Women who want to try their hand at mountain biking or experience female riders wanting to refresh their skills should pencil the three Women on Wheels dates in their diaries.

The events are organised to encourage more women to take up cycling and are the perfect opportunity to learn about basic mountain bike riding techniques, bike repair and how the sport can be used as an easy way to improve fitness.

The first Women on Wheels event, which costs £20 with bike hire or £10 if you bring your own bike, is to be held at Ae Forest near Dumfries on Sunday January 23 from 10.00 am and will include:

– A ‘have-a-go’ circuit within the forest car park
– Guided forest cycle rides in small groups with a local female tutor
– Lunch and refreshments provided by the Ae Bike Shop and Cafe
– A lunchtime talk from the inspirational charity cyclist Mavis Patterson
– Basic bike maintenance tuition.

Following this event there will be a further two optional events, at Mabie Forest on Sunday February 20 and Kirroughtree Forest on Sunday March 12, where those who took part in the first event can join in organised rides with the same tutors.

Both additional events begin at 1:30pm and cost £15 with bike hire or £5 if you bring your own bike. No lunch or refreshments are served at these two events.

For further information visit the Women on Wheels website, contact Margaret Bryden on 01387 272440 or e-mail [email protected]