Cyclists find ‘hidden’ lanes in St Andrew’s

The fifth weekly ride of the season by the Guernsey Bicycle Group took place on Tuesday, during which they explored the lanes of St Andrew’s.

There was a good turnout for the ride, which started and ended at the Last Post.

GBG chairman Sam Field said the wet weather had not put people off this week, with around 25 attending.

‘It was very good despite the weather,’ he said.‘Normally we have 40 to 45 people on a sunny day. The youngest were four or five years old and we had right up to 75-80 years old.

‘It’s a family ride for any ability – this one was in the middle of the island so there were a few hills – but we try to keep it as flat as we can.

‘We went through the back lanes and ruettes tranquille and were pretty much undisturbed, we saw about four cars and were out for about an hour.’

Mr Field said they took routes that even he had not taken before and some he did not even know existed.

‘It’s a really nice way to see the island,’ he said.

The rides are free to join in with and take place every Tuesday at 7pm, starting and finishing at a pub so cyclists can have a well-earned meal at the end.

‘They’re a sociable bunch, pretty much everyone stayed for dinner [on Tuesday],’ said Mr Field.

This year GBG has introduced Gears and Going, a half-hour talk at the beginning of each session to help riders get the most out of their bikes.

‘It is tips mainly for adults and teenagers on how best to use your bike.’

Mr Field said the rides were all about getting cyclists comfortable on the roads.

‘We’re in a big group so you’re protected, it’s very safe.’

The rides are family-friendly and open to all, with each ride lasting about an hour.

Next time ...

The next ride is on Tuesday, starting and finishing at the Pony Inn for a tour of the Vale. It will begin at 7pm, with a Gears and Going talk on adult bike skills at 6.30pm.

Anyone wishing to keep updated on the rides can join the Facebook group: Guernsey Bicycle Group (GBG).