Around the Pond: 5000 km on the North Sea Cycle Route

I seem to have been the only guest in the hotel. I have met no-one else, and I was alone at breakfast. (A very nice scottish one!) I retrieve my bike from the cellar where it has been stored for the night, and I'm on my way.

The heavy rain last night has flooded part of the road near Dunshalt. Since my front bags are too low, and have holes in the bottom from touching ground in every tight curve, I have to take off the bags and carry them beyond the flooded part, before I can cross it with my bike.

Today's route takes many busy roads. I still don't feel fit, but I want to reach Edinburgh today, and I want to get there early, since this month is the Military Tattoo and Fringe Festival. I hope I can still get a spot for my tent.

Near Edinburgh I cross the Firth of Forth on the Forth on the Forth Road Bridge, a 2.5 km long suspension bridge. From here I have a great view on the Forth Rail Bridge, a fantastic cantilever bridge, built in 1890. I've been waiting to see this bridge for many years!

I arrive at the Edinburgh Caravan Club site in the north of Edinburgh at 4 p.m. I'm lucky: the site is nearly full, only a few places for tents are left. Due to the heavy rains the regular tent spot is closed, I am referred to a spot under some trees.

Shortly after I have pitched my tent, Petra, a cyclist from Erfurt in Germany, arrives. We sit together in the cooking-area that night, talking about our travel experiences. You can find the link to her travel blog on the Links page.

Day 72 - August 13: Auchtermuchty - Kirkcaldy - Inverkeithing - Edinburgh

Route

Auchtermuchty - - Edinburgh

Statistics

Distance: 67.35 km
Cycle time: 4:38 h
Average speed: 14.5 kmh
Height difference: 595 m
Total distance: 3817 km
© Thomas Stets ts.semper.d@googlemail.com
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