Doonbank Trofee Cyclocross events at Rozelle Park.  The core 2016 calendar is now published, with the promise that even more rides and adventures will be added as the months progress.

the featured photo shows Kenneth and Robin (both age two -and-a-half) enjoying a trip to the station.  Both are regular attendees of our ‘Sparks’ sessions