Stirling Cycle Hub

DISCLAIMER: I worked relief hours at the Hub but wrote this review before taking on employment there.
Ever since I bought my bike second hand a few months ago, I’ve been whizzing about Stirling town. Nothing intense. — A short trip here, a short trip there. To uni and back and for small grocery trips. But ever since I got my bike I also wander past the cycle hub curiously. ‘I have a bike now! Can I join you in your hub of cycling?‘
It’s a pretty little set-​up next to Stirling train station and cycling’s its thing. With a HUGE map of the Stirling area on the wall and awesome seats made out of old bikes, it’s worth a visit whether you’re a local or visiting cyclist. They can sort you out with cycle routes, give that flat wheel of yours a pump or simply satisfy your need for a good old-​fashioned chat about bikes.
After a quick like of the Stirling Cycle Hub facebook page I saw that they had a festive night light cycle planned that would go around town and last an hour. Sign me up! So, with tinsel round our bikes, we were welcomed by such passionate, friendly people! My wheels were a little on the flat side so they were happy to pump them up for me before we hit the road and there were free lights for those who didn’t have any on their bike or just wanted to get more into the festive theme of the ride. The ride couldn’t have been safer and we were signed in and out to ensure we were all back in one piece. It had been planned to cycle routes as much as possible which was great for anyone who was apprehensive about road cycling and the ride was leisurely, not strenuous! It was a lovely cycle about town as we got several ‘toots’ for our festive attire! We soon headed back to the hub for tea, mince pies and chatter. Police even stopped by to stamp our bikes so they could be traced if stolen. (Yay for anti-​theft and the Cycle Hub’s great local connections!)
Now, it really grinds my gears (pardon the pun!) when people say that there’s not a lot to do in Stirling and that there’s far better communities thriving in larger cities. There’s community if you look and the Stirling Cycle Hub is a really great find!