Pentcaitland

Hello All and a Happy New Year,

Weather permitting Wednesday’s ride starts from the Robin’s Nest Public House Gilmerton Road. The route is just shy of 80 kilometres.

Great to see so many at lunch in Dirleton in December but it seems a long time ago; it was before the winter solstice. Since then of course the days have been fair drawing oot, however sunset is at 4pm so we will not linger in the afternoon.

The lunch stop is the Carriage House, Pencaitland which is attached to the parish church. If the weather is suitable we will head up Gilmerton Road to The Drum accessing the cycle path to Loanhead via the cycle ramp. Loanhead is a toilet stop from there we will cycle on to Rosewell downhill to cross the River North Esk and up into Polton and on to Rosewell, Carrington, Temple and Gorebridge, Dewartown, possibly Oxenford Castle, Preston Toll, House o’ Muir, Templehall, skirt Glenkinchie and then turn left to Pencaitland via Lempockwells, right at the A6093 to the hall.                45 kilometres

After lunch we cycle south on B6355 and turn first left as far as Samuelson where we cross the River Tyne past the Mains and left on the A6093 for a kilometre and then right to the Hodges, through Bogs Holdings then the B6355 keeping Winton House our left and join route 196 to Crossgatehall past Smeaton Shaw, Smeaton and into Dalkeith Country Park, out through the Kings Gate to Melville Gate Road and on to Dobbies for coffee and cake.        27 kilometres.

From there it is a further 5 kilometres via Gilmerton Road back to the start at Robins Nest. The planned route is below but we may deviate a little to take account of prevailing conditions.

https://gb.mapometer.com/cycling/route_4977487.html

Everyone is very welcome to attend but for riders new to the group, our riding guidelines on the following link 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   You will be expected to join Cycling UK after 3 rides.

Do take note of my phone number in case you get separated from the group. 07713247662 and for new riders, I will collect your details prior to the ride.  If you intend to be a regular rider with us please email icectc.lb@gmail.com with your contact details and a contact number in case of emergency, so that we will have your details available..

Please make sure your bike has lights and is roadworthy and that you have 2 spare inner tubes and basic tools to change an inner tube.  Please dress for the weather. You will need to have water, a packed lunch and some money as well as a bike lock. 

Please carry emergency contact details both on your person (card in wallet/purse, ICE on mobile) and in your bike bag.  Remember you are riding at your own risk and whilst the group will always try to help out as best as possible with punctures and mechanical problems, you are responsible for looking after yourself and getting yourself home.