An old favourite via a new route

For today's ride we headed westward to the familiar destination of the Heriot Watt campus in Riccarton. But this time we took an unfamiliar outward route, and visited a different venue for our lunch stop. The leader's intention had been to include a section that we have not used before as a group; but the mile and a half on a rough track was scrapped due to muddy conditions. The day dawned unseasonably mild, bright and sunny. This clearly helped swell the numbers to 25, which was most impressive for a November ride, complete with some new faces. 

Following the customary leader's briefing from Mike, we headed through the quiet backstreets of Morningside, through Braidburn Valley Park and onwards to the stables at Woodhall Road via Colinton Mains, Redford Road and Bonaly. From there we took the rough path across to Blinkbonny Road. Seeing how muddy that path was led Mike to decide that the mile and a half rough track would be best avoided. A short stretch on a muddy path is one thing, but a mile and a half is quite a distance to deal with under such conditions. A dynamic decision made on the fly; but no doubt it was the right one. We continued along Blinkbonny Road and down Kirkgate, past the track we would have taken, before stopping whilst Iain passed round his delicious homemade baking. We then joined the Water of Leith Walkway for a short distance, before climbing up and crossing Lanark Road West. A short distance into the housing estate, up went the dreaded shout, "puncture!" Alan and Ken were soon on the case helping the stricken rider. It wasn't as straight forward as it might have been and took longer than expected. Two-thirds of the group were waiting ahead. After some discussion, it was decided that they would press on to the lunch stop, and the remainder would join them once the puncture was fixed. At least it was dry, sunny and mild. With the puncture fixed, we headed off in pursuit of the others. After threading our way through the housing estate to emerge at Curriehill station, we wheeled our bikes up and over the footbridge to cross the railway line. From there a short ride along Curriehill Road took us into the Heriot Watt campus by the rear entrance. Rather than head to the main admin building for a picnic lunch, we made our way to the Oriam sports centre. Some of the group headed to the café, others picnicked indoors, whilst the remainder took the opportunity to enjoy an outdoor November picnic.

With lunch over, we regrouped and made our way to Edinburgh Park via Gogar Station Road and the subway. Skirting the edge of the Gyle Shopping Centre car park, we made our way to South Gyle station where we had to dismount and negotiate the walkway in place whilst the road bridge is being replaced. Onwards from there via Broomhall and Saughtonhall to Murrayfield Stadium, where we made our way through the rugby fan crowds on their way to the Scotland v New Zealand match. We took the familiar route back to the Meadows via Fountainhall, the canal and the Leamington Bridge, where Mike declared the ride officially over.

Everyone seemed to have enjoyed the ride. Unfortunately, the totally new section had to be scrapped, but we look forward to using it in the future when conditions allow. But it was still a different route to the one we usually take, and we have found a new venue for lunch. The unseasonably mild weather was most welcome, and clearly added to both the turnout and enjoyment of the ride. With thanks to Mike for leading, Alan for back marking and helping with repairing the puncture along with Ken.

Leader: Mike

Report: Glenn

Photos: Glenn

A Windy West Lothian opener

Today saw us head out to Almondell Country Park near East Calder for the first 20 Milers Extra ride of 2025. It turned out to be quite a windy day; but we managed to avoid the expected rain, with just a brief shower to contend with. It was also noticeably warmer, despite it being more overcast than of late. Given the weather forecast, a turn out of 16 riders was quite respectable.

Following the leader's briefing, we headed away from Craigleith towards Cramond Brig via the Blackhall Path, Silverknowes and Barnton. After the obligatory pause on the bridge over the River Almond, we took NCN1 beside the A90 to Burnshot Bridge where we joined the road towards Kirkliston. We have used that road numerous times over the years, but no one could remember it having ever been so busy. We were also slowed by the strong headwind resulting in an even longer queue of cars behind us. It was a relief to leave the busy road behind and join the old railway path to Kirkliston. There is a rough, steep climb to get from the road up to the path. Whilst the rest of the group were happy to walk up, one rider decided to ride up it. We were most impressed that she made it. The path was sheltered and quiet - such a contrast to the road we had left behind. Following a comfort stop at the Kirkliston Sports Centre, we joined the B9080 towards Winchburgh, but were only on it for a short time before turning off and heading towards Niddry Castle where we joined the towpath beside the Union Canal. After skirting Broxburn, we left the canal and took the road to Almondell Country Park where we stopped for our picnic lunch in the secluded garden behind the visitor centre. Despite a couple of spots of rain that came to nothing, we enjoyed our lunch in warm, sunny conditions. 

