Extra ride to Merryhatton this Saturday

We've got the fourth of this summer's Extra rides coming up on Saturday (30th). It promises to be a particularly pleasant run through some scenic East Lothian countryside.

Route and destination

The ride will start in Musselburgh. Under Glenn's leadership, we'll head east along the coast road, which is an A-road and therefore possibly busy with traffic. But it has the advantage of being reasonably flat - not to mention having excellent views over the Firth of Forth. We'll turn inland at Aberlady, after which we'll take mainly quiet roads to Drem and then on to our lunch stop at Merryhatton.

The return leg will take us through Athelstaneford ("birthplace of Scotland's flag") and past the Hopetoun Monument. This will also be on quiet roads, through attractive countryside. There will be a few hills on this part of the route, but only one that is likely to be at all strenuous. We'll eventually rejoin the coast road near Seton Sands before returning to Musselburgh.

Keep in mind that this will be a particularly long ride. The total distance from and to Musselburgh will be about 36 miles. Musselburgh is a further seven miles from central Edinburgh, so, depending where you start from, your total mileage might be nearer 50. As well as the extended mileage, the ride will go at a faster pace and with fewer stops than most or our rides. Please keep that in mind when deciding if your fitness level will be right for this event.

Lunch arrangements

Our lunch stop will be at the garden centre at Merryhatton. The restaurant there offers a range of sandwiches, baked potatoes, a soup of the day and other snacks, all at fairly reasonable prices. The eating area is entirely indoors: there is no terrace or other open-air eating space.

Those of us who prefer to bring a packed lunch will head to a quiet picnic spot about half a mile from the garden centre. Note that there is limited seating there, so be prepared to sit on the grass if necessary. Picnickers will be able to use the toilets at Merryhatton. There are also toilets at the meeting point, and we will have an additional comfort stop on the way home.

Time and place

Our meeting point will be Fisherrow Harbour in Musselburgh (see here if you need directions). Please be there in time for a 10:30 departure.

In memory of Logan

Long-standing members of the group will recognise the above route as "Logan's run". It's one that we aim to do every August, in memory of Logan Strang - one of the stalwarts of the 20-Milers who died while cycling with some of our group in 2017. This route is one that he often took us on and which was a particular favourite of his.

Before you set out

As always on a long ride, it is important for our bikes to be in good road-worthy condition.  So before you set out, please check that your tyres are properly inflated and free of stones or other fragments that might cause punctures, and that the gears and brakes are working smoothly. I know I don't need to remind you to bring a spare inner tube and whatever tools, if any, are required for removing your wheels in the event of a puncture.

There is no need to let us know in advance whether you intend to join us. If you plan to attend, just turn up at the appointed time and place.