Just like last year, our June Extra ride saw Alan lead us to one of our most popular destinations: Silver Sands Beach at Aberdour in Fife. Crossing the Forth Road Bridge, following the delightful Fife Coastal Path to arrive at a sandy beach with extensive views over the Firth of Forth made for a lovely ride. There was a noticeable breeze and there were gusts of wind as we crossed the Forth, but there were sunny spells, and it was pleasantly warm without getting too hot. There was one unfortunate incident on the return leg where a rider fell and sustained a minor injury.With Alan's briefing over, nineteen of us left the Craigleith meeting point and made our way to Cramond Brig for the obligatory pause on the bridge. From there, we rode onwards through Dalmeny village, the quiet back streets of South Queensferry and to the Forth Bridge Visitor Centre for a comfort stop. From there we headed across the bridge into Fife. Although it was quite breezy, it was as lovely as ever to cycle across the Forth and enjoy the view. On the recce the previous Saturday, it had been so misty that it wasn't possible to see the two other bridges at either side. What a difference a week makes! The main road to get into the centre of Inverkeithing was less busy than usual, but the sting-in-the-tail were the three-way temporary traffic lights smack bang in the middle of town. Although they delayed us for a few minutes, at least we all got through in one go. It was good to leave the town behind and head onto the Fife Coastal Path. A mixture of tracks with stunning views across the Forth, and paths through rather grand housing estates took us past St David's Harbour, Downing Point and Donibristle Bay on the edge of Dalgety Bay. Once again, all credit to Alan for finding his way through the maze of paths, and soon we were passing the impressive ruins of St Brigget's Kirk. Through the underpass, and we turned slightly inland to follow minor roads and tracks past fields and a golf course to emerge in the village of Aberdour. Another mile, and we were at Silver Sands Beach for our lunch stop.The beach was not as busy as we had expected, but it meant there was plenty of room for the group to spread out and enjoy their picnic lunches. With lunch over, we began our journey home retracing the outward route from the morning, and were once again able to admire the views across the Forth. Once again we marvelled at Alan's ability to lead us through the maze of paths through the houses. Leaving the lovely coastal path behind, soon we were contending with Inverkeithing's temporary traffic lights. It was here that one of the riders fell and sustained a minor injury. A passer-by stepped in to help. Fortunately the injury wasn't serious, but the rider was a bit shaken. They decided to take the train back to Edinburgh. Graham kindly offered to see them to the station. So, leaving them in Graham's capable hands, the group made their way across the Forth Road Bridge. This time it was windier, with some quite strong gusts at certain points of the crossing. During a comfort stop at the Forth Bridge Visitor Centre, we were surprised to be rejoined by Graham. Apparently, the injured rider had decided to cycle home. Graham accompanied them across the bridge, but rejoined the group once satisfied that they would be OK to make their own way home. Leaving South Queensferry we were joined by a cyclist who was riding solo from John o' Groats to Lands End. Glad of the company he rode with us and chatted for a while. In doing so, he missed his turning in Dalmeny village. At our next stop to regroup, we were able to put him back on the right road. A pause at Cramond Brig, and a short while later we were at Craigleith where Alan declared the ride over.
Thanks to Alan for leading, to Saqib for back marking, and to Graham for helping the injured rider. Decent weather, lovely scenery, and one of our favourite destinations resulted in a great ride that was enjoyed by all.
Leader: Alan
Report: Glenn
Photos: Glenn