Almondell Country Park, with its setting in the deep wooded valley of the River Almond, is a delightful place to visit, but it did result in a tough post-lunch climb to get out of the park. The old NCN75 route has fallen victim to the new housing development. The leader had worked out an alternative way around the houses through East Calder. Whilst it is not as good as the old route, it did the job and took us to where we needed to be. We then had to cross the busy A71. Fortunately, everyone was able to get across when the lights changed, thus avoiding any delay. The road to Kirknewton was busy and unpleasant. It was nice to leave it behind as we headed through the village. We were now on lovely quiet roads through Longdalmahoy and on towards Curriehill. We took the back entrance into Heriot-Watt University where we had a comfort stop. We crossed ,the busy Calder Road, and were soon at Gogarbank. Here we encountered a shower with most riders stopping to don waterproofs. Five minutes later we were at Edinburgh Park in bright sunshine and the rain was off. Through South Gyle, past South Gyle station, Broomhall, Carrick Knowe, Balgreen and we were riding past Murrayfield Stadium. Out of Roseburn Park, along Russell Road and we were soon on the new cycle path towards Fountain Park. At the Leamington Bridge, the leader declared the ride officially over.

Everyone had enjoyed the ride, the destination, and the weather had been kinder to us than we had dared expect. Thanks to Mike for leading and Alan for back marking. Good to get the first Extra of the year under our belts, and there are several more planned for the summer.

Leader: Mike

Report: Glenn

Photos: Glenn

Westward to Riccarton

We've enjoyed several days of unseasonably warm and sunny weather recently. Unfortunately, today wasn't one of them. It started out heavily overcast with temperatures in the low single figures, and it stayed that way the whole day.

Given the conditions, a turnout of twenty for today's ride was most respectable. It was especially good to welcome several newcomers and also to see a couple of old friends, including one person who last cycled with us back in 2008. (I hope she won't wait another 16 years before coming out with us again.)

Under Alan's leadership, we headed out on a familiar route across Bruntsfield Links and down to the Leamington Lift Bridge. On reaching Russell Road, it dawned on me that this would probably be the last time that the group  would be obliged to cycle along the busy Dalry Road and make the awkward right turn into Murieston Crescent. All being well, the new Roseburn-to-Canal cycle path should be open by the end of this month, which means that we will be able to avoid those difficulties. I hope we will be able to include this new link in our December ride.

For today, we followed our more usual route though Roseburn Park, passing Murrayfield stadium and on to the Pinkhill Path. On crossing Meadow Place Road, we continued through Gyle Park, then over the very busy Glasgow Road – taking three phases of the lights to do. After a short climb through North Gyle, we crossed Maybury Road to reach West Craigs. This is essentially a huge housing development, still very much under construction – not the most scenic location on  today's route but at least relatively free of traffic.

We then re-crossed the Glasgow Road, this time via the pedestrian subway next to Edinburgh Gateway station. Then came another not-very-scenic stretch through the car park of the Gyle shopping centre. But this was soon behind us as we headed through Edinburgh Park and along Gogar Station Road to our lunch break  at the Heriot-Watt campus in  Riccarton.

Steep-ish climbs

The afternoon leg started with a couple of steep-ish climbs through the back streets of Currie, but we soon reached the much pleasanter Water of Leith path. We took this as far as the narrow metal bridge and the short track up to Woodhall Road, and then via Bonaly to Dreghorn Loan. Then came a section that was new to many in the group: a narrow path through Dreghorn Woods, running between dense woodland on one side and a razor-wire fence on the other (presumably intended to stop errant cyclists from straying into Dreghorn Barracks).

After emerging from the woods, we were soon back in familiar territory: the Braid Burn path, Braidburn Valley Park, Hermitage Drive and Whitehouse Loan. On reaching the foot of Middle Meadow Walk, the leader declared the ride officially over. Thanks to Alan for organising another enjoyable ride with an interesting route. It would have been even better if the sun had put in an appearance, but you can't have everything.

Leader: Alan

Report and photos: Mike

Staying dry in the Pentlands

Today's ride saw us head out to that old July favourite - Harlaw Reservoir in the Pentland Hills. Looking back at reports from previous years, we have had a variety of weather for this ride. The forecast for today suggested it would be dry and sunny until early afternoon; then thundery showers would arrive. Given the forecast, the fact that light rain began to fall before we had set off did not bode well. As it turned out, we had a warm day with a couple of brief, light showers that petered out within a minute or two. There was no thunder, not even in the far distance. The forecast may have put some off, or perhaps it's because we're into holiday season, but a turnout of 17 was OK rather than good.

Following the customary leader's route and safety briefing, we took the familiar route to Murrayfield via Bruntsfield Links, the Leamington Bridge, Fountain Park, the Telfer subway and Russell Road. On this section, the sky turned dark and a few drops of rain began to fall. The leader stopped and donned waterproofs, as did some of the others. Some chose to take a chance and wait to see if the rain came to anything. It didn't, and we soon stopped again as waterproofs were removed. The group repeated the waterproofs on-off dance a couple more times throughout the day. From Murrayfield, we joined the cycle path and arrived at the South Gyle shopping centre via Carrick Knowe and Broomhouse. Leaving the shopping centre behind, we were soon on the quiet roads of Edinburgh Park. Under the subway, up Gogar Station Road and we were at Heriot Watt University where we had a comfort stop and Iain's homemade cake. We left via the back entrance, making our way to Curriehill. Through the new housing development in Currie, a short stretch on Lanark Road West and we were in Balerno. Our toughest climb of the day took us up Harlaw Road and up to the reservoir. Despite many cars in the car park, we had the picnic area behind the visitor centre to ourselves. The rest of the group opted to picnic on the slope beside the reservoir.

