Lance Armstrong brought traffic to a standstill in Paisley today as more than 200 people joined an impromptu bike ride with the seven-time Tour de France winner.

Armstrong, 37, issued an open invitation to riders via a Twitter post yesterday, which read: "Hey Glasgow, Scotland! I'm coming your way tomorrow. Who wants to go for a bike ride?"

The American is in Scotland to watch U2 play Hampden Park tonight but fancied a bike ride ahead of next week's Tour of Ireland, where he is due to compete.

In pouring rain, Armstrong was mobbed by fans and the media as he arrived at Ashtree House Hotel, Paisley, shortly before 1pm.

Dressed in black Lycra, he expressed his surprise so many people had turned up to ride with him and revealed he had not been training much for the three-day Tour of Ireland.

Armstrong retired from cycling in 2005 after his record seventh straight Tour de France.

He returned to the sport last year and finished third in this year's race, which was won by Astana team-mate Alberto Contador.

The pair fell out and Armstrong is in the process of forming a new team - Team Radioshack - for what will be his final Tour next year.

He revealed today he was halfway towards completing his line-up, saying: "We're getting there. We're probably halfway there - a dozen guys."

He refused to divulge any names, claiming any announcement would have to wait until the beginning of next month.

However, he has already confirmed former US Postal Service and Discovery Channel team-mate George Hincapie as having agreed to sign up.

The likes of Levi Leipheimer, Chris Horner and Andreas Kloden have also been touted as likely team-mates.

Mark Cavendish was a rumoured target but Armstrong today appeared to rule out a move for the sprint specialist and his fellow Briton Bradley Wiggins because the pair were contracted to other teams.

Joining Armstrong on his ride today was double world champion and former world record holder Graeme Obree.

The 43-year-old Scot, who won gold in the 4,000 metres individual pursuit in 1993 and 1995, revealed he had never raced Armstrong but was looking forward to meeting him.

"It was short notice but to get the chance to meet him - he's done so much for charity and everything else - it would be a privilege," said Obree, who broke the one-hour distance record in 1993 and 1994.

"It will be fantastic and all my friends would be jealous.

"He does have such a draw; it's just incredible."

Of the weather, Obree added: "It will be just as enjoyable as it always is on a wet day in Paisley but with Lance here, it'll be a real sunshine day."