Good Service In Edinburgh

The Sea bass at dinner at The Hotel Lauderdale was simply delicious.  I hope it is good for my healthy regime. A comfortable night and some early blog writing.  With breakfast taken and the bike packed it was back to slogging up the A68 towards the capital.   Spitting with rain as I set off worried me slightly but this cleared into a beautiful morning and the ride was pretty smooth with  some encouraging downhill sections. With every downhill comes the uphill. After one long climb there was a great view of the Firth of Forth.  Quite often the journey to the centre of a major city can be very difficult and just before Edinburgh bicycles are forced to leave the main road and join a more circuitous route.  

Following signs for cycle paths in Edinburgh is not good if you are not familiar with layout.  The signs are not obvious enough and it is easy to get lost. The condition of the main roads is appalling with cycle lanes positively dangerous with pot holes and an uneven surface.   Eventually Arthurs's Seat came into view and I rolled into the centre in search of a bike shop.  After eleven days carrying me,lighter as I might be, up through England and a good distance into Scotland the good old bike was in need of a tweak or two and some TLC.  The rider was in need of a tweak or two also but that could come later. I caught sight of Velo Ecosse.  You cannot beat a bit of French!   After a quick examination of the machine it was agreed that new brake blocks and a cable were needed.  In addition I purchased more tubes in case of punctures. I also needed to replace my pump which I had carelessly left on the side of the road two days ago when fixing the last puncture. The helpful owner of the shop suggested I take a coffee or chocolate break in the Black Medicine Coffee Company over the road.

Whilst there I got talking to a fellow cyclist.  When it was time to pick up the bike Jimmy  Noon accompanied me and volunteered to escort me to the Forth Road Bridge, some ten miles away,  using the city cycle paths.  Having settled my account we set off. My only fear would be that I would not be able to keep up with Jimmy, who whilst older than me,was a fit experienced rider. I would never have found my way on my own and I am indebted to Jimmy who not only showed the way but helped me sort out a problem which developed with the gears. Another bike shop would be required.  Jimmy recommended Sammy Wallace's shop on the other side of the the bridge at Inverkeithing. For the crossing I said goodbye  to Jimmy but met another local, David, who rode with me and took the photograph mid way.  David also told me he was going to donate to Big C having seen the Just Giving site which was displayed on the sleeve of my shirt.  David left me at the shop and mentioning Jimmy Noon's name brought immediate service and within ten minutes the gears had been sorted and adjusted and once again I was on my way. What great people I had met, what generous people I had met.  

The escorting service from Jimmy was way beyond the call of duty.  I was certainly looked after in Edinburgh.    Safely and securely on the north bank of the Firth of Forth I took a break before finding the road to Kinross which was my chosen destination for the night.  My legs were getting  tired and it was slow progress.  Kinross had a number of hotels. The first two I tried were fully booked or they did not like the look of a worn out sweaty cyclist in their reception.   I went back to the Kirklands Hotel. They had a large room available with a bath which I could use. In fact it was a suite with two bedrooms and a lounge.  What is more the manager agreed to lock up the bike for the night and feeling very cheeky I asked if he could tumble dry my kit.  All done with a smile.      Once in my suite and settled in with a cup of tea and in consultation with my daughter and personal trainer, Naomi, I took a cold bath for my legs. That was my tweak.    We need to keep them going for the next few days. The cold bath was followed by a hot bath which seemd to revive them.  I hope to feel the benefit in the  morning.  Dinner at the Kirklands was delightful surprise and finished a most interesting and successful day.  Top marks to Scotland.