FEMALES from across West Fife came together recently to enjoy to enjoy a "fantastic day" on two wheels.

Dunfermline Cycling Club hosted their first-ever 'Fife Women's Social Bike Ride', which aimed to bring together riders of all levels and encourage more ladies to join.

Two routes - one over 30 miles, and the other over 45 - had been planned, departing from the Glen Gates, and included stops at Muircot Farmshop, in Tillicoultry, and the community café at Bandrum Nursing Home in Dunfermline.

Both routes offered a mix of gentle cycling and a few challenges, and those in attendance then gathered at the club's hub, near the Peacock Sanctuary in Pittencrieff Park, for cake and conversation.

Rachel Payne, women's secretary of Dunfermline Cycling Club, said: "As the women's secretary for the Dunfermline Cycling Club, one of my primary aims this year has been to encourage more women to get out on their bikes and join us for rides.

"Cycling is not just about fitness; it's about enjoying the fresh air, making new friends, and sharing experiences. For me, cycling offers the perfect combination of exercise and socializing, allowing us to connect with others, hear different stories, and support each other along the way.

The event proved to be a big success.The event proved to be a big success. (Image: Dunfermline Cycling Club.)

"We held our very first Fife Women's Social Ride, and what a fantastic day it turned out to be! I want to extend a huge thank you to all the wonderful women from across Fife who joined us both on the road, and those that kindly set up the hub for our catch up after. It was a real pleasure to see so many new faces eager to ride alongside our club members.

"The success of this ride shows how important it is to create welcoming spaces for women to join in and feel part of the cycling community. I know that finding a group to ride with can be daunting if you’re new to cycling or haven’t been out in a while, but that’s exactly why we planned this special ride – to make it easy and fun for women to give it a try.

"Everyone had a fantastic time, and there’s already excitement for the next special woman’s ride. If you're a woman in Fife looking to get out on your bike, whether you're an experienced rider or a complete beginner, I encourage you to join us for our next social ride.

"It’s a great way to enjoy the outdoors, improve your fitness, and meet some friendly, like-minded women along the way."

For more information, find Dunfermline Cycling Club on Facebook.