AS the band Queen once sang: “I want to ride my bicycle, I want to ride my bike.”

That’s exactly what I’m intending to do thanks to the Scottish Government who on Monday will launch a national campaign designed to encourage thousands of people to cycle for everyday journeys.

It’s The Big Bike Revival, an award winning programme developed by Cycling UK who help people in Scotland to bring their bikes back into use by providing bike health checks, sharing maintenance know how and giving people more confidence in the saddle.

I’m very honoured indeed to have been asked to be an ambassador for this wonderful campaign.

Partnered by 50 community groups and bicycle recycling centres across the country, the project aims to reach 20,000 people to encourage them to get cycling again and to replace short car journeys with a bike as it’s the Scottish Government vision and hope to see 10% of every day journeys completed by cycle by 2020.

Now, I know I might seem like a strange choice.

I mean, I hardly scream cyclist to look at and I appreciate that, but I think that’s probably why I really wanted to get involved with this campaign.

I do want to get fit and healthy and this seemed like a fun and environmentally friendly way to do just that.

Also I’m currently on a one way train zooming through my 30s and there has to come a point when you start to take health and wellbeing seriously and stop spending your weekends shooting sambuca shots through your eyeballs. OK, I jest but you know what I mean, right?

In everyday conversations you’ll hear people say “oh, it’s easy, it’s just like riding a bike. You never forget.”

Well I’ll be honest, I’m not sure if I even can still ride a bike. It’s been about six years since I attempted to do my best Sir Chris Hoy impression when I went cycling around Millport with friends.

Now, I won’t lie to you – after nine miles I literally considered throwing myself off the bike.

The gentlemen in the bike shop assured me that he’d given me an extra padded seat. I can assure

you this was most definitely not

the case and to say I had trouble walking for the next week would be an understatement.

But after the launch of The Big Bike Revival on Monday in Stirling I’m planning on rectifying that asap.

So what are you waiting for? If I can give it a go, you can, too.

Even if it’s just to your local shop or park with friends and family or if you’re really adventurous ditch the car and cycle to work.

No matter how short a journey get on your bikes and ride. The Big Bike Revival runs from September 19 to October 31, with hundreds of events and activities across every local authority area in Scotland. To find an event or a Big Bike Revival centre near you, visit www.bigbikerevival.org.uk.

I’M delighted and honoured to once again be hosting the T for Tommy Lunch on Sunday, October 16 at Celtic Park.

I’ve had the pleasure of hosting this fantastic ladies lunch for many years now and I know this year is going to be another smash hit success thanks to the incredible and loyal support from the wonderful women who attend and donate thousands of pounds each year to such a worthy cause.

The event is in memory of the great man and footballing legend Tommy Burns and raises much needed funds for the Tommy Burns Skin Cancer Foundation.

For those who have never been before it’s an afternoon of bubbles, high tea, entertainment and live music from yours truly, not to mention incredible prizes on offer and plenty of dancing to top off a truly wonderful day out.

With tickets priced at only £25pp you’ll need to be quick to get your ticket/table as this event always sells out.

For more information you can call 0141 551 4288 or you can e-mail events@celticfc.co.uk.