Ride to the Sun

On Saturday night I did something a bit different by entering the Ride to the Sun https://www.ridetothesun.co.uk/ event with a friend.

I would say it was one of the most enjoyable bike events I have done, very relaxed feel on the road more a festival vibe than a sportive with people and bikes of all shapes, sizes, and abilities.

The format was a 100-mile ride from Carlisle to Edinburgh through the night aiming to arrive at Cramond beach at sunrise. I think there was about 1000 people riders this year. Its totally free but the route is not marked and there is no support or feed stations, they keep a chip shop open after about 40 miles, but the ques were long, so we decided to go to a local supermarket to buy some water and food. From this there is a long but easy climb 6 mile at 3% to the top of the Devils Beef tub were a piper plays you over the top.

Then after about 60 miles you get to the only feed station were bananas and water were provided, this is also where the “Cycle Rave” is, unfortunately we did not linger as the midges seemed to be a fan of techno, and we were getting eaten alive.

Then the final undulating 40 miles to Edinburgh where navigation did get tricky, road conditions worsened, and it was a real shock to the system from riding 2 hours with no traffic in the countryside to a busy urban environment. We arrived 2.5 hours early so did not see the sunrise.

I would say logistically it would be easier to stay in Edinburgh rather than Carlisle.