Hi Fellow cyclists,
On Wednesday 20th November, we are heading Charlestown for our packed lunch in the Queens Hall where we aim to arrive around 12.30pm. We will meet at 9.50am for a 10 am departure on the cycle path at Roseburn where it crosses the main road to Corstorphine. We will take a different route to the Forth Road Bridge from our usual, heading along quiet roads and cycle paths through Corstorphine passing the Dovecot (built in the 1500’s) and via South Gyle to Gogarmuir Road, then Ratho. We will head on to Ratho Station and cross the A8 by the pedestrian bridge. Following this we will head to Kirkliston on road and take the lovely wide smooth cyclepath that runs alongside the B800 all the way to the bridge where we will have a toilet stop. On the other side of the bridge we will negotiate the roadworks and head west along the coastal route to Limekilns and Charlestown. 23 miles. After lunch we will head to Cairneyhill and on towards Carnock but short of there take the West Fife cycleway where we will ride to Dunfermline. We will zoom down through Pittencrieff Park and Grange road. To avoid the worst of the roadworks on our return trip, we will take a left into Rosyth. We do have a busy junction to negotiate, but then we will pass by Pitreavie Castle which was built in early 17th century and after the Second World War, became the headquarters of the NATO North Atlantic Area. We will be rewarded with open views across Dalgety bay before heading down to Inverkeithing where we will have a very short stretch on a gravel path diversion just before the bridge. Once we are back across the Bridge, we will stop for coffee and cake at Scotts in South Queensferry, (a further 16 miles) before heading back along the old railway path to Dalmeny then along the cyclepath at the side of the A90 to the Miller and Carter at Barnton where some may wish to go their separate ways but I will head back to the start point at Roseburn-Total 49 Miles.
Text your name to 07753305845 to join the ride. I will not be using a tick list of names.
Take a note of my mobile number in case you get separated.
Route here for those with GPS devices:
https://gb.mapometer.com/cycling/route_4976394
While experienced group members will always give assistance and advice to other riders ultimately you are responsible for yourself and making your own way home. Hopefully no-one would be left in a situation of not knowing how to get home.
No attendance sheet will be completed instead text your name to my mobile number (above). The ride is primarily for Cycling UK members. However, non-members are welcome to attend, but would be expected to join Cycling UK after 3 rides.
Doug Mackie
Weather forecast for Wednesday looks cloudy but cold, with temperatures maximum 7 degrees C. Please be aware that at this time of year conditions can be unpredictable, so it may be necessary for ride leaders to change plans or cancel at the last minute. Cycling in a group does require skill and attention and safety is paramount so do please read and comply with our guidelines on the link below. Please ensure your bike is roadworthy and do carry suitable warm clothing, water, a spare inner tube, pump, basic tool/repair kit, your packed lunch, money for coffee stop, a snack to keep you going and a bike lock. Lights are essential.
http://www.ctclothiansandborders.uk/riding-guidelines/
Please carry emergency contact details both on your person (card in wallet/purse, ICE on mobile) and in your bike bag.
See you on Wednesday! Doug: 07753305845
