Granny's Towpath Trio for Velo City Inverness
Donation protected
Granny on the Towpath – that’s me!
To celebrate my 73rd birthday I’m raising funds for a very special group of people, who have supported my return to cycling after many years.
Velo City Inverness promotes positive mental and physical health in the city and throughout the Highlands. Their aim is to see more people enjoying and feeling confident cycling.
They run sessions with individuals, small groups and families. These sessions are free. Bikes and helmets can be lent out for the rides, and through their partnership with the Cycling UK inclusive cycling experience they can provide adapted cycles (e-bikes, e-trikes, and side-by-side bikes) on some of the routes.
Weekly group rides explore routes on quiet roads and car free routes. People of all backgrounds and experience are welcome. There’s always lots of chat and laughter as we cycle, with a café stop at the end, to warm up and continue the conversations.
"We are a diverse bunch and welcome new people to the group rides."
These are my friends and my inspiration for pedalling around 160 miles along a trio of canals: the Caledonian Canal from Inverness to Fort William, the Forth & Clyde Canal from Glasgow to Falkirk, and the Lancaster Canal from Kendal to Preston.
I’d like to raise £1 (or more!) for every mile of my journey. I’ll be taking my time from 1st to 21st of May, camping in a small tent, bunking in youth hostels and enjoying a couple of nights’ B&B luxury before heading home. I have a clutch of train tickets for ‘between the canals’ and I've booked fine weather for the adventure!
Why canals? Well, they don’t have many hills, this is my first long cycle tour with a loaded bike and I do have a few creaky joints these days. Then, I love exploring new places, meeting people, listening to their stories…and I love watching boats. I’m looking forward to springtime beside the water, with the weather getting warmer as I trundle south, maybe even a kingfisher or an otter, who knows?
Why camping? Because I’ve done it all my life and love it. Camping with my bike will be a new adventure. There have been several practice nights in the back garden – and much fine tuning!
Why do it at all? Because I still can, which is a privilege. Not everyone has that chance.
The hardest part so far has been sorting out the logistics. The scariest part will be getting me, my bike and its luggage on and off the trains. The most exciting part is counting down the days until we set off…
If you can help Velo City Inverness continue their good work by making a donation, however small, it will be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
You can visit their website here: www.velocityinverness.co.uk
Organizer and beneficiary
Terry Williams
Organizer
Scotland
Velo City Inverness
Beneficiary