I cycled back from town along the Forth estuary. When I reached Granton I had two options: to cross the water by ferry or to cycle inland to avoid the crossing.

A little old lady advised me that the ferry would be faster, so I lifted my bike up the gang plank and on to the vessel. Then I saw the fare for cyclists. I was not prepared to pay so much for a short five minute journey.

Instead of travelling inside the cabin, I stowed away on the ferry’s main rudder, keeping my head just above water the whole way. Beside me was a former coast guard helicopter pilot who knew my friend CM.