A great day out at the East End Cycle Gala! 28/09/2011

Back in May, Bike Clubs from across the East End of Glasgow came together with a host of other cycling projects in the city to discuss how to work together better and promote cycling to the community.  Since then we have taken part in many events as a big group, made a short film about Bike Club and on Saturday 17th September held the first East End Cycle Gala in Alexandra Park. 

In partnership with Milnbank Carbon Reduction Project (MCRP), Haghill Park Primary School and the Glasgow Bike Station, the main focus of the event was the grand opening of the new mountain bike track built by MCRP with funding from the Climate Challenge Fund.  A great facility for the local community, the track offers young people the chance to experience the thrill of mountain biking in the heart of the city.  Bike Clubs from all over Glasgow descended on the park along with young people from the nearby Dennistoun and Haghill areas.  Over 300 people attended the event, taking advantage of all the activities on offer:

The 7 Stanes Stunt team impressed the crowd with their amazing stunts all afternoon, the Smoothie Bike was kept busy making delicious pedal powered fruity drinks, the Radworx guys were mobbed - teaching BMX tricks on their mobile ramps and the Peachy Keen human energy exhibition was  a huge hit.  Two Go Mountain Bike coaches from Ed’s Cycle Coop led group skills rides on the new track all afternoon, introducing young people and parents to the track and the many ride variations available.  Glasgow Life Art tutor Lesley led a very creative art workshop making prints and Jackson Pollock inspired art pieces which will be used in the school to promote the new Ally Park Bike Club. 

Ques for the Glasgow Bike Station Dr Bike and Bike Swap started early in the afternoon.  With such a good deal on offer this was unsurprising. The Bike Station guys were offer a swap your old bike for a new one, including new helmets, lights and locks all for free!   Face painting, free tea from a Christiana Bike  and a big bike goodie giveaway from Glasgow City Council completed the afternoon. 

The event raised the profile of both the new bike track and cycling in Glasgow.  Thanks to everyone who came and all the activity providers and volunteers who helped out!

The above pictures were taken by two local photograpghers who came along to document the event.  Thanks so much to Duncan McVicar and Mark Gallagher!