Experience the joy of cycling
Active travel is about connections
IF YOU DON’T cycle, you may be watching the debates in Edinburgh about safe cycling infrastructure with surprise or bemusement. You may read arguments about public health, about climate change, or equalities. What you don't hear enough about is joy. Most of us who cycle in Edinburgh do it because we love it. We love the fresh air, the feeling of getting around under our own steam, the rush of flying down a hill, the reward of a cake and coffee after a long ride, the joy of seeing a small child ride a bike for the first time.
When cyclists stop at a traffic light in a red advanced stop lane, and another cyclist is there, they often have a chat. We might comment on each other's bikes, or on the route we're taking, or ask about cycle parking at a particular location. When we pass each other on roads or paths, we usually nod or wave or smile. Often we'll even stop to chat, despite never having met before, because we recognise the brand of cycle, or we think the other person is from cycling Twitter and we can finally put a face to a social media handle.
The social activity is not confined to making connections with strangers. Many of us have social lives that include cycle campaigning. We get together for site visits, studying road and junction lay outs to work out how to make a street safer for cycling. We ask each other about personal experiences and needs. How would you manage with children on this street? Is this street suitable for cargo bikes? Could you ride a trike or a handcycle here? Invariably, at these site visits, new connections and friendships are made.
And then there's the cycling activity that is strictly social. Cycling to an East Lothian beach for a picnic. Cycling out to Midlothian reservoirs to lie under the shade of pine trees. Cycling to South Queensferry to check out the bridges. Cycling to the Pentlands with the children for an overnight camping trip. Along the way we may stop to look at bluebells, pick brambles, dip our feet in a cool stream, spot a kingfisher on the Esk, or an otter in the
Water of Leith.
Cycling is fast enough to get around efficiently. But it's slow enough to make connections – with strangers, with friends and family, and with our natural environment.
If you don't yet cycle, do give it a try.
Check out your local bike shops for advice and maps – and pick up some joy.
HOT ON THE heels of a successful August and its sell-out Ladies Day meeting, Musselburgh Racecourse is gearing up for a busy doubleheader weekend on 11 and 12 September.
The East Lothian course plays host to the Edinburgh Gin Summer Finale on the Saturday, following up on Sunday with the Musselburgh Gold Cup Family Day.
With a competitive card including seven Flat races on each day, the Edinburgh Gin meeting also features live bands throughout the day and is said to offer a “final twist of summer” with a party atmosphere and a variety of quality food and drink options.
The family day on Sunday is very much focussed on the kids and has a Superhero theme, with a Clip Clop kids zone packed with rides, shows, face painting, a chill-out teepee,
prizes for the best-dressed Superhero or character of the day, and rounding the afternoon off with a kids disco.
Musselburgh Racecourse marketing manager, Aisling Johnston, said: “We have designed our racedays with the safety of everyone in mind - the thrill of the races and the excitement from the thundering hooves crossing the finishing line will be plentiful.
“Racing isn't just for grown-ups as our Musselburgh Gold Cup Family Day shows. Gather the clan, dress them up as their favourite superhero or character and bundle them in the car for a day filled with entertainment and exciting racing.”
Neil Boyd, of Edinburgh Gin, added: “We are delighted to continue our long relationship with Musselburgh Racecourse and are looking forward to a fitting end to a hot summer season with a fantastic race day on 11 September.”
As with all race meetings at Musselburgh, children aged 17 and under are admitted free when accompanied by a guardian and child tickets can be obtained on the day of racing.
The racecourse's Harris Tweed Bistro can be booked in advance and a range of hospitality and private dining packages are available in the exclusive Queen's Stand and Epperston Restaurant.
Gates open on the Saturday at 1.30pm with the first race off at 3.30pm, while admission on Sunday is at noon with the first race under starter's orders at 1.55pm.
For more information and to book tickets visit