Weekend Bike Bash at Bennachie

Two mountain bike events designed to encourage safe riding off-road will be taking place in close to the Bennachie Centre on the weekend Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 July. On Saturday 21 July there will be a 'beginners bike bash'. An expert mountain bike tutor will be on hand to offer instruction on how to ride and tackle off road riding safely. Riders can participate at any time between 10am and 4pm, and have a ride over a fun obstacle course. A limited number of bikes and helmets will be available for those who don't have a bike to help entice them to 'give it a go'. This event is suitable for anyone 8 years old or older. On Sunday 22 July riders can join instructors for a guided bike ride through the Bennachie woods. The route will follow forest roads and easy trails and will be open to anyone 12 years old and over, however children under 16 years old should be accompanied by an adult rider. This event will start at 2pm and end around 5pm. For this event participants should bring their own bike and helmet. Jackie Cumberbirch, Ranger, Forestry Commission Scotland, said; "These will be fun events designed to teach riders some new skills that will help them ride off-road more safely. On Saturday we'll be looking to teach people how to handle their bikes on off-road trails then on Sunday we'll be using forest trails and easy routes for the guided rides. "We ran a similar event in Kirkhill last month which attracted a lot of interest. We hope that this event at Bennachie will attract even more people and get them involved with this exciting and rewarding sport. It's a relax and fun way to help encourage people to get out and about more on their bikes and utilise the forest trails close to their home. "What's more its a great excuse to combine a family outing with a bit of healthy exercise and some fresh air." Both events are being run in partnership between Forestry Commission Scotland and Aberdeenshire Council. Anyone interest in taking part in either event should make their way to the meeting point at Forestry Commission Scotland's Bennachie Centre Car Park near Chapel of Garioch. For further information contact Jackie Cumberbirch, tel: 07799558209 or visit www.forestry.gov.uk/aberdeenwoods