Mountain bikers summit Goatfell
Pupils from Arran High School Mountain Bike Club (AHSMBC) completed an expedition to the summit of Goatfell on their first meeting of the new school term.
Seven intrepid cyclists gathered after school and navigated the steep and rocky terrain to the summit before enjoying the challenging descent and making it back to the bottom of the mountain by dusk.
Robert McNeice, technology teacher at Arran High School and AHSMBC leader, started the club in 2015 and has been providing Arran High School pupils with adventures on mountain bikes as well as leadership opportunities. Participants have also learned how to maintain and care for their own and club bikes.
Cycling sessions take place in all types of weather, with Robert leading groups of mountain bikers after school on Monday and Tuesday evenings during term time, either cycling from the school grounds or travelling further afield on the island. Older pupils who have come through the ranks at the club also assist with leading groups.
AHSMBC is currently recruiting new first year pupils at the school, and Robert would be interested to talk with any potential volunteer leaders.
In addition to the regular evening cycles, AHSMBC runs annual pre and post summer trips to the mainland, squeezing in other trips such as to the Golfie or Strathpuffer when the participants are resilient enough for those extra challenges. The first trip away this term is planned to take place before the October holidays.
Robert said: “By giving our young club members opportunities to take on challenges such as mountain biking on Goatfell, we can help them discover what they are capable of and build confidence along the way.
"The short-term risks involved in well-managed outdoor challenges are, in my view, far outweighed by the long-term risks associated with an inactive lifestyle.
"Building resilience, learning to manage challenges and simply spending time outdoors are all hugely valuable — and not a bad way to spend an afternoon after school.”
Further information about AHSMBC’s activities and contact details can be found on the club’s Facebook page by searching for AHS Mountain Bike Club.
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