Big Bike Weekend showcases pedal power

The Big Bike Weekend's return last weekend was bigger than before, bringing a chain of free events and activities to the Oban area.

 

A packed out film night at the Oban Phoenix Cinema showcased a collection of short films celebrating the power of the bicycle.

 

The Longest Night showed Annie Le’s epic bike-packing adventure, which saw her become the only person to successfully ride the Highland Trail 550 in winter.

 

Annie was delighted to be in Oban for her first public screening of the film and took audience questions.

 

"attachment_990319" "" "300"] The Big Bike Weekend put in a series of free events between July 21-23. Photograph: Beth Chalmers Photography.

 

The inaugural Oban Kids Bike Event then took place at Ganavan on Saturday, building on the success of the Kerrera Kids Bike event over the last couple of years.

 

More than 60 children aged two-12 participated in time trials on a bike course and newly built trails around Ganavan in a fully-booked event.

 

There was also positive feedback on how good it was to see these improved trails

 

and their showcase as a free resource for the whole community.

 

With the UCI Cycling World Championships kicking off in Scotland next week, these trails could become a training ground for Scotland's next generation of mountain bike champions.

 

The event hub had a real buzz all day with Argyll and the Isles Coast and Countryside Trust (ACT) and the Rusty Cycle Shed organising bike mechanic workshops and DIY bike repair sessions.

 

Local artists Jill Dibben and Renuka Ramanujam also organised beautiful bike themed arts and crafts, with Annie Le and local adventurer Mika Schröder running a bike-packing workshop and gear showcase.

 

Weary bikers and volunteers then spent the evening dancing at Oban Sailing Club in a fun filled family ceilidh featuring Rock & Reel.

 

On Sunday there was a social ride to Connel with a special cake delivery from Holly at

 

Solace Bakery to the Falls of Lora and a bike treasure hunt to Dunstaffnage.

 

For those still building confidence for cycling on the road, there were special

 

guided rides by trained ride leaders at ACT on Sunday as well.

 

An amazing team of ‘yarn bombers’ also crocheted and knitted their way round all the bike racks in Oban.

 

It was a real community effort and the Adventure Oban team expressed their gratitude for the support provided by the raft of passionate volunteers, local community anchors and businesses that made it happen.

 

Adventure Oban trustee, Isla McCulloch, said: “It’s amazing to see the Big Bike Weekend build on the success of previous years and watch the immense growing confidence of young kids challenging themselves and learning new skills on the bike.

 

"It’s a real showcase of the amazing community we have here in Oban to come together and provide these incredible opportunities for young people to enjoy our natural playground.”

 

The weekend was supported by Beth Chalmers Photography, Atlantis Leisure, North Argyll Cycle Club, Oban Sportive, Cafe Atlantis, Jasmine’s Cakes, Go Naked Veg, Print Mhor, Digital Kangaroo, Oban Cycles and BID4Oban.

 

The Dunstaffnage Estates and the Estates Office Argyll also supported the event, offering access to their land at Ganavan.

 

Head of EventScotland Robbie Clyde said: “EventScotland was delighted to support The Big Bike Weekend through the Community Cycling Fund. It’s brilliant to see local events showcase the power of the bike.

 

“The spirit of collaboration, knowledge-sharing and empowerment was at the heart of the weekend’s packed programme, and the success of this year’s event is once again testament to all the hard work and innovation from the organisers, and indeed the enthusiasm of those who attended across the weekend.”