Lunch over, we returned to the road, turned right and headed to Middle Kinleith. At the farm, we took a sharp right leaving the tarmac behind and heading onto a dirt track. A rider said to the writer, it was if we were heading into a different world at that point. They were right. The track got rougher, and ahead was proper open country. We were glad that the forecasted thundery showers did not arrive then. For a while we were on a very rough and stony track which slowed us down, especially those on bikes with skinny road tyres. But the rider on the balloon-tyred bike raced past everyone whilst grinning from ear-to-ear. Fortunately, the track became smoother and the riding became easier. We paused to regroup beside the Clubbiedean Coffee Stop. A horse was being led out of the café by its rider. She stopped and gave it a jam and cream scone. The things you see when out on a cycle ride! We sped down the hill [now on a tarmac road] leaving Clubbiedean and Torduff reservoirs behind. It had been a lovely descent with glorious views. Were we really just beyond Edinburgh's city limits? The backstreets of Bonaly and Colinton confirmed we were back in the city outskirts. From there we returned to the Meadows via Colinton Mains Park, Greenbank Crescent, the quiet backstreets of Morningside and Bruntsfield Links. Leaning up his bike and removing his helmet, the leader declared the ride officially over.

Another successful ride enjoyed by all. At least that has to be the conclusion based on the round of applause the leader received at the end. Thanks to Mike for leading, and Alison for back marking. We were all glad that we didn't have to contend with thundery showers on the homeward stretch.

Leader: Mike

Report: Glenn

Photos: Glenn

This isn't South Queensferry

Today's leader has several rides under their belt - all to South Queensferry. The group has always prided itself on offering a wide variety of routes and destinations. Against this backdrop, the leader decided she didn't want to be typecast as the Queen of South Queensferry. As a result, today's ride saw us head out to Heriot Watt University's Riccarton Campus by a less familiar route.

The forecast suggested we were in for a dry day with milder temperatures than we might expect at this time of year. That clearly helped muster 21 riders at the start - which is a respectable turn out for February. The forecast wasn't far off. A couple of very short spells of light drizzle and the temperature dropping a little in the afternoon was nothing to worry about.

Following the customary briefing, we left the Meadows behind, heading to the Telfer Subway via Bruntsfield Links and the Leamington Bridge. The usual path to Dalry Road was closed for works, so a short detour via Orwell Terrace was necessary. We were soon back on our usual route to Murrayfield where we began following the Water of Leith. We crossed Balgreen Road and headed through Saughton Park and continued along the Water of Leith path as far as the visitor centre. Here we paused for a comfort stop and Iain kindly handed round homemade cake. The cake was enjoyed by all, including a lovely little robin that joined us. We then had a short stretch on the busy Lanark Road. The segregated cycle lane being most welcome. We turned off at Redhall Bank Road and re-joined the Water of Leith path. There followed a good spell on the path, through the Colinton Tunnel and onwards towards Balerno. We left the path at Kirkgate, crossed Lanark Road West and made our way through the quiet backstreets of Riccarton, along Curriehill Road and took the back entrance into the Heriot Watt campus for our lunch stop.

After an indoor picnic lunch (the best sort of picnic at this time of year) we meandered through the campus and made our way to Gogar Station Road. From there, the path we often use took us to Edinburgh Park via the subway, which was particularly smelly on this occasion. Through Edinburgh Park, past South Gyle station, through Broomhall and Carrick Knowe, we joined the cycle path that took us to Balgreen Road and back to Murrayfield. It was beginning to get busy as rugby fans made their way to the stadium for the Scotland v Wales match which kicked off a couple of hours later. From there we retraced our morning route back to the Meadows; this time going via the Kings Theatre rather than Bruntsfield Links. There the leader declared the ride officially over.

Everyone enjoyed the ride, several riders commenting that they had either been to new places or on a different route to places they had been before. That is always the sign of a good ride. Thanks to Yaz for leading and confirming she is much more than a South Queensferry one-trick-pony. Thanks to Alan for back marking.

Leader: Yaz

Report: Glenn

Photos: Glenn

Return of the Extras

The last 20 Milers Extra ride was back in September 2019. After a gap of nearly three years, it was great to be back. Some riders that joined the group a few months prior to lockdown had never ridden an Extra before. Today saw us head out to the popular destination of Almondell Country Park near Livingston. 

