The days are getting longer (and warmer) and, alongside that, our ride programme is getting fuller.
We are putting on some extra rides for the less experienced cyclists, which we call Starter rides.
The Starter rides are aimed at people such as, returnee cyclists, those for whom 10 miles is a new challenge/experience, those wishing to try group cycling for the first time, etc.
They are normally run along cycle paths/routes and minor roads so are generally pretty flat in profile.
There will be several over the coming months, with two scheduled for April.
The April Starter rides are grouped together at the bottom of this email.
Check our website (www.cycleayrshire.co.uk) occasionally for any additions/changes to the ride programme.
Saturday April 6th. @ 10.00am - 20 miles
After leaving Eden Garden Centre, the group will cycle in the direction of Dreghorn, Busbiehill, Kilmaurs, Watersmeeting and Standalane, joining the cycle track at Knockentiber for the return journey.
Picnic stop at Watersmeeting with an optional coffee at the end of the ride.
Registration closes Thursday April 4th. @ 18.00.
Sunday April 7th. @ 10.00am - 35 miles.
Richard F. leads us from Kilwinning Station north towards Dalry, but we quickly leave the road to join cycle paths and minor roads past the MOD at Beith towards Howwood, where we turn south-west towards Lochwinnoch on cycle paths.
After Lochwinnoch, there is a hilly section which takes us to the lunch stop at the Lochshore Hub.
After lunch we return to Kilwinning, mainly using cycle paths and quiet roads.
Approximately 1700 feet of ascent, so a bit of climbing involved.
Registration closes Friday April 5th. @ 18.00.
Sunday April 14th. @ 10.00am - 18 miles.
It's Joyce N. to the fore as she leads a circular tour visiting Monkton, Tarbolton & Symington.
Hayes Garden Centre is the favoured spot for the lunch stop.
Registration closes Friday April 12th @ 18:00.
Wednesday April 17th. @ 10.00am - 21 miles.
A leisurely bike ride using NCN routes 7 and 75 as Anne S. winds her way from Castle Semple Visitor Centre to Johnstone via Kilmacolm.
For those travelling to the start by train from Ayr direction, you now need to change at Kilwinning for Lochwinnoch.
There is a small lift in Kilwinning station but probably quicker for a few cyclists just to go up and over to Platform 1 for Lochwinnoch.
For those travelling from Largs direction, there is no need to change.
The ride will finish at Johnstone as this will do away with the need to change at Kilwinning for those going home towards Ayr, and save lifting heavy bikes down to the Lochwinnoch Platform where there is no ramp.
For those who have parked at Castle Semple, they simply retrace the last 7 miles on NCN Route 7 to the start.
Lunch stop at the Cargill Centre cafe.
Registration closes Monday April 15th. @18.00.
Sunday April 28th. @ 10.00am - 53 miles
Chris W. takes us up the Byne to the Assel Valley, leaving the road at Tormitchell to ride through the windfarm to Barr.
Following the Changue road on gravel, we'll travel past Aldinna to reach tarmac on Tairlaw.
Descending through Straiton for refreshments at Kirkmichael, we'll head for Kilkerran and then towards Wallacetown.
Right on tarmac before picking up our next off-road section above the Girvan Valley.
Descending back onto the Girvan High Road and past Grant's to return.
3,600 ft of ascent and 15 miles off road.
Allow 5-6 hours riding.
Suggested minimum tyre size of 32mm due to the nature of the varying terrain.
Registration closes Friday April 26th. @ 18.00
Saturday April 13th. @ 10.00am - 10 miles.
Our first Starter ride of the year is with David Stringer on an easy trip from Troon to Prestwick beach and back, along quiet roads and paths.
Optional coffee at the beach cafe in Prestwick.
Numbers limited to 15.
You must register in advance.
Registration closes Thursday April 11th @ 18:00
Sunday April 21st. @ 10.00am - 10 miles.
The next scheduled Starter ride has Pat S. leading a short ride using Irvine's extensive cycle network to uncover some hidden open spaces.
There's an opportunity for a coffee at Puffers Cafe at the end of the ride.
Numbers limited to 15.
You must register in advance.
Registration closes Friday April 19th @ 18:00
