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Category: Bike Rides 2004
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The November ride consisted of coffee at the local coffe shop as teh westher forecast was quite horrendous. The December Spokes Ride went to East Lothian, a nice ride, wind assisted in part, out to East Lothian, sunny in the morning, but a wee bit cool. Around 12 people turned out. A nice short ride, we were home about 4 o’clock, some of us a bit sooner.

We went through the traffic free Holyrood Park to Duddingston, the joined the cycle path going through Bingham. We went up Duddingston Park South, on to Niddrie Mains Road to The Fort. From there we left the main road, turning on to Whitehill Road, then the cycle path under the A1, along Mucklets Road to Musselburgh Station. From there we went down through Musselburgh to the mouth of the River Esk, along the East then West Bank of the river.

Photo opportunity, in the bright December sunshine. To warm up again we head west to Mountjoy Terrace, then head east again along New Street. We crossed the river and followed the John Muir Coastal Path to Prestonpans. Lovely views across the Forth to Berdour, where we went last month, and excellent views of Arthur’s Seat. At Prestonpans, we rejoined the road, travelling along the High Street, then south up West Loan. We headed eat along Preston Road, then the B1361 and A6094, Salter’s Road. We headed North along Carberry Road to stop for lunch at the Craig House.

After lunch, the sun had disappeared behind a the cloud, and we went along Cowpits Road, past the frisky horses, to rejoin the A6094, Salter’s Road, at the West end of Whitecraig. We turned off the A road after ¾ km to enter Dalkeith Country Park, where we saw Wee ponies and more horses. We went through the woods, which gave shelter from the wind. We then went along the High Street and Eskbank Road, where we joined the Dalkeith – Penicuik Railway Path. We turned off at Bonnyrigg, then headed back to Edinburgh through Lasswade and the along Lasswade Road. At the Captain’s Road junction we said our goodbyes and went home.

Next month will also be a short ‘hangover recovery’ ride on January 2nd 2005. It will be to Midlothian, something to escape the Christmas Stuffing, and a breath of fresh air. We will have a quick bite to eat somewhere, before heading back to my house, where you will be plied with various festive offerings. Please let me know if you plan to attend.

Ride Stats

Distance:                50.2km, 31.2 miles, very short
Average Speed:           16.1km/h, nice and slow
Total Time Cycling:       3 hours 23 minutes
Total Height Climbed:   566m, 1857feet, very flat ( 1 in 290 )
Temperature:              8 deg Celcius