It was pleasant, rather than warm and quite breezy as fourteen riders mustered at the Craigleith junction meeting point. Briefing over, we headed off towards Silverknowes. Our familiar heading-west-route took us through Barnton and onwards to Cramond Brig, where we took our customary pause for a few minutes. The cycle path beside the A90 took us to Burnshot Bridge and along the road to Kirkliston. As ever, we left this road and made our way onto the much nicer railway path to Kirkliston. Following a comfort stop at the sports centre, a quiet back road took us towards Niddry Castle where we joined the Union Canal towpath. After three miles on the towpath, at Broxburn we left the canal behind and took the road to Almondell Country Park where we enjoyed a picnic lunch in the garden behind the visitor centre.

After taking lunch sitting in the warm garden, what better to get the group moving again than a short, sharp climb to exit the park. The NCN75 path was closed due to building works. As a result, we had to take a detour onto a busy main road for a mile. Back on the planned route, and we arrived in Kirknewton which was full of visitors enjoying gala day. Via Dalmahoy we took the back exit into Heriot-Watt University. Through the campus, we were soon on a familiar route home via the Gyle, Broomhouse, Murrayfield, Dalry, the Telfer subway and Fountain Park. Thanks to the Edinburgh Canal Festival and Raft Race, we had to dismount and wheel our bikes through the crowds. At the Leamington bridge, the leader declared the ride officially over.

Everyone enjoyed the ride, the weather had been reasonably kind to us with it being less breezy in the afternoon, and it had been a trouble-free day. Thanks to Mike for leading and kicking off the first Extra ride of the year.

Leader: Mike

Report: Glenn

Photos: Glenn

Riccarton by a route less travelled

Whilst most of today's ride to the Heriot Watt Campus at Riccarton was on familiar roads and paths, the leader did promise us an interesting new stretch we had never ridden before as a group. It may have been due to the lure of Christmas shopping or the dreich weather, but a total of just ten riders was a very low turn out, even for December. Following the leader's briefing about the route, safety and lunch arrangements, we left the Meadows and headed to Whitehouse Loan via Bruntsfield Links. From there we took the quiet backstreets of Marchmont and Morningside. It's a bonus that a number of the roads are blocked off for through traffic to all except cycles. Through Braidburn Valley Park, Colinton Mains Park and more quiet backstreets, this time behind Redford Barracks. Onwards through Colinton and Bonaly before arriving at Woodhall Road, where we turned right and continued as the road petered out to become a rough downhill path to the Water of Leith. Across the narrow bridge and we were on the Water of Leith Walkway. Along this muddy stretch we encountered walkers, dogs and horses before emerging in Balerno. Right along Bridge Road and right at the lights to join Lanark Road West for a short distance. Leaving the busy road behind, we made our way through the new housing estate before taking the path down to Curriehill station. Here we had to wheel our bikes up and over the footbridge across the railway. Leaving the interesting new stretch behind us, Curriehill Road and the familiar back entrance into the Heriot Watt campus took us to our lunch stop. As the leader had explained earlier, the cafeteria we normally use is currently closed at weekends because of Covid. As a result everyone had brought a packed lunch. Three brave souls opted to eat outdoors - at least the rain had stopped. The rest of us went inside and sat at the tables in the cafeteria. We perhaps should not have been there, but no one else was about and we ate our lunch in peace and in the warm.

Lunch over, it was drizzling as we made our way through the campus and emerged at Calder Road. Across the road, down Gogar Station Road, a right turn and we were on the rough path near the chicken farm before emerging at Edinburgh Park. From there, we meandered through the almost deserted roads of South Gyle Park Business Estate to arrive at South Gyle station. We cut through Broomhall and Carrick Knowe, past Murrayfield, through Roseburn Park and onwards to the Russell Road zig-zags. That is where the leader declared the ride officially over. Thanks to Mike for leading us to a familiar destination whilst managing to thread in a totally new and interesting section. Not withstanding the half day ride on Christmas day, this was the last full 20 Milers ride of the year. This year may have only started for us in August, but at least it was better than 2020. Here's hoping that 2022 will be better still.

Leader: Mike

Report: Glenn

Photos: Glenn

Far from the madding [Christmas] crowds

For the final standard 20 Milers ride of the year, we headed out to the Heriot Watt University campus at Riccarton. We can usually guarantee a good lunch there and it isn't somewhere that becomes crazily busy in the run-up to Christmas. We have been there several times this year, but always via a different route. With the exception of the first section getting away from the Meadows, today's route followed that from February's ride taking us into Covenanters Wood beside Dreghorn Barracks. On that ocassion the ride had to be curtailed due to very strong winds and we didn't make it as far as Heriot Watt.

