A cycle from Dundee to Broughty Ferry

Davie took me on an amazing cycle on Sunday. Mindful of his old Mum’s doubts about cycling up hills, he chose the very flat route along the Tay to Broughty Ferry and back. He has a spare bicycle so all I needed to take with me was Jamie’s ancient cycle helmet (mine is in Ullapool with my bike). We set off from his flat and at first I was very nervous; his spare bicycle was quite big and even with the saddle completely lowered it was borderline too high for my “little legs” as Eric used to say about Ernie. 

However I was encouraged that the streets leading down to the docks were almost completely empty of traffic on this sunny Sunday morning, or pedestrianised, and soon we were whizzing along the cycle path beside the railway line and through the docks area. We emerged onto a long straight stretch which took us right into Broughty Ferry with its Sandy beach and lots of sailing boats on the water. 

The weather was perfect; sunny with a little breeze and not too hot for me; I really loved it. Davie is an excellent cyclist and waited for me if I fell behind, but in fact I made quite good speed. I fell off my bike at one point when we stopped, I was too late in putting my foot on the ground, but there was no damage to me or the bike. We saw an art installation called “The Feathers” designed by Katie Watt beside the path, and had lunch sitting outside a gorgeous wee pub called “The Ship Inn” and had a nice chat. On our way back we saw lots of people water skiing in the harbour, instead of being towed by boats, they were being towed along by overhead lines. 

I fell off my bike again just outside Davie’s flat, again losing my balance as I was stopping. This time I got a fright because as I fell I was convinced that I was going to break something, but Davie helped me up and apart from a grazed elbow I was absolutely fine! And so was the bike I’m glad to say - it’s already quite old and scratched so Davie didn’t think I had made it any worse. The cycle was 16 km and I was very happy to have done it. I really should cycle more often, which is what I always say after enjoying a cycle trip!

Davie made me a coffee and then I set off home, listening to an audiobook (by Dawn O’Porter). It was a great day.