A 2018 cycling calendar – featuring striking illustrations and being supported by among others, Olympian, Sir Chris Hoy – has been produced by a Scottish cycling club, as part of a fund-raising campaign to help get a traffic-free cycle circuit built in West Lothian
West Lothian Clarion are asking cyclists to buy the “perfect Christmas gift”, with all proceeds going to the West Lothian Cycle Circuit community fundraising target of £25,000.
One of the circuit’s fundraising patrons is Sir Chris Hoy, who said: “The 2018 cycle calendar is absolutely stunning. I’m looking forward to getting one in my stocking this Christmas! It’s all for a great cause; the West Lothian Cycling Circuit will help turn Scotland into a nation of cyclists.”
The calendar was the brainchild of Clarion members, Matthew Ball and Garry Marshall.
Matthew said: “Garry and I have been producing our club magazine for seven years with each cover featuring one of Garry’s beautiful cycling illustrations.
“We thought it would be great if we could combine all the illustrations into one amazing calendar and raise money for a good cause.
“It’s the perfect Christmas gift for cyclists everywhere. Every month features a different scene. Cycle-cross, mountain biking, club runs and track racing all feature through the year.”
This calendar is the latest in a series of fundraising ideas which have seen cyclists of all levels – including Olympian, Katie Archibald – taking part in cycling challenges.
Over £12,000 has already been raised in four months.
Priced at £15 + P&P, it is available at http://www.cyclecalendar.co.uk
The hope is the print run of 1,000 is sold out, well before Christmas.
Matthew is one of the coaches in the West Lothian Clarion, which runs cycling sessions every week for its 85 under-16 members.
He added: “We’ve been coaching in car parks for seven years, but we’ve outgrown where we are and need a better location so that our 100-strong waiting list can be reduced.”
The cycle circuit has been developed by the Linlithgow Community Development Trust, a community-led charity. It has ambitious plans to build a 1km traffic-free cycle circuit for everyone to enjoy.
Fraser Falconer, chair of the Trust, said: “With support from the Council, the community, local clubs and national sporting bodies, we are focussed on reaching our fundraising goal.
“The overall fundraising goal is to raise £681k. With £312k already committed from West Lothian Council, £344k grants/trusts in the pipeline, and a community fundraising target of £25k, we are working hard to make this project a reality.
“This project will give people of all abilities and from all walks of life the chance to become healthier, more confident and happier, and connected with their community and environment. We know cycling has this impact.”
The closed road cycle circuit will be designed for easy access, suitable for all abilities including adaptive cycles and handcycles, as well as runners. Two thousand people will benefit from this facility every year, with 25,000 visits per year.
Notes for editors:
Key features
• 1km of high-quality tarmac road, 6m wide
• Four loops that can be combined to create circuit variation, or used separately for short distances
• Floodlit for year-round evening use
• Unique cobbles section for an extra challenge, or training for the Paris Roubaix!
• Road markings to aid cycle coaching
• Storage facility to enable storage of adaptive bikes and hand cycles
• Cycling Development Officer to ensure accessibility and inclusiveness for all
• Cycle ramp access to the Union Canal, part of the National Cycle Network
West Lothian Clarion
West Lothian Clarion was founded in 2008 as a result of like-minded local cyclists looking for a way of developing their own ability in the company of others.
It currently has 200 adult and 85 youth members (boys and girls, women and men), the youngest aged six, the oldest 75.
Based in Linlithgow, it meets very week and runs youth coaching thought the year.
In 2017, it organised the Scottish National Circuit race championships
For more information, contact Matthew Ball on 07989 597175, by emailing mball@matthewball.co.uk
Linlithgow Community Development Trust
Linlithgow Community Development Trust is a community-led charity, has ambitious plans to build a 1km traffic-free cycle circuit for everyone to enjoy. With support from the Council, the community, local clubs and national sporting bodies
The overall fundraising goal is to raise £681k. With £312k already committed from West Lothian Council, £344k grants/trusts in the pipeline, and a community fundraising target of £25k
More details at: http://trust-linlithgow.org.uk/west-lothian-cycling-circuit/
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West Lothian Clarion contact details…
Contact: Matthew Ball
Email: mball@matthewball.co.uk
