I kinda understand what he’s trying to say…. The article in question paints a slightly rosier picture of Glasgow than is the reality for MTBers but thats not to say Glasgow is in any way bad.
I’m originally from Edinburgh and for the last 8 years have lived in Paisley.
Most of my riding just now is at Mugdock which I do once or twice a week with a large group, Gleniffer Braes now and again and the odd blast round Pollock Park as well as trips to Trail centres whenever I get the chance. I can get to most of the 7 Stanes within a 2 hour drive and have some prettty tasty local trails so all in all compared to most places in this country Glasgow is pretty good for MTBers – of course it would be fantastic having some untouched trails within spitting distance of my house but hey-ho thats just how it is.
When cycling in and around Glasgow not once have I had any bother – never seen any “real” neds in Mugdock or Pollock Park and any neds I’ve encountered up at Gleniffer have been fine – who knows… maybe the fact that I’m 15 stone, unshaven and usually covered head to toe in mud stops them from bothering me. I usually say hello in fairness and ask if they’ve any spare bucky 😀
I was brought up in a pretty tough part of Edinburgh and learned very early on not to show any fear and speak to people with a confidence that will unsettle them and get them on your side.
BUT – Cathkin Braes is on the doorstep of a pretty tough part of town and unless there is some form of security during the honeymoon period i can see there being some issues – doggers, gays etc. will just go somewhere else once there are a lot of big smelly MTBers spoiling their fun and as for the neds….. well I would like to think that through time they will learn that most MTBers are pretty strong, fit and more importantly FAST.
Will be interesting to see what comes of Cathkin once the dust settles – seems like theres a fairly active community and if the community gets fully behind it and the centre at St Martins goes as planned then it could be “pure dead brilliant” 😉
Just look at how much money MTBers spend in the communities surrounding the 7stanes sites!