For the last six weeks Govan High School Language and Communication Resource has been engaged in a block of Mountain Bike training led by two of Scottish Cycling’s Go-Ride coaches working out of Cathkin Braes MTB Centre.

Over the course of the training, the students have progressed, either in their MTB skills, general cycling proficiency or in their self-esteem, engagement and resilience. For many students in the unit, the indoor environment can be uncomfortable and distracting but they relish an outdoor challenge. Two of the students who had previously been refusing to attend class or engage in work have followed the coaches direction and worked hard around the MTB course and pump track whilst learning new bike handling skills.

Other less proficient cyclists have discovered that they can engage in technical cycling manoeuvres on the pump track through the support of the Scottish Cycling Go-Ride coaching staff. This valuable work has built the self-esteem of pupils who often feel less capable than their sportier classmates.

A student who had tended to abandon new tasks if he found them too difficult has persevered through his cycling setbacks, building his resilience both on and off the bike.

Such has been the success of the activity, that students have constantly been asking when they would next get an opportunity to go cycling.

Find out more about the Go-Ride Programme HERE