The seven-times Tour de France winner used Twitter to invite fans to take part in the event in Paisley, Renfrewshire.

And as a result, around 200 people gathered near the Ashtree House Hotel in Orr Square and the High Street in the town.

Fans took photos and asked for autographs from the American star. The watching crowd also applauded and cheered as the group set off on their cycle.

Asked whether he was surprised to see so many people turn out, Armstrong said before climbing on to his bike: “Yes.”

“It’s a chance to meet lots of people. We made up our mind to come and see a show two nights ago and I said hey let’s have a bike ride,” he added.

Asked whether he knew much about cycling around Paisley, he smiled and said: “I know nothing about it.”

He also said his plans for a team in next year’s Tour de France were “getting there”.

“We’re probably half way there,” he added.

But when asked how many Tours he has left in him he replied “one more” but there was “no way” said he would compete in London 2012.

In the Twitter messages before today’s gathering Armstrong wrote yesterday: “Hey Glasgow, Scotland!! I’m coming your way tomorrow. Who wants to go for a bike ride??”

Followed by: “Hey Glasgow - ride’s at 12 noon. Location tbd. Stay tuned! Still dialling it in. And yes, I have my rain coat!”

Cyclists and fans started to gather before 11am today ahead of Armstrong’s arrival at around 12.20pm.

Former world champion in the individual pursuit and bicycle builder Graeme Obree was among those who turned up for the event.

He said: “It’s fantastic - I know my friends will be jealous. He does have such a draw.”

Alexander Sneddon, who lives in Rutherglen, Glasgow, said: “It started off a little bit vague on Twitter yesterday saying hey Glasgow, Scotland, see you tomorrow. I wasn’t sure what to make of it.

“It just seems so incredible to be here and this is actually real.”

“To be so close to the great man is unbelievable, he’s such a hero,” the 41-year-old added.

Julie Watson, a 44-year-old nurse from Fife who has been cycling for 10 years, said: “It’s a bit out of this world. It’s quite dream-like. It’s a chance in a life-time to ride with my hero. He’s an inspiration that I’ve followed for years since his cancer.”

After the group cycle Armstrong told fans through Twitter: “Thanks to everyone who turned up to ride in Paisley! I figured we’d have a nice ride for a dozen or so. But 100’s came. Haha! Awesome!”

“And hopw (sic) great was it that the Flying Scotsman Graeme Obree came out?? Legend..”, he wrote.