New cycle network will encourage people to explore north-east
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Cyclists will be able to explore and take on a challenge on a network of pop-up routes this summer as part of a new initiative.
The Ride The North 153 project will see temporary signs put up over 2000 miles in Aberdeenshire and Moray.
With uncertainty about events this year, this will allow people to get on their bikes and enjoy what the north-east has to offer.
Neil Innes, founder of Ride The North, said: "The north-east is all set to get a vast network of pop-up cycle routes from May to September 2021 all with signposts to guide you along the beautiful back roads.
"With uncertainty about events and at the same time absolute certainty that everyone is desperately looking forward to easing of travel restrictions, getting time away from home, visiting new places and supporting Scottish tourism, I hope this wee initiative to create 2000 miles of cycle routes will prove popular.
"2021 will be the tenth Ride the North – it has been the basis of my small business and real labour of love. As we entered the second wave of Covid before Christmas I decided that I had to do something different to try to make it through these difficult times.
"The north-east of Scotland has some magnificent road cycling and the signs will integrate with a challenge created for a summer of cycling.
"I hope this is something that can get more people out enjoying the countryside and it can bring more visitors to our corner of the world – with it’s magnificent hills, mountains, castles, whisky, river valleys and coastline."
The Ride The North 153 project features 135 routes across the north-east, which people can complete over the 153 days from May 1 to September 30.
Each route will see cyclists accumulate points and there will be a bronze, silver and gold levels for people to complete.
Mr Innes added: "I can say from the experience of my own family that cycling has been a real part of our efforts to stay well and stay sane over the past year.
"These signs are for everyone and not just those who cycle long distances and enter cycling events.
"If they tempt you to ride a bike for five miles for the first time in a while, that’s a good thing.
"The routes that are to be signposted are all part of a summer of cycling challenge due to start on May 1.
"The RtN 153 reflects the 153 days that these signs will be in place and 153 days of summer available to go visit some unexplored north-east back roads that lead to towns, villages and visitor attractions throughout Aberdeenshire and Moray.
"A huge thank you to Aberdeenshire Council, Moray Council and Nestrans for working with me on this.
"When I first raised the prospect of mounting way-finding signs on about 140 cycle routes as an emergency measure going into a ‘Staycation Summer’ I wasn’t really sure this could happen.
"Credit to all the authorities for coming together on this project and helping make it happen in rapid time."
For more information on Ride The North and the project visit www.ride-the-north.co.uk
