Joy Rides
Two wheels can't help but put a smile on your face!
Part exercise, part social group, part exploration of the beautiful place we live in. Joy Rides are all about passing on the magic of time spent on two wheels to anyone that wants to join in, regardless of ability, confidence or equipment.
These group rides meet once a week in two locations: Aviemore and Boat of Garten. They’re inclusive and social — rides last around two hours, but when there’s good conversation and the chance for a cake stop, the riding doesn’t always have to be priority number one!
Rides are led by a qualified, experienced ride leader, who will plan the route to be suitable for all participants and will carry the necessary tools and equipment to sort out any trailside mishaps. Routes will take in quiet road sections and multi-use off-road trails. You don’t need to be a mountain biker to join in, and almost any bike will be suitable, from hybrid/town bikes through to mountain bikes and e-bikes.
Don’t have a bike? We can provide a bike for you free of charge, just let us know in advance.
Adaptive cycles can be provided free of charge through our partnership with Able2Adventure where availability allows
Is this for me?
Joy Rides are for you if you:
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Are aged 16 or over.
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Want to include more exercise in your week.
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Want to build confidence and experience cycling, but aren’t sure how to get started.
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Have some experience of riding a bicycle on flat ground. If not, and you would like to learn, get in touch!
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You don’t need:
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To be an experienced cyclist already.
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To own your own bike/helmet.
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To know how to fix your bike.
Parents/carers, relatives and care staff are also welcome to join Joy Rides. Please sign up separately.
How to join
Joining a Joy Ride couldn't be easier. Please sign up here, where we'll collect a few details. You can then join the WhatsApp community where we share details, news and updates. If you don't have access to WhatsApp, just get in touch using the contact from below.
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The Spin Project will provide a bike/helmet/waterproof clothing free of charge where avilability allows. Just get in touch and let us know what you need.
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Aviemore: 1230-1430, Tuesdays from 22 Apr - 24 Jun.
Meeting at BackcountryScot, 5 Granish Way
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Boat of Garten: 1230-1430, Wednesdays from 23 Apr - 25 Jun.
Meeting at Boat of Garten Community Hall
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You will need:
- A bike in safe condition to ride. If you don't have a bike, or are unsure about its condition, contact us!
- A bike helmet in good condition (contact us if you need one).
- Appropriate clothing for the weather and condiitons, e.g. a waterproof jacket if it's raining, a warm layer if it's chilly.
- Food/water
- Any medication you may need while out riding.
- A pinch of enthusiasm and an interest in getting outside!
Nature Prescriptions
We are proud to be working in partnership with the Green Health team at the Cairngorms National Park Authority as part of the provision of nature prescriptions. It's well established that access to the outdoors delivers huge benefits to mental and physical wellbeing, and we're determined to lower the barriers that prevent people from accessing those benefits.
If you feel that help with accessing the outdoors would be of benefit to you or someone that you know, talk to your GP or visit the website of one of these practices to self-refer:
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