Bikers' easy ride

I was truly moved by the warm reception the Etape Caledonia riders received from the people of Perthshire.

After last year's carpet tack incident and the only news outside Perthshire being about local opposition, I was apprehensive about telling anyone in the area that I was riding the Etape. I even wondered if I was doing the wrong thing by supporting it. I needn't have worried.

The joy of riding on closed roads and briefly imagining what it would be like to be a professional cyclist was like a football fan stepping out at Hampden. Listening to so many fellow cyclists gasp in awe at the scenery reminded me of how lucky I am to have all of this within an hour of my house. Even better though was the reception from the people of Perthshire.

JIM CAITHNESS

Peasehill Gait

Rosyth