I took the train from Glasgow to Edinburgh Waverley at 1.45 to start riding by 3pm in an effort to see some warm sunshine that the BBC had predicted between 4 and 7pm! Not sure how much there was though!
On arrival in Edinburgh all set and raring to go (with my new handlebar bag and map reader so I wouldnt get lost!) I headed west (unfortunately no-one else to come with me so I was on my tod!). Considering I've done no exercise since about Feburary and then it was only a few fleeting visits to the gym (following a whim to get back to being fit) I was confident that I could do the cycle in approximately 4-5 hours, we shall see!
I soon found that I was completely lost, since signposts and street signs seem to be a novalty in Edinburgh, and those that were there sent me in the wrong direction (who would think!). Eventually after stopping in a bike shop, and asking numerous other people, I worked out I was on the A71 going south-west not on the A8 going west. This added quite a detour and resulted in having to cycle on rather a scary dual carriageway past Livingston to get back to the correct route. I did however see some very pretty villages, and even a roundabout named 'Lizzie', whilst trying to take some shortcuts! Not all of them fruitful though!
I finally arrived at Bathgate for my first stop and glad that I could turn the page of my map! After a snack and check in phone call I was off and determined to cover more ground before my next break. This section was the most enjoyable bit, with little villages, few cars and reasonable roads (gone were the many pot holes and mountain bike road terrain!). I managed to get some speed up and covered 14 miles in an hour which was great and I realised I was then on the home run by time I reached Airdrie / Coatbridge.
Following another rest and pasta break, though feeling tired by this point but the emergency can of red bull picked me up, I was off on the final leg to Glasgow. This part wasn't very exciting pretty built up and lots of traffic lights and roundabouts, managed not to fall of with my clip ins, which would have been embarrasing. Particularly as one taxi driver thought I was on some cycle tour team!!!
Finally I reached Buchanan Street, where the Glasgow office is with much relief and sooner than I expected (by 7.30pm). I managed to do the 48 miles (just over 50 by time I got home!) in 4.5 hrs, even with getting lost, so was really pleased!
Hopefully, everyone who has sponsored me will pay up and Ill have raised a decent amount to help Stuart, who much deserves it.
Lizzie Jolley, Glasgow Office
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