South Queensferry The Hard Way

Hello All

Given the guidance from Scottish Cycling, Cycling UK and the Scottish Government we are able to continue the Wednesday ride programme subject to various conditions - see below.

The ride on Wednesday 21 October is to South Queensferry. Please meet at Redhall Park at 9.50 am for a 10.00 am start.

Most of the ride is on tarmac but there are short sections of track which could be muddy at Roman Camps and Cammo.

Please TEXT me 07786662943 if you are coming on the ride (this will be standard for the foreseeable future: so that the leader will have an up to date phone contact and limit numbers if necessary). The limit is now 9 riders.

The morning's route is about 28 miles. We head out by the canal to just beyond Hermiston , then road to Ratho, and rejoin the canal there to Muirend where we leave it for Roman Camp Cottages. Then we head in a clockwise direction to Ochiltree, Kingscavil, Abercorn, Hopetoun and South Queensferry where we will stop for lunch, either al fresco or in a cafe. Perhaps it was not such a hard way after all.

The return route is a mere 17 miles and takes us to Craigiehall, Cammo, Turnhouse , Gogar, Heriot Watt and then Currie and back down Lanark Road. The mapometer route below shows a section from Currie back to the start via the Water of Leith path but we may possibly omit that as sections of the path could be closed for some civil engineering works.

See the route at https://gb.mapometer.com/cycling/route_5162061.html

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 of and ride in accordance with the group safe riding guidelines at

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

We are required to maintain 2 metre social distancing whilst cycling. Thus we should ride in single file in groups of 3.

On main or busy roads we must maintain sizeable gaps between groups of 3 cyclists and ensure the groups behind know which turning we are taking with the last person in each group stopping and signposting if appropriate.
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.

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.

You should already have emailed Janet ironside@blueyonder.co.uk to confirm you have read the covid regulations below.
Please note that by attending a ride:

You are self-certifying that you are well and not required to isolate or quarantine.
You agree to maintain social distancing at all times.
You agree not to share food or drink
You will carry a mask and hand sanitiser in case of untoward events, such as mechanicals or accidents.
You agree to follow NHS guidelines if you become unwell after the ride.

Looking forward to seeing 8 of you on Wednesday.

Duncan