Clydebank Evening Ride

This 14 mile distance event including 104 metres of ascent being led by Douglas is suitable for all bikes and most abilities. If you have recently completed a 10 mile cycle ride, you should be well suited to complete the ride.

The event will mostly take place on established cycle path and canal towpath. The route will take us along the Loch Lomond cycleway to Clydebank returning along the Forth and Clyde Canal towpath and Kelvin Walkway. If time allows there may also be time for a refuel stop at McMonagles Boat chippy on the canal at Clydebank.    We should be finished the ride before dark, but you may wish to bring lights to get home after the ride. A map of the route including elevation can be viewed and downloaded at: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/35908968

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 traffic-free paved cycle way and canal tow path.

Hazards you may need to watch out for include a few intersections with main roads. 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 just about any type of bike that is 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. You may wish to have an early evening meal before the run, but there will also be opportunities to stop any buy refreshments en route. 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 sun cream (if it's summer) - you just never know with the UK weather!

Meeting point and public transport/parking

Meet 18.30 at the north side of Bells Bridge, near the Crown Plaza Hotel and SSE Hydro. Nearest railway stations are Exhibition Centre (2 mins), Charing Cross (5 mins) or Central Station (10 mins).

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.