Campsie Glen

This 29 mile distance event including 339 metres of ascent being led by Douglas is suitable for all bikes and most abilities. It’s doable on a road bike if you don’t mind it being bumpy in a few spots. The terrain is mostly flat apart from one steep climb from Strathblane to Mugdock. There are a couple of optional train station drop out points at Milngavie or Hillfoot after mile 21 if you wish to shorten the ride or become tired. If you have recently completed a 15-mile cycle ride, you should be well suited to complete the ride.

The event will mostly take place on canal towpath, established cycle path and quiet roads. Highlights of the ride include the Strathkelvin Railway Path, offering spectacular views to the Campsie Fells to the north and panoramic views over Glasgow as we start the exhilarating descent from Mugdock.   

A map of the route including elevation can be viewed and downloaded at: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/65890451

IMPORTANT: If you register for an event and then are unable to attend, unfortunately it's not currently possible to cancel your place directly from our website event pages. Please contact us if you need to cancel as soon as possible so we can give someone else the opportunity to attend.

Who's welcome on the event?

In a nutshell, everyone, as long as they are respectul of other attendees. PRiDE OUT is an LGBTQ + cycling group for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, intersex and asexual/ace people. We also welcome allies.

COVID19

We ask that all riders respect social distancing guidelines wherever possible. We encourage riders to bring masks and hand sanitiser, just in case you need them before, during or after the event.

First event?

We know it can be nerve-racking joining a new group or event where you haven’t met anyone before… even for the most confident of people. We’ve all been in the same boat before, so we want to make everyone feel welcome. If you’d appreciate chatting someone before the event or having a buddy to meet you prior to going to the start point, please let us know by sending an email to hello@prideout.co.uk with the subject line ‘request a buddy’.

Pace of the ride

The purpose of the ride is to get some easy exercise at a moderate pace while being able to socialise in a relaxed environment. We will regularly stop to allow people to catch up. We never leave people behind.

Terrain and potential hazards

This bike ride event will be travelling on a mixture of quiet roads, traffic-free paved cycle way and canal tow path but we will try to stick to the roads with least traffic.

Hazards you may need to watch out for include bumpy paths and cobbles. Care should also be taken at narrow overbridges on the canal towpath. The traffic-free sections are shared with pedestrians and dog walkers, to whom we should always give way and alert with our bells when approaching from behind.

What bike should I use?

This event is suitable for hybrids, mountain bikes and (with care) road bikes that are in good mechanical order. Please have your tyres pumped to the correct pressure and with oil on the chain etc.

Refreshment breaks

Due to COVID 19 restrictions, more than two households are not able to meet indoors, therefore we are not able to eat inside at a pub or café but may be able to sit outside weather permitting. We will also stop near shops where there will be an opportunity to buy refreshments. Don’t forget to bring a mask.

Usually, we would have a drink after the event because is a great social opportunity to chat to people you didn't get a chance to during the bike ride. Due to COVID 19 restrictions, this may have to be at a venue with outdoor seating.

What else should I bring?

We advise you wear a helmet for your own safety, but it's not compulsory. You should also consider bringing some of the following: spare inner tube and tyre levers, any special tools your bike needs, some food or snacks for energy, bottle(s) attached to your bike and plenty of water, bike lock and glasses can be useful to prevent grit or insects getting in your eyes. Please wear/bring waterproof or warm clothes dependent on the time of year and weather forecast. Bring lights if you are likely to be travelling in the dark or wet weather is forecast. Please have footwear that is appropriate for your bike. Don't forget suncream (if it's summer) - you just never know with the UK weather!

Meeting point description

Meet at the top of the stairs and ramps at Spiers Wharf – a short cycle from Glasgow city centre and the main railway stations – allow about 10 minutes to get from Central station and 5 minutes from Queen Street station.

Any finally…

Have fun on the event. We promise to make you feel welcome and we’re sure you will meet some amazing new people. Please try to avoid cancelling at the last minute - it could deny someone else the opportunity to attend the bike ride. If you have any queries or need assistance, please email hello@prideout.co.uk and we will put you in touch with the event leader.