Cyclists Welcome.

Stopping for lunch at a local garden emporium, I noticed this notice; as Jnr once commented, "If you notice this notice, you'll notice that it's not worth noticing."

VisitScotland, the latest incarnation of the Scottish Tourist Board is running out a number of "be friendly to minority groups" initiatives. They cover: motor cyclists, fishermen, walkers and even horses - to name but a few. Oddly enough, horse riders are not included in the scheme. To qualify for the "Cyclist Friendly" logo they have to hold a first aid kit, a pump and a spare inner tube. I hate to knock such initiatives but shouldn't everybody be friendly to everybody else anyway. Actually, this establishment is o.k: soup, sandwiches, scones, coffee - all very good, just steer clear of "Simple Simon's Super Pies," we tried them the other week - they're ghastly.

On the subject of being friendly, only the other day, a companion and myself were turned away from the empty "Horseshoe Inn" in Eddleston for wearing cycling clothes. It used to be such a welcoming place - serving gourmet burger and chips; I'm not joking when I say that that, but I won't be going there again, even if I am appropriately dressed.

In a similar vein, I used to know someone whose ambition in life was to open a pub which would display the sign, "Cyclists, tatty pickers and gypsies only." To the best of my knowledge he didn't succeed.

I've just posted yesterday's "Trehenna from Glenholm."