The Mountaineering Council of Scotland (MCofS) is running a new course on bike handling and basic in-the-field cycle repairs for hillwalkers.

'Do you ever access the hills by bike? Ever experienced 'the long walk out' due to a flat tyre or perhaps a broken chain? If so this one-day course could be for you' says MCofS Mountain Safety Advisor Heather Morning.

The aim of the course is twofold - to develop the confidence and technical skill to carry out track-side repairs to your bike, and to learn some basic riding techniques to minimize the potential for causing damage to yourself or your bike in the first place.

This one-day course will be run on a 1:6 ratio. Al Gilmour, a qualified Mountain Bike Leader, full-time instructor at Glenmore Lodge and member of the Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team will be heading up the course. The main topics covered during the day will be:

• First Aid for your bike, including early recognition of worn parts.
• Trail side repairs including repairing a puncture, replacing a tube, repairing a broken chain, gear adjustment etc.
• How to ride your bike safely and efficiently over rough terrain.
• Advice on a basic repair kit to carry on your bike.

'To get the most out of this course you need to be reasonably fit and enjoy a four hour cycle on forest tracks. This will involve some ascent and descent on the forest tracks around Fort William' says Heather.

The course will be based at the Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team Base, Ben Nevis Industrial Estate, Fort William

Course date: Saturday 19th November, 9 am – 5pm

Cost: £35 (members) £45 (non-members)

Please note: You must bring your own bike, helmet and gloves, as well as your normal hill kit and packed lunch.

To book a place call the MCofS office in Perth 01738 493942 or alternatively email.

For further info contact Heather on 01479 861241 or email.