A CYCLING project encouraging people in Inverclyde to get back in the saddle is proving a ‘wheelie’ big success — with scores of people enrolling in less than a month.

The Re-Cycle Yourself initiative in Gourock ran throughout August and helped around 50 locals from the age of 11 up to 80 to get on their bikes to keep fit and healthy.

Sessions took place every Tuesday and Wednesday, setting off from St Ninian’s Church on St John’s Road then along Inverclyde’s beautiful waterfront.

Demand was so high that extra evening outings had to be arranged to accommodate the enthusiastic cyclists who became a common sight travelling between Lunderston Bay and Customhouse Quay.

Equipment was provided by local company Clyde Activity Bikes, which helped set up the project along with community care forum Your Voice.

The enthusiastic bunch have clocked up a total distance of over 1,400 miles — the equivalent of Gourock to Paris and back again.

Organisers have now teamed up with Cycling UK to continue to promote cycling in Inverclyde as part of the new national campaign, The Big Bike Revival.

Stephen McGrath, of Clyde Activity Bikes, said: “We are delighted to be working with Cycling UK to promote cycling and in particular the great facilities we have for leisure cycling in Inverclyde.

“We particularly want to encourage those who for many reasons have not got on their bike recently.

“By providing bikes and company along the route we are sure many will return to this hobby whether to keep fit or just to use the car less.”

It all starts today with a host of activities in and around the shore front cycle path.

Free group cycling sessions will be available all day from Gourock Pierhead, with bikes provided for those who do not have one or cannot transport their own.

A ‘bike surgery’ will be set up where local company Phillips Cycles will carry out safety checks and minor repairs and they will also be offering instruction for activity badges for local youth groups.

The purpose is to encourage use of the cycle track between Gourock and Lunderston Bay.

Anyone who completes the return journey as part of the campaign will get a free refreshment courtesy of Café Continental on Kempock Street.

Group cycling will continue during the week with sessions on Sunday from 1 to 5pm and Monday to Wednesday from 11am to 1pm leaving from the car park at the Royalle Club in St John’s Road.

Booking is not essential but is recommended to avoid disappointment and more events will be held in October.

For more information check out the Clyde Activity Bikes Facebook page or call 07867 797757.