I’m another local’ish rider (originally from Gilmerton) and I can say that the whole area is shocked about this (including non-cycling public). A lot of local ‘fun’ riders take part in this for charities and the local press is raging about this today, 3 of our national papers have this on the front page. I’d go as far to say that we, the Scots, are embarrassed by this – especially as the Scottish government are totally pro-cycling and this being “the year of the homecoming”.
This is going to be a swift criminal case – especially since there has been criminal damage to 2 police motorbikes and also the chief for perth & kinross police who is an active roadie himself, will be making sure they get convictions.
A chap in the office who was going for a top finish said they had to airlift some riders out although the mainstream media hasn’t reported that. He got 2 front punctures and finished riding on a flat rear tyre. Another guy in the stirling bike club says he saw someone scattering the tacks on the road.
The organiser of the protest has had his wikipedia page ‘added to’ already: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Hounam.
Please come to Scotland mountain biking – you’ll find a warm welcome and the best trails in the world.