Sole Cycling, a Bristol-based mountain bike club, recently launched a series of Wednesday evening rides designed to get young people of all ages and abilities into cycling.

Rides are aimed at young people between the ages of 9-17 who are looking to get some exercise and develop their off-road biking skills.

Sessions start on Wednesday 27th April, 2011 and run through until September, from 5pm-7pm at the Manor House Car Park in Ashton Court.

The rides are suitable for all, from new and younger riders to experienced teenagers.

Marc Molloy, Sole Cycling session leader said: "The group spends time on the grass outside the Manor House doing short races, assault courses and coached sessions, which provide a challenge for less able riders but also a good test for seasoned riders too. We also take the group on led rides on the trails over in 50 Acre Wood and Leigh Woods when the conditions are suitable."

These evening rides complement Sole Cycling's Saturday morning sessions, running all year round, between 10am-12pm in the same location.

Marc said: "As well as riding and getting fit, young people are encouraged to take part in all aspects of the club. They are the chairmen, coaches and mentors and make decisions about things like who wins the annual awards and where we go on our annual trip."

Riders taking part in a Sole Cycling session

Sole Cycling are supported by the charity Access Sport, who helped them buy new equipment to get new riders involved. Sole Cycling can now supply helmets, gloves, water bottles and other equipment to riders who are just getting started to hopefully make the cost of mountain biking less of a barrier to taking part. Sole Cycling also promise "a shiny new gazebo so parents can hide from the elements while they watch the sessions."

To ride regularly, riders need their own bike and helmet and must be able to ride a bike without assistance. Sessions cost £5 per rider. Sole Cycling do have a couple of bikes to lend but call Marc first if you need one.

For more information visit http://www.sole-cycling.org/ or give Marc a call on 07894 144595.