Visit Midlothian

Hundreds turn out for the first SEStran Megacycle. Over 300 people took take part in the first SEStran Megacycle on Sunday, confirming its position as Midlothian and East Lothian's biggest all-abilities cycle event.

The ride, which builds on the success of the Homecoming 2009 bike event, has been adopted by SEStran, as part of our campaign to promote cycling for health and as a form of transportation for shorter journeys.

Cyclists enjoyed blue skies and a virtually traffic free 20 mile route along the river Esk, from Penicuick to Prestongrange mining museum. Many riders chose to break their journey with a picnic lunch in the grounds of Dalkeith Palace and enjoy the sun, before pressing on to the finish line to collect their medals.

SEStran Chair, Cllr Russell Imrie said:

"It was marvellous to see so many families and young people turning out for the ride. Cycling is something that everyone can enjoy. You don't need to be super fit or have an expensive bicycle. Just start gently and build up gradually. It's a great way of getting fit - and it's fun".

"SEStran is committed to encouraging cycling, as part of a healthy lifestyle, and as for transportation. Each person on a bicycle potentially takes one car off the road. That's good news for the environment and a real contribution to both helping cut congestion and reducing the region's carbon footprint."

Organiser, Quintin Young, who founded the original Homecoming event in 2009 added :

"It was encouraging to see double the number of riders from last year. Word has spread! The original event was to encourage family cycling and raise awareness of the network of paths and byways available to cyclists in Midlothian and East Lothian".

Many congratulatory comments included "I never knew these places existed ". My thanks go, not only to the riders, but to those whose help before during and aftermade this day the success that it was.