Biennial Glasgow to Ratho Bike Ride

Ratho Scout Group and Tormain Explorers recently held their biennial “Glasgow to Ratho” bike ride. This now-traditional event has been running for many years, and despite its name, the young people have a choice to start in a number of different locations, cycling in small groups alongside the Forth & Clyde and Union Canals back to a big welcome home in Ratho.

The event has grown in scale from its humble beginnings with just 14 Scouts to become a huge event involving young people and leaders from each of our sections. This year they included their Beaver colony for the first time, as well as adding two new starting points to cater for a wider range of abilities. This took the total number of young people taking part to more than 60, who were aged from 6 to 16 and cycling a range of distances between 7.5 to 55 miles. They were ably supported by a large team of 25 leaders and adult helpers, who cycled alongside them and provided much-needed refreshment and encouragement at the various rest stops along the way.

The groups were set off at staggered times from the various start points along the canals so that they all arrived back in Ratho at roughly the same time and to a huge heroes welcome (and a well-deserved BBQ and drink)

A huge congratulations to all of our young people who took part this year, especially given the less-than-ideal weather. And a massive thank you to all of the leaders and adult volunteers that ensured the event was able to run smoothly.