VOLUNTEER BIKE PATROL FOR TWEED VALLEY

Mountain bikers are being sought to join a new Tweed Valley Volunteer Bike Patrol.

The bike patrol, the first of its kind in Britain, will offer advice and assistance to all visitors to Forestry Commission Scotland's forests in the Tweed Valley.

Since August, there has been a small number of volunteers shadowing the full-time bike rangers in the Tweed Valley, learning many of the skills needed to be a bike patroller. The plan over the next few months is to offer training to more volunteers so that a bigger bike patrol is on hand to help the growing number of visitors to the Tweed Valley's forests.

Will Huckerby, Forestry Commission Scotland recreation manager said:

"To join the patrol all you need is a mountain bike, some spare time and a lot of enthusiasm. Our biking rangers will help teach all the skills needed to become a member of the Tweed Valley Volunteer Bike Patrol. We won't expect riders to become experts overnight and there will be plenty of support and encouragement to build up skills and knowledge.

"Being a bike patroller can be a great way to keep fit and meet new people. For keen mountain bikers, it's a great excuse to get more hours in the saddle too! The Tweed Valley has a really friendly and sociable feel to it and our patrols will give an added touch of service for all visitors."

The idea of a Tweed Valley Volunteer Bike Patrol was taken from the International Mountain Bicycle Association in America where they have been in operation for years. Over in the States, the patrols help all mountain bikers out on the trails who may need advice on routes, need help with bike repairs or need assistance after an accident.

To find out more about the patrols and to shadow the mountain bike rangers, Andy Wardman and Iain Withers, please email tweedvalley.bikepatrol@yahoo.co.uk or meet at the Glentress Forest osprey car park on the first Sunday of every month at 11am.

Media enquiries: Will Huckerby, Recreation Manager, Scottish Borders District on 01750 721 120 or Steve Williams, Forestry Commission Scotland press office, 0131 314 6508