Sun Apr 23, 2017 - Pedal On Parliament - Inverness

Yesterday Brian and I attended the Pedal On Parliament (POP) ride in Inverness.
While this has been happening in Glasgow, Edinburgh and even the last couple of years in Aberdeen, it was a new and untried event for Inverness. While there is a good cycling scene in Inverness it was an unknown as far as how many people would show up. There was also the Great Glen Sportive in town for Sundays ride and it was again an unknown as to whether this would be an influence, positive or otherwise on the day. In the end it made no difference but it was a bit disappointing that there was zero support from any of the riders.
I was also without my co pilot as Caleb had a council beach clean at Dunnet Beach that he was very looking forward to.
I drove down in the morning and met up with Brian at Tiso, where we parked the cars and unloaded. Brian on his Ti On One and myself on the Big Dummy.
We weren't sure what to expect numbers wise, like the organisers as we later found out, but were pleasantly surprised by the amount of people at the meeting place. There was a great mix of riders from every style of riding, covering all ages from tiny babies in trailers through to some at a more advanced number of years to everything inbetween. It was a very sociable, short ride across to the council chambers/offices for a few speeches etc. It was good to go to show support and to show the council/government that they need to follow through on the promises they made, especially if they want people to vote for them again.
One cue, right at the end the heavens finally opened and it came to a close. We made a dash across town to Velocity café for some lunch and to dry out. Thankfully by the end the sky had brightened a bit and seeing as it was still early we would have a cruise ride down through the islands and down the canal to Dores and then back up the other side and back up past the marina. The weather held out and we had a nice relaxed ride and then back through the city to finish off at Tiso café for a final coffee and custard tart about 5.30 or so. Then it was unload/unpack the Dummy and squeeze it into the car and head home.
A different but enjoyable relaxed day. It was good to be a part of it and show support for the people who have influence over the policies effecting where and how I ride.

Jamie