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Category: Bike Rides Pre 2003
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The last Spokes Ride of 2002 took place today, 9 people turning up, despite the lousy weather at 8:30. Raining until we got to Riccarton campus, then blue sky. A bit breezy and a cool 7O Celsius, but Long Dalmahoy Road was not as difficult as it can be at times. The Off Road bits of Route 75 down to, and through, Almondell and Calder Wood Country Park were a bit slippery and muddy.

At the bridge in the park, the CTC folk ate their sandwiches and then disappeared off. The prospect of relaxing at the Dolphinton Inn, watching Liverpool play Manchester United in a tense match and having to spend some money obviously proved a bit too much for some. Unfortunately, the service in the Inn wasn’t up to normal standards, so perhaps the CTC group had a lucky escape. Those going large on the excellent Veggie Burgers had to go small to start with. The lasagne had to defrost and one of our number unfortunately got ignored at the bar whilst trying to order dessert.Hopefully the pub let down won’t put you off the Spokes Ride.

We returned back through Almondell, where a vicious bridge attacked Mark and I, deliberately making the bikes slip. Obviously the troll had had enough of cyclists trip-trapping over his bridge!!! From then on, took the offroad route through the park on the road, then right at the crossroads (sorry chaps, it wasn’t left at the crossroads, I hold my hands up), then left on to the canal.

Just about survived the River Almond viaduct, yes Neil, just as bumpy as ever. It’s not everyday you need to wash your coat, trousers, shoes and gloves, but I was a bit mucky when I got home. Many thanks to all who turned up, on a day that some found a bit cold.

Hope you all enjoyed yourselves and I hope to see you all in 2003.Have a brilliant Christmas and a Happy New Year. Hope to see you on the Spokes Mince Pie Run (Sunday 5th January). Enclose Neil’s photo.