Photo from The Tour Series
The Tour Series, which ends today, Tuesday 24th May, has been making its way across Britain, inspiring us with top-level cycling and thrilling competition. However, it is not all about cycling at an elite level. At each stage the organisers have worked with local community organisations, groups, schools and cycling clubs, to deliver support events and community activities, ensuring the local community were involved on the day and promoting cycling to the local audience. We spoke to Laura Nisbet, Breeze Area Coordinator, who told us all about the local community involvement at Stage 2 in Galashiels.
Plenty of preparation and planning went in to organising the community events at Galashiels, including a request to involve Breeze and promote women’s cycling. Laura went along with the Breeze gazebo and promotional materials, to ensure that any women interested in finding out how they could be supported to cycle could find out about the opportunities available via Breeze.
On the day events kicked off at 1pm with a cycling skills session for local school children, coached by local British Cycling Coaches, including Breeze Champions Andrea and Laura. Throughout the day the Gala Town Band showcased their talents with regular performances, adding to the festival atmosphere. Portable ramps were assembled to create a pump track cycling challenge, with further coaching on offer. At 3.45pm the Borders Additional Support Needs group cycled a ceremonial lap of the circuit, led by Breeze Champions and cycling coaches. At 4pm Breeze Champions and riders gathered to prepare for their exclusive cycle around the course.
Local cycling and sports clubs and businesses were represented, including Hawick Cycling Club, who made room in their gazebo for the Hawick Belles Breeze group, whilst the Breeze gazebo shared their space with the Kelso Wheelers cycling club, alongside representatives from the Kelso Breezers, demonstrating the close links between the local cycling clubs and Breeze groups in the Scottish Borders. One of the Breeze riders had a daughter in the women’s race, so she had lots of support from the crowd when she crossed the line in seventh place.
Photo from Laura Nisbet
Laura told us she was kept busy throughout, chatting to people who visited their stall, interested in Breeze and local cycling opportunities, highlighting the value of getting involved in major events like the Tour Series to promote local cycling initiatives:
“It was an amazing to be asked to be part of the day. Seeing the children's determination on the coaching sessions, wanting to achieve what was asked of them. Two of the girls asking when they would get to do more of this as they had loved it, saying it was much better than lessons!
“The Breeze stand had various enquires, including some women who were pleased to learn that there was something available locally for the more recreational cyclist.
“My highlight was being able to lead the Borders Additional Support Needs group around the circuit, alongside fellow ride leaders and local coaches. I hope we have more opportunities like this at future local events.”
Interested in how your cycling club or Breeze group can get involved in future similar events in your local community? Email club development clubdevelopment@scottishcycling.org.uk or recreation@scottishcycling.org.uk