Today's weather forecast was for low single figure (degrees C) temperatures, showers and the possibility of strong gusty winds by the afternoon. Fortunately, the gusty winds held off until the ride was over. That and the fact that Christmas is just around the corner could have led to a very low turnout. So to get fifteen starters was quite impressive including two first-timers. Following the customary briefing from the leader, we headed away from the Meadows by a distinctly unfamiliar route through Marchmont, the Grange, the foot of Blackford Hill and Cluny Gardens. From there we climbed the hill of Midmar Avenue and Midmar Drive past the large impressive houses. Along Hermitage Drive and Braidburn Terrace saw us back to familiar territory heading through Braidburn Valley Park and the route past Colinton Mains Park to arrive at the entrance to the woodland known as Covenanters Wood or Dreghorn Woods. The plan had been to take the path that wound through the Giant sequoia trees, but a quick inspection by the leader suggested that path was waterlogged.

Instead we took the drier path that ran beside the razor wire fence seperating the woods from Dreghorn Barracks and past the remains of the First World War training trenches. Prior to exiting the woods, we stopped for a few minutes as cakes and sweets were passed around. Via the back streets of Bonaly and Colinton, we made our way onto the muddy Water of Leith path. It was on this path that we pulled to one side as a group of a dozen horses came past from the opposite direction. It must have been a Christmas-themed ride as most of the horses were wearing tinsel and antlers. Leaving the path, a short steep climb took us up to Lanark Road West. Across there and the back streets of Currie led us past Curriehall station and into the Heriot Watt campus for our lunch stop. The cafe there was busier than usual which meant they had run out of some choices, much to the dismay of some on the group. After all, the 20 Milers is renowned for cycling on its stomach.





Despite the slight hiccup, everyone got some lunch and we were ready to head off again. The showers continued and the wind speed was beginning to rise, but nothing too serious and we were now on the homeward leg. The route home was more familiar than the one out - Edinburgh Park, South Gyle station via The Gyle Park, through Broomhouse and Carrick Knowe to Murrayfield. From there we made our way back towards town via Roseburn Park, Russell Road, the Telfer subway, Fountain Park and the canal. At the Leamington Bridge, the leader declared the ride over.

Thanks to Mike for leading an interesting ride with a good mix of familiar and less familiar route sections. Everyone seemed to have enjoyed the ride, we survived the minor hiccup at lunch and the weather had been better than expected. Finally, thanks to Yaz for doing a great job of back marking for the second time this year. If the phrase,  "final standard 20 Milers ride of the year" confused anyone, don't forget the final ride of 2019 will be the half day one on Christmas Day.

Leader: Mike
Report: Glenn
Photos: Glenn

Our [almost] forgotten 15th anniversary

Today's ride started out with nothing to set it apart from any other of our rides. But a chance comment led us to realise it was in effect the ride to mark the 15th anniversary of the 20 Milers. As the comment wasn't made until we were a few miles into the ride, no mention of the anniversary was made at the briefing. The leader took us on a somewhat meandering route to Heriot Watt University at Riccarton. It stayed dry all day, and whilst it was not particularly cold, it was quite windy. We made our way out into a noticeable headwind, but a tail wind meant we were almost blown back to town. Another notable thing from today's ride being a new backmarker stepped into the breech and did a splendid job.

A cool and windy morning saw 23 riders assemble at the start. That's always a good number as we can get away with one group, thus avoiding the logistics of having to split into two. After the customary briefing, we rolled away to join the canal at Leamington Bridge via Bruntsfield Links. We stayed on the canal as far as Ashley Terrace where the group got split and delayed by temporary traffic lights. We regrouped and made our way through the back streets of Merchiston and past the George Watson's College sports ground on our way to Greenbank. Along the quiet roads of the housing estate near Redford Barracks and we emerged onto the busy Redford Road. Mike was talking to the writer when it dawned on him that the group had begun in September 2004 (the exact date is lost in the mists of time), thus making it 15 years to the month since the first ride. So in effect, we were on the 15th anniversary ride. Onwards through the back streets of Colinton and we arrived in Bonaly where we stopped as the leader passed sweeties round. From there we took the Water of Leith walkway as far as Riccarton. We took the back way into the Heriot Watt campus off Curriehill Road and got a shock as we arrived in the large cafeteria. Usually there are about half a dozen other customers and we would get served quickly. Not today. The university was having an open day and the cafeteria was heaving.

Whilst lunch took slightly longer than usual, everyone got fed and soon it was time to begin our journey back to town. Within minutes of setting out we had lost the leader. He had made a right turn which the following rider had missed and everyone else had followed. We were soon back on the right track concluding that the confusion had been caused by the appearance of a brand new building that wasn't there last time. All back together, we left the campus behind and crossed the busy Calder Road. Via Hermiston House Road, Gogarbank, Gogar Station Road and the subway we arrived at Edinburgh Park. We followed the tram line through Broomhouse and Stenhouse, leaving it at the Jenners Depository to make our way to Murrayfield Stadium. From there we made our way back to Leamington Bridge via Roseburn Park, Russell Road, Dalry Road, the Telfer Subway and Fountainbridge. The familiar route took us back to the Meadows where the leader declared the ride over. As we rode through the Meadows a man came towards us on a mountain bike being pulled along by two Husky dogs. Needless to say, he barely needed to pedal. A number of us thought what a good idea for our next ride, especially for steep hills.

