SCOTLAND’S biggest bike ride yesterday attracted more than 7500 cyclists, who pedalled the 47 miles from Glasgow to Edinburgh.

Participants of all ages and fitness levels took to the road  for the annual event, including The Herald and Sunday Herald cycling team, to collectively ride the equivalent distance of the moon and back.

The route wound its way from Glasgow Green through Airdrie, Avonbridge, Linlithgow and beyond to finish at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh.

Susan Swarbrick, feature writer and cycling team captain, said: "It was an amazing experience and all six of us were thrilled to cross the finish line at Murrayfield after months of training hard. The sense of achievement is incredible.

"One of the best parts was being able to chat to so many different people along the way and hear their stories about what has inspired them to cycle.

"I don't think any of us will be hanging up our cycling helmets just yet – there is already talk about tackling the 110-mile Freshnlo Pedal for Scotland Sportive next year. Credit to the organisers for such a fantastic event."

Beaumont, who lives in Perthshire and holds the world record for cycling round the  world, said: "The achievements  of elite athletes this summer has captured the imagination of the nation, but seeing thousands of people from all backgrounds taking to their bikes is the really important measure of how far cycling has come.

"It truly is an activity for all and I applaud each and every one of the heroes who joined in with freshnlo Pedal for Scotland."

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