View From the Top - Tour of East Lothian

I nearly didn't do the Tour of East Lothian. It was raining quite hard at 8 am, and the weather forecast was pretty dire for the wind and the rain. Looking at the detail for East Lothian showed that it wasn't as bad as Edinburgh. There was just the wind then, to deal with.

At the start, there were blue skies, Extra. The wind didn't seem much of a problem, just an annoyance up to the Pencaitland road. I ditch my jacket, it was a lot warmer than expected. Once heading east, it was easy cycling. Even the climb up to East Saltoun was ok. On the road to Gifford, we are higher up and there were occasional side gusts.

From Gifford, we turn south on to the Duns road. This is a gradual climb, to start with. There are a few dips, then it ramps up to an impressive 17% as it climbs up to the first control station. this is not quite at the top of the hill though. My blip is looking north from the highest point of the ride. You can see North Berwick Law and Trappain Law looking so small. I am 426m ASL.

There is a long descent, then a climb, slightly wind assisted this time, before we drop down to Garvald. From Garvald, we head slightly NE to Dunbar, and the second control station. It is in a café, so I have lunch.

After lunch, we have to head west. This is in to the wind.The afternoon rain arrives just as I start heading up. The jacket goes back on. Its not to bad to start. the hedges and trees provide some protection. The descent to Bielmill is interesting. The road surface is pretty bad, and with gravity and wind conspire together to make it interesting. Then we head west and the rain is driven in to my face. Ouch. The road is rolling, but seems mostly up. Once past Trappain Law, the road descends properly at last. The third control point is in Haddington.

The final push sees the route climb out of Haddington on the Aberlady Road, and over the Garlton Hills. The rain has stopped, and the sun tries to make an appearance. The side winds on the descent are not pleasant

As I get near Ballencrieff, the trees and hedgerow provide more shelter, and its OK. At the roundabout, I turn right, and nearly come to a standstill. Its a hard grind to start with, there's a little respite, then another blast to slow me down as the road crosses over the railway.

Eventually the trees and hedges provide more cover, and progress can be made. There's a nice descent to the coastal road at Longniddry. From here, its along the coastal road back to Musselburgh. The grey clouds threatening rain don't make any further progress. Its a final dry ride back to the start.

I sign my control card and hand it over. Glad its over, coffee and cake await.