Thanks to Neil for leading us to a familiar location by an unfamiliar route. Sometimes a little fore thought and planning is all it takes to mix things up and make an old ride seem like a new one. We may do twelve rides a year and have been doing them for fifteen years, but we are far from running out of places to go or interesting ways of getting to them. Last but by no means least, thanks to Yaz for doing a great job of back marking on her first time in the role. Well done. Next step will see her leading a ride.

Leader: Neil
Report: Glenn
Photos: Glenn

How two became one

Every now and again something unexpected happens on one of our rides. Today was such a day. As would be expected, the first group set off first with today's leader at the helm. A few miles into the ride, the second group caught up when a puncture delayed them. The leader waved the group through and told them to carry on. As the day unfolded it became clear that this would be the order for the rest of the ride.

A light breeze and sunshine greeted the 37 riders that started today's ride. It was good to see quite a few new faces in amongst the familiar ones. It has been quite a while since we had such a large turn out. As a result, we split into two groups with the first group heading off ten minutes before the second. Via the familiar route taking in Bruntsfield Links, Leamington Bridge, the canal, Telfer subway and Gorgie Road, we arrived at the Russell Road zig-zags. Up them and we were on the Roseburn Path heading for Granton. The first group were delayed by a puncture near the Granton gasometer. The leader waved the others through and told them we would all meet up at lunch. From there we took Silverknowes prom to Cramond where we had a comfort and sweetie stop. On our way again, past Cramond Falls and up the stiff little climb that is School Brae to join Whitehouse Road. A right turn down Peggy's Mill Road before dropping down to join the River Almond Walkway. We made our customary stop at Cramond Brig before taking the off-road path beside the river. It was a bit rough and muddy in places, but everyone made it through without incident to Grotto Bridge. The run along Turnhouse Farm Road, beside the airport saw us battling into a strong headwind. The path beside Edinburgh Gateway station led us to the Gyle Shopping Centre car park. Once safely across that, we left the hustle and bustle of the Gyle behind to take Gogar Station Road to our lunch stop at Heriot Watt University. As ever, there was plenty of space for us in the cafeteria. The leader's group arrived some five riders short. They had missed a turning and had to retrace their steps. As a result, by the time they arrived, the first group were ready to leave.

Lunch over, we joined the canal and began heading back towards town. After a stretch beside the canal, we left it at Cutlins Road. Bankhead Drive, Broomhouse Drive and the path beside the tram line led us to the impressive old Jenner's Depository building. From there we took the Water of Leith path past Murrayfield and at the Russell Road zig zags the leader declared the ride officially over. Despite the mixing up of the groups, the puncture and the lost riders, the ride went well and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. Thanks to Jenny for leading us on an interesting [some may even say dramatic] ride. Was good the way she mixed up the route. Quite a few sections were familiar, but the way they were threaded together made things seem quite different. Also good to have a decent bit of off road in the mix.



Leader: Jenny
Report: Glenn
Photos: Glenn
Map trace: David

An Extra swansong into West Lothian

For our final Extra ride of the year, we headed into West Lothian for a picnic lunch in Almondell Country Park. Before the start we encountered a wee boy on a scooter that could have talked for Scotland; the weather was kinder to us than the forecast had suggested and once again, we had to contend with a few rough and bumpy stretches of path. There was also a brief delay whilst one of the group played good samaritan to a stranded motorist.

As is the norm when heading out west, our meeting point was the Craigleith path junction. Whilst waiting for the riders to arrive, a young boy turned up on his scooter and began chatting to us. A minute or two later, his dad arrived; but like the rest of us - couldn't get a word in. He must have talked non-stop for almost ten minutes. If ever talking became an Olympic sport, we had just met Scotland's future gold medallist! By now it was time for us to leave. A turn out of twelve was acceptable; but it would have been nice to have finished this year's Extra rides with a slightly higher number. The forecast said it would be a dry, mild but overcast day. It did stay dry, but we saw more sunshine than expected; and whilst it never got hot, it was pleasantly warm and ideal for a picnic. We headed off on the familiar route taking the cycle path through Silverknowes and Barnton to Cramond Brig. We paused there briefly wondering if this would be our first sweetie stop of the day. Alas, it was not to be. The leader sheepishly admitted he had committed the cardinal sin and forgotten to bring sweeties! We headed off, took the underpass beeath the A90 and headed out on the road past Craigiehall Army HQ. Verity kindly marked the junction where we turned off, for the benefit of following riders. Whilst there, an old lady stopped her car saying she had a puncture and would need to walk to a nearby house and phone the RAC. Without hesitation, Verity phoned the RAC on her mobile and was able to give the location. Speaking about it later, we had visions of the call handler looking out onto the horrendously busy M5/M6 junction near Birmingham whislt directing a mechanic to a quiet road near Kirkliston. Verity rejoined us and we made our way along the cycle path to Kirkliston. An unscheduled stop in the main street saw the leader disappear into a shop and emerge carrying a packet of sweets. He had redeemed himself. We made or way through the village, pausing for a comfort stop at the leisure centre where the sweeties were passed around. Quiet country roads near Niddry Castle led us onto the towpath beside the Union Canal for the run into Broxburn. Leaving the canal, a mixture of cycle paths and quiet residential streets allowed us to avaoid a section of the busy A899. Unfortunately, the path ended and a stretch on the busy road followed. We turned off and headed to Uphall station. Cycle paths took us around Pumpherston golf course before joining a path beside the River Almond. Some of the paths on this section were somewhat rough and bumpy; but they caused us no problems. We rode beneath the impressive Camps Viaduct. It made a change, as on previous rides we have always ridden across the viaduct. On the final run into Almondell Country Park, there were a couple of bridges that were far-from-easy to navigate as a rusult of steep lips of slippy steel - not what you would expect on a dedicated cycle path. We arrived at the visitor centre and bagged a couple of picnic tables in the garden for our picnic lunch.

