Good morning , i am the designer and organisor of this new event for MERCY CORPS and via prenticeevents (
www.prenticeevents.com ) we have over past 6 years organised cycle rides in Scotland and in Europe. This new event aims to cater for a number of "types" of cyclists , so it is not one size fits all , and we will try and tweak the event as it develops to satisfy the range of cyclists who currently have enjoyed cycling with us.
Turning first to the route , it is not 55 miles as per Scotsman publication , but it is 70 miles , but we do have a full Tour option ( the 70 ) or two half tours (about 35 miles each ) with DEMI UN ,starting via a bus and truck ex Kincardine to take you to Ocean Terminal and you cycle back ( cost £20 plus transport) and DEM! DEUX starts at Ocean Terminal with a bus and truck lift to Kincardine to cycle back.
The Full tour route , we know of the routes above Boness , and we will consider looking at alternative route for the SPORTIVE types if demand exists for that, it will increase distance a bit to ??? so we would offer a two full route options, the 70 miler and the ??? new distance , please get in contact if you wish us to explore that option further. The 70 miler , will be a challenge for many who have not tried that distance ,and we are looking at the type who would do Pedal for Scotland as well as club cyclists( the Sportive Dunfermline which we also organise has 3 routes 45 , 66 and 93 miles all of which are really for club cyclists , so we can have another Sportive route on the Tour ..)
The route re silverknowes , i have cycled that route many times and not had the problems as outlined re shredding tyres and have had many hundreds of cyclists doing the SESTRAN TWO CAPITALS for past 5 years on that very route and we have not had any reported problems or exceptional puncture rate , so i afarid i cannot agree with the comment .
The Route from Blackness to Hopeton House along the forth has two options , for skinnies you will use a tarmac route option and for the casual cyclist they can use the SUSTRAN route if they wish, We also expect to be granted permission to use the tarmac roads behind the gates at Hopeton so the skinnes and others will get a great view of the Forth and ride on good roads all the way.
The event has has a family route of about 22 miles to allow casual and family cyclists a day out .
So in summary , the route is 70 miles , the event is priced competively with event teeshirts and water bottles on offer , we can add a greater distance second sportive route and would be pleased to do so , Silverknowes has not been a problem to many hundreds of cyclists on my events over past 5 years ....we aim to cater for a full range of cyclists and have phased starts and different start points ...to allow all to have a great day out with us .
allan
aside, I'm not overly impressed with the route.
