Spokes has published a great new booklet based on prizewinning entries from our 2015 Favourite Rides competition…
For the booklet, 8 routes were chosen, from just 6 to 27 miles in length, almost entirely on paths and quiet roads, with some suitable for almost anyone and others likely to appeal to the more experienced. There are routes in all 4 local council ar
eas, but most are in Edinburgh, or start and end there.
1 East Edinburgh Parks and Panoramas
2 Cramond Lifesaver
3 South West to Riccarton
4 Out to East Lothian
5 Go West on the John Muir Way
6 Midlothian Hills and Woods
7 Rivers and Ropeswings
8 Home from Armadale
A special feature of the booklet is a picture and brief bike-related biography of each entrant, and the reason why this is a favourite ride of theirs. We hope readers will identify with some of the entrants and want to share their cycling experiences. For example…
“In a city like Edinburgh, with its wealth of paths, there are endless opportunities for discovery. The combination of fresh air, gentle exercise in beautiful surroundings, and the company of good friends leaves you feeling refreshed, reinvigorated and happy – and the effect lasts several days!”
On seeing the booklet, Edinburgh Council Leader Cllr Andrew Burns said…
“It’s interesting that the booklet profiles the prize-winners and explains why this is a favourite ride of theirs. I’m looking forward to experiencing the same pleasure by trying some of the rides myself.”
The routes are not intended to be followed slavishly, and only outline maps and descriptions are provided. The intention is that readers will use a Spokes or other map to work out their own routes in detail, with the booklet as a basis and inspiration.
Most of the routes were adapted slightly from the original entries, to fit the aims and structure of the booklet, but you can find the exact original entries on our Favourite Rides booklet page.
How to get your copy
The booklet will go free to all Spokes members with their summer mailing in late May (join now!) and is also free (on request) to anyone buying a map from Spokes (not from other outlets) or buying a reconditioned bike from Edinburgh Bike Station. Anyone else wanting a copy, see our rides page.
Spokes thanks Edinburgh Council’s government-funded Smarter Choices Smarter Places programme (adminstered by Paths for All) for helping the project. Our press release about the booklet is here.
Spokes annual competitions
We run a major competition each summer – with great outcomes like this booklet, and with great prizes. For previous competitions, ranging from cycling recipes and cycling jokes to how to spend £1m to boost cycle use, see here.
Our 2016 competition will be Shopping By Bike. It will be launched in our summer Bulletin in late May, but for a preview see page 2 of the Spring Bulletin, no.124.