Lunch over, we made our way up a stiff little climb to exit the country park. A rough path followed by a minor road brought us out at a busy junction on the A71. We crossed carefully to join a much quieter road that took us to Kirknewton. On the stretch of road around Long Dalmahoy, the leader confidently led us past a "road closed" sign. Three cars were behind us as we arrived at another "road closed" sign and the road was blocked by a lorry and workmen filling in a trench. As the cars were forced to turn around, the workmen stopped and allowed us to squeeze through the gap between the lorry and the ditch. That explained why the sign had also said, "except for pedestrians and cyclists". We carried on and took the back way into the Heriot Watt University campus. Due to building work, there were several cycle paths closed within the campus; but fortunately, diversions were in place to help us get through. From there we followed a route we have used many times to enter the back of Edinburgh Park. From there on, the familiar route took us through Sighthill, Broomhouse and Stenhouse before following the tram line as far as Murrayfield. From there it was a short run to the Russell Road zig-zags, where the leader declared the ride over.
Thanks to Peter for leading the final Extra ride of the year. Everyone seemed to enjoy it, and it is always good to go somewhere familiar but have the route mixed up a little to keep it interesting. Courtesey of her good samaritan role, Verity gets a well-deserved mention in dispatches for the second week running. So here ends another successful series of Extra rides - role on next summer.

Leader: Peter
Report: Glenn
Photos: Glenn
Map trace: Jim

A March meander to Riccarton

We had an excellent turnout for today's ride to Riccarton (I counted 28 but there might have been more), so leader Michael (Law) wisely decided to split us into two groups. Actually, it turned out to be three groups, but that was by accident rather than design; more about that in a moment.

Michael's group set out confidently and made it to the lunch venue without mishap. But before the second party was able to depart, that oh-so-familiar cry was heard: puncture! A couple of willing hands helped fix the problem, and before long the second group was on its way as well.

The unexpected closure of the canal towpath near Viewforth had forced us to make a hasty adjustment to our itinerary. Because of some uncertainty over the new route, the leadership of the second group was something of a joint effort involving Verity and myself. We were scarcely off the Meadows before we noticed that three members of the party were missing, including the backmarker and his deputy. (Was it not Oscar Wilde who said, "To lose one backmarker may be regarded as a misfortune; to lose both looks like carelessness." Well, maybe not.)

Rightly or wrongly, we made a decision to carry on without the three absentees. So we proceeded on our revised route down Whitehouse Loan, up Woodehouse Terrace and Braid Road to the Comiston Road traffic lights, and then into Braidburn Valley Park. There had been light drizzle at the start of the ride, but this was now giving way to clearer skies, giving us fine views of the Pentland Hills.

We followed the path beside the Braid Burn to Redford Road, then freewheeled down into Colinton, where we paused for a comfort break. Our route then took us up Woodhall Road, down West Mill Road and onto the Water of Leith path. A couple of miles later, we turned off the path and headed through Currie and into the back gate of the Heriot-Watt campus.

And so we reached our lunch venue, which was the spacious canteen in the university's main building. Considering the place is usually deserted on Saturdays, they offer a surprisingly good range of meals and snacks. As always the staff served us cheerfully and efficiently.

Michael's party had arrived about ten minutes before us, and left about ten minutes before our own departure. Just as we were getting ready to leave, who should arrive but the three riders that we had lost on the Meadows. It turned out that the person who had had the puncture at the start of the run had suffered the same fate again almost immediately afterwards. With no further inner tubes available, and with all attempts at patching the existing tube proving unsuccessful, the puncturee and the two helpers/backmarkers headed for the Edinburgh Bike Co-op for a new tube. The problem thus solved, the three made record time catching us up. But we had no desire to hang around while they gobbled their belated lunch, so we again set out without them.

