Falkland

Note the earlier than usual 9am start time. 

Starting at 9am from Roseburn (Roseburn Cycle Path, on the bridge across the A8), this group ride will go via the Bridge and Glenrothes (lunch stop) to Falkland and the Pillars of Hercules café (coffee stop) before returning to the Bridge and then back to Roseburn. It is a long group ride of 81 miles although riders can reduce the distance of their individual rides by deciding to join and/or leave the group at various points.

The route up to the outskirts of Glenrothes is the same as Weds. rides of recent years. At Glenrothes this ride will pass round the south, east and north of the town before arriving at Falkland and the Pillars of Hercules coffee stop, thus avoiding the long steep climb over the Lomond Hills.  The return ride from the coffee stop (apart from 2 short detours) is similar to previous years.

Start/end options

Official start at 9am at Roseburn. Total of 81 miles.

9:25am at Cramond (Miller and Carter steakhouse car park). 73 miles.

10am at South Queensferry (car park/WCs at Bridge Visitors Centre). 64 miles.

In addition the route passes near to the following rail stations providing more options for returning early to Edinburgh.  Markinch, Lochgelly, Cowdenbeath, Inverkeithing, Dalmeny.   Please inform the leader or the back marker if you decide to leave the group early.

Route out.  Leave Edinburgh on the usual cycle path/route. Cramond pick up. South Queensferry pick up.  The Bridge. Inverkeithing (WC stop). Dalgety Bay. B9157 towards Puddledub. Auchtertool. Loch Gelly ( the loch not the town!). Cardenden, B roads to SW of Glenrothes.  Cycle paths to picnic lunch stop at the Michael Woods Sports Centre (31 miles) where there is a small cafe.

Route Back.  Mainly cycle paths to Markinch.  On road CR766 through Star. Continue on CRs 766 and 1 to Freuchie and Falkland to coffee+cake stop at Pillars of Hercules(45mls).  Traverse round Lomond Hills on CR1 to Wester Balgedie. A911 to Scotlandwell, B920 to Lochore and outskirts of Lochgelly.   Minor roads/tracks around Lochgelly. A and B roads to and through Cowdenbeath and Crossgates, Cycle paths to Dalgety Bay and Inverkeithing. The Bridge and back to Roseburn.

Click on the following www link to see and download the probable route.

https://gb.mapometer.com/cycling/route_4944451.html

This route is mainly surfaced.  Be aware that some of the ride is along busy roads with fast traffic. Bring suitable clothing for the predicted weather, 2 spare inner tubes, pump and basic repair kit, snacks and drinks to keep you going and a picnic lunch. Please do not forget to check before you start out that your bike is roadworthy especially the brakes. Always ride safely and in line with the Highway Code. In addition please be aware and ride in accordance with the group safe riding guidelines at

https://www.cyclinguk.org/group/page/guidelines-safe-riding

On the numerous main or busy roads we must maintain sizeable gaps between groups of 6 or 8 cyclists and make sure the following groups know which turning we

are taking.  In addition some of the cycle paths around Glenrothes are damp and can be slippy especially at the path edges. Be extra careful of skidding.

The group will always do their best to help anyone in mechanical difficulty. However, you are ultimately responsible for looking after yourself and getting yourself home. Please carry emergency contact details both on your person (card in wallet/purse, ICE on mobile) and in your bike bag. I will also compile an attendance sheet.

Hope to see as many of you as possible.

This ride is for members of UK Cycling. If you are not a member you are welcome on this ride although you will be expected to join after being on a maximum of 3 UK Cycling rides.

Note the earlier start time.

Bob Fowler