GLASGOW'S oldest bike shop is to link up with one of the city's newest and fastest-growing cycle clubs.

Dales Cycles, which opened in 1912, will be the principal sponsor of Glasgow Green Cycling Club (GGCC). The club was set-up 18 months ago and already boasts more than 90 members.

Debbie Houston, managing director of the Dobbies Loan shop, said: "Cycling in Glasgow is absolutely booming and Glasgow Green Cycling Club shares our enthusiasm for making cycling easily accessible and fun for everyone.

"We already sponsor top individual riders but we also wanted to support a club.

"We are looking forward to supporting the club, whether it be racing at the new Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome or providing advice to members looking for their child's first bike.

"As Scotland's largest local bike shop we believe it's important to support our city's cycling community."

Although a new club GGCC has already established itself within the city's cycling community, with club riders a regular sight at the city's velodrome and on its roads.

The club is open to new members of all levels of experience and fitness. The club's training rides are divided into groups depending upon ability.

Ray Hicks, co-founder of the club, said: "We are proud that as a new club we have gained the support of Dales Cycles, a company with a long-standing tradition and reputation for being at the heart of cycling in Glasgow.

"When we started the club, it was with the simple idea of providing our members with the things they wanted to receive from being in a cycling club.

This partnership with Dales Cycles will help us deliver that as the company's support, expertise and enthusiasm will allow us to achieve many things in 2013 and beyond."

GGCC weekly rides always leave from the McLennan Arch on Glasgow Green at 8.30am on a Sunday.

Anyone who wishes go come along and give cycling a go is encouraged to visit the club's website at www. glasgowgreencycleclub.co.uk and contact co-founders Andy Dobinson or Ray Hicks before going along.

ewan.fergus@ eveningtimes.co.uk