east lothian bike

 

13th Nov

Lucky for some. Actually there were mixed fortunes but largely a really good day out. Mary was fielding a runjury, so we were obliged to exercise on bikes. I had mine serviced recently so was well up for a bit of E. Lothian bikey business. Mary was able to cycle (but not run) so we threw the bikes in the Berlingo and drove to Gullane. It is mildly fiddly to get the bikes in the van (back seats fully down, my front wheel off) but possibly better overall to start outwith town and especially if the E Lothian sun is shining. Don't know if we could be arsed doing this every weekend but a change is as good as whatever.

We wanted a bit of road and a bit of trail. So set off on the road to NB but headed coastward at Dirleton and along the JMW. Trails were dry and good cycling. I'm guessing I had the big camera in a pannier but only ever used the compact which I had in a pocket. Mary had been out on her bike a few times instead of running and was more speedy & confident than I was expecting. 

At N Berwick we went past the station and up the hill to the Law car park then continued out the JMW towards East Linton. 

there were some walky bits
or some walked while others cranked up hilly bits in granny rings 😁

all the good stuff (except maybe horses)
(though Anne and Fiona would disagree)

First time we'd been past Stink Farm in ages. It lived down to its name and was properly unpleasant. Then on to East Linton. We stopped at the top of the hill for photos - always a good view back to NB Law and over to East Linton and Traprain.

both made it up this hill without putting a foot down
it makes you breath hard though!

we had stuff to eat and drink from the coop

well painted hare by the Tyne

steps weren't as bad as I thought they might be

Mary fell off here
If I'd been quicker I'd've got a photo of her sprawled on the ground!
(No damage done.)

Bit by bit the trail got harder. It was fairly muddy and often the camber made you feel like you might slither down into the river. My balding rear tyre is overdue replacement and was skidding about horribly. The paths are narrow and a bit rutted and it slowly became tiresome and wearying to be constantly battling to go no faster than a medium running pace. Also our nice clean bikes were becoming filthied up. I wondered whether we should maybe make an escape to the nearest road. However the sun was coming back out and as it did, the scenery was really getting very lovely.

I kept hoping the path would improve. Sometimes it was okay, other times we walked for stretches. The riverside path from E Linton to Haddington is about 6 miles and would be the highlight of this route if it was run. Cycling (nearly 90mins for only 6 miles!!!) proved a bit less than ideal but once it dries out in the Spring would be a better bet.

From Haddington we cycled North up and over the hill towards Aberlady. We stopped to take photos of the great sunset at the top of the climb, then enjoyed the mud flying off tyres as we zoomed down the other side. The difference in pace was amazing - so happy to be back on proper roads. There were hundreds of geese in the fields near Luffness. 

After the ordeal of the muddy riverside path, everything else seemed fairly easy - getting the bikes into the back of the Berlingo (after poking off clods of mud with a stick!) and driving home in the twilight, and getting the bikes back out at the other end.

Due to the muddy slip-and-slide I don't think we will hurry back to this route but the general experience was good and we really enjoyed the faster miles. The scenery flies by so quickly compared to running.

Tweaking kit also makes life (and winter bike expeditions) easier. Mary kindly bought me windproof overshoes as my extremities get cold when cycling. (Weirdly my hands never suffer too much although I always wear cycle mitts over winter gloves). I have neoprene overshoes but when not raining or snowing I find they get a bit damp on the inside as they don't "breath". The new overshoes are an excellent addition and keep toes warm on dry frosty days cycling.

about 28 miles in 4 hrs
nice day out