On the 2017 Goals thread there was discussion about doing a ride between Christmas & New Year to ensure we all hit our annual mileage targets.
So I've been thinking how it might work as we will have different distances left to cover. I've done my mileage so I'm relatively easy how far we go.
We could do laps of Arthurs seat and you peal off once you've had enough but that probably won't keep people interested enough.
So how about taking a train somewhere and then if people want to join later or bail early they can.
Carlisle has the benefits of usually a tail wind home, but has limited options for others to join / bail. Greenroofer & I did this last year, & I did it the year before as well.
The East Coast has better options and being nearer the coast is likely to be milder. Alnmouth is a 100mile ride from Edinburgh, or Morpeth 120 miles (or at push Newcastle 140miles).
With Berwick (60miles from Edin), Dunbar (30miles) and then Drem (20miles) and all stations further in.
To give plenty of time/options and to maximise what little daylight there is an early train would be required. I'm going to suggest the 29th as there are more trains on weekdays and less likely that shops/cafes close early.
5.48 from Waverley calls at Alnmouth 6.55, Morpeth 7.11 & Newcastle 7.26 (there is also a direct train to Newcastle 5.40 - 7.02).
As it is the ECML there will only be a few bike spaces :( but prices are nearly as cheap as my fish supper tonight :)
Once we have established our starting point, if people didn't want an early start they could join us at Berwick, where no doubt we'd be stopping for refreshments.
What do people think? Anyone up for joining me?
Small print: This is not an organised ride, you're responsible for yourself and whether you & your bike are up for the distance yada yada yada. Lights will be essential.
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