Please meet at Fisherrow Harbour Musselburgh at 09:50am for a 10:00am start.

The ride is a 45-mile figure of 8 in East Lothian stopping at Archerfield Garden Centre for lunch. 

We will leave Musselburgh, ascend through Inveresk and then past Carberry Tower up to the traffic lights at Crossgatehall. Thereafter we bear left and take country roads through Elphinstone, New Winton, Boggs Holdings and make our way to Gladsmuir where we join the cycle lane on the busy A199 for about 1 mile. We then turn left through Trabroun and Elvingston and continue on minor roads to Bangly Brae. We descend the Brae and turn right towards Athelstaneford but turn North down to Drem then on to Archerfield for lunch (25 miles). Please note that there is not a designated WC stop before lunch however there are facilities at the start at Fisherrow. I have booked a table at Archerfield and will confirm the numbers on the day. There is also a counter for take away coffees and a small selection of sandwiches at Archerfield and ample opportunity to sit outside should you wish to bring your own lunch. 

After lunch the route takes us to Gullane, West Fenton and then at Aberlady we turn inland to the Ballencrieff roundabout where we turn right along the B1377 for a few miles before turning inland again at Spittal up towards Bangly Brae. We then continue to the level crossing at St Germains and then on to Cockenzie. The coast road takes us to Prestonpans where we join the John Muir Way back to Musselburgh. 

All of the route is on tarmac except for about 1 mile of the John Muir Way which is hard packed earth and which is suitable for all cycles.

The forecast currently is 15C, a moderate southwesterly breeze,sunny intervals and showers. 

https://www.strava.com/routes/19534471

You will need drinks and snacks to keep you going, plus money for lunch. Please also bring basic tools, a pump and 2 spare inner tubes to fit your bike, plus a bike lock and make sure that your bike is roadworthy. 

Riding in a group requires consideration for others in the group. Our riding guidelines are essential reading prior to coming out on the ride to ensure safety for yourself and the other riders.  https://www.cyclinguk.org/group/page/guidelines-safe-riding

Please ride in groups of around 6 with  gaps the length of at least 4 buses between and at any turns, make sure the person behind sees you or stop till they catch you up.  Please take note of my phone number 07786457742 in case you get separated from the group.  In accordance with good riding practice you should carry emergency contact details both on your person (card in wallet/purse, ICE on mobile) and in your bike bag. An attendance sheet will be completed on the morning.

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. The ride is primarily for Cycling UK members.  Non-members are very welcome but would be expected to join Cycling UK after 3 rides.

Looking forward to seeing you on Sunday morning.

Sandy

07786 457 742