For the return leg of the ride, we took a slightly devious route out of the campus (to avoid a running race which was taking place that afternoon). Then, after crossing the main Calder Road, we headed along Gogar Station Road and into Edinburgh Park, past the Gyle shopping centre and South Gyle station, and then along the familiar route through Corstorphine, Balgreen, Roseburn, and so back to the Meadows. The first group had made it back a few minutes before us. The three riders in the third group, having finished their hasty lunch at the campus, had made a bee-line back to town on the canal towpath, and arrived not long after the rest of us. Thus re-united, members of all three groups partook of refreshments while sitting in the warm sunshine outside Peter's Yard café.

Leaders and backmarkers: Jim, Glenn, Michael, Mike, Neil, Verity, in various combinations
Report and photo: Mike
Map (showing third group's route): Jim

A canal, a river bank, a university and a shopping centre

Unlike our two previous rides, today's run proceeded according to plan. It was an overcast morning with a fresh breeze, but it was free of the hazardous ice that stymied our January and February outings.

Twenty-four of us – including several newcomers (welcome) - set off under the leadership of Michael Law. We ambled down Middle Meadow Walk, across Bruntsfield Links, and onto the canal at the Leamington bridge. Continuing the gentle pace, we left the canal at Harrison Park, then headed to Russell Road and Roseburn Park. Then came a couple of miles along the river bank towards Slateford. Somewhere on that stretch one of the riders had a puncture; a few of the group stayed to help him fix it, with the whole party re-assembling a short while later at the Water of Leith Visitor Centre.

After leaving the river in Currie, we crossed the Lanark Road, and took a series of back roads to the west gate of Heriot-Watt University, which was our planned lunch stop.

The cafeteria at the university is an ideal venue for a 20-Milers lunch. The staff are used to dealing with large numbers of hungry students and conference delegates, and were not at all put out by the sudden arrival of two dozen cyclists. And given that this was a Saturday and therefore relatively quiet, there was plenty of room for us to spread out.

Lunch finished, we left the campus by Gogar Station Road, and weaved through to Edinburgh Park. With most of the office buildings empty for the weekend, this area was looking particularly bleak, but at least we had the roads and paths to ourselves. By contrast, the Gyle Centre was teaming with Saturday shoppers.

The final leg took us past South Gyle Station and the Carrick Knowe golf course, then onto the Corstorphine railway path and so back to Roseburn and the Meadows. At just a smidgen more than 20 miles, it was another very successful ride.

(A special word of thanks to Neil Miller, who volunteered to stay with one of the group who was afflicted by a debilitating migraine, then helped her find her way home.)

Leader: Michael
Report and photos: Mike
Map: Jim

A record turnout

Who would have thought that a dry but chilly and overcast March day would have resulted in an all-time record turnout for a 20 Milers ride? The previous record turnout of 38 in June 2013 was beaten as 43 turned up for today's ride. Other Edinburgh cycle groups must be wondering how we do it. There's no secret formula. We simply arrange interesting rides with good company and make sure everyone feels welcome. The unsung heros of the group are those that put in the effort behind the scenes planning and recce-ing the routes and deciding on suitable lunch stops to ensure everything runs smoothly on the day.

You could see the leader, Michael's jaw drop as more and more riders arrived. We split into the customary two groups and headed down to cross the canal at the Leamington bridge, before carrying on down through the Telfer subway. Russell Road was closed to traffic for bridge repairs; but fortunately not to cyclists. We pressed on through Roseburn Park and past Murrayfield Stadium to join the Water of Leith path which we stayed on until Curriehill. The leading five of the second group missed the turning and ended up in Balerno, whilst the remainder of the group were paying attention and took the correct turning. A minor detour via the busy Lanark Road West got them back on the right route and we all headed into the back entrance of the Heriot Watt Riccarton campus for our lunch stop.

The large canteen was ideal for accomodating such a large group. In addition to getting lunch, the group met up with 20 Milers regular Livia and 3 month old baby Matthew who was presented with a teddy bear (almost as big as him) wearing a 20 Milers tee shirt. The 20 Milers main man, Mike Lewis was also presented with a card from the group in recognition of his 70th birthday. Happy birthday Mike. Suitably refreshed, the group said "goodbye" to Livia and Matthew and set off towards Edinburgh Park. We went past the lochs and busts of poets and onwards towards the Gyle shopping centre. As we made our way through the busy car park, we were relieved to be cycling rather than shopping on a Saturday afternoon. We carried on past South Gyle station, through Broomhouse, past the back of the Forestry Commission headquarters and onto the cycle path skirting Carrick Knowe golf course. This took us back to Murrayfield and we returned to the start by the same route we had headed out on earlier.

Considering the record turnout, the ride went smoothly. The only mechanical issue of the day was a thrown chain which was quickly fixed. Leading a large group is quite a challenge. So all credit to Michael on a job well done. I wonder how long until this record is broken?

Leader: Michael Law

Report: Glenn

Photos: Michael and Glenn

Trace: Jim