Extra ride to East Lothian next Saturday

We've got the fourth of this summer's Extra rides next Saturday (29th).

In what has become very much a tradition for our August Extras, this ride will be in memory of Logan Strang, a long-standing 20-Milers regular who died while cycling with some of our group in 2017. The route is one that he often took us on and which was a particular favourite of his.

The route

The ride will start in Musselburgh. Under Glenn's leadership, we'll head east along the coast road, part of which is an A-road and therefore possibly busy with traffic. But it has the advantage of being reasonably flat - not to mention having excellent views over the Firth of Forth. We'll turn inland at Aberlady, after which we'll take mainly quiet roads to Drem, East Fortune and Athelstaneford.

The return leg will also be on quiet roads through attractive countryside. There will be a few hills on this part of the route, but there will only be one that is likely to be at all strenuous. We'll eventually rejoin the coast near Seton Sands before returning to Musselburgh.

Be aware that this will be a particularly long ride. The total distance from and to Musselburgh will be about 36 miles. Musselburgh is a further seven miles from central Edinburgh, so, depending where you start from, your total mileage might be nearer 50. As well as the extended mileage, the ride will go at a faster pace and with fewer stops than most of our runs. Please keep that in mind when deciding if your fitness level will be right for this outing.

Lunch stop

Although the route will be the similar to previous years, the lunch arrangements will be different. We previously stopped for our midday break at the cafe at the Merryhatton garden centre. Unfortunately, the centre recently changed hands and there is no longer a suitable cafe there.

Fortunately, there is a nice picnic spot at Athelstaneford - just a mile or so further on from the garden centre. So please be sure to bring food and drink for a picnic lunch. There are picnic tables and toilets there (there are also toilets at the meeting place and we'll have an additional toilet stop on the way home).

As you might know, Athelstaneford is noted as the "home of the Saltire". If time permits, we'll have a very brief stop at the parish church where there is a small exhibit telling the story of the Scottish flag.

Time and place

Our meeting point for the ride will be Fisherrow Harbour in Musselburgh (see here if you need directions). Please be there in time for a 10:30 departure. The ride will finish in Musselburgh mid- to late-afternoon.

Before you set out

As always on a long ride, it is important for our bikes to be in good road-worthy condition.  So before you set out, please check that your tyres are properly inflated and free of stones or other fragments that might cause punctures, and that the gears and brakes are working smoothly. I know I don't need to remind you to bring a spare inner tube and whatever tools, if any, are required for removing your wheels in the event of a puncture.

As always, there is no need to let us know in advance whether you intend to join us. If you plan to attend, just turn up at the appointed time and place.

A new twist on a familiar route

Today saw us head out to Craigie Farm. It's one of our regular rides, but there was a new twist on the route which had many riders commenting on how unfamiliar it was to them. The weather turned out to be better than expected with several riders removing layers even before we set off. It stayed dry all day and was pleasantly warm, without being too hot - ideal cycling weather. A turn out of fourteen riders was acceptable rather than good; but August is often a strange month with riders on holiday or attending the Festival. In amongst the regular faces, it was good to see at least one new rider. There was an ironic moment when a driver that had been driving dangerously decided to tell us how we should have been cycling.

Following her briefing, Alison led us away from our meeting point. Perhaps it can be blamed on the large crowds (thanks to the Festival) milling around, but there was a moment of confusion when the group turned left at the Middle Meadow Walk crossroads rather than going straight across. Fortunately, we soon got sorted out and were heading to Roseburn Park by the familiar route via Bruntsfield Links, Leamington Bridge and across the Western Approach Road. We then joined Edinburgh Council Quiet Route 9 through Saughtonhall, Carrick Knowe and Broomhouse. After crossing Meadowplace Road we rode through Gyle Park to arrive at the very busy Glasgow Road. Unable to all get across in one go, we regrouped on the other side and headed through quiet back streets and past Craigmount High School to join Craigs Road. Having crossed Maybury Road, we made our way through the new housing development and onwards to Turnhouse. On this section, Julie (one of our regular riders who couldn't make today's ride) stood at her front gate and waved to us as we rode by. Near to Lennie Mains, Alison led us down a gravel track searching for Craigiehall Temple. We found some houses, but not the temple. At least there was a nice horse in the field. Back to the road for a short distance, before turning off through the woods to the delightful Grotto Bridge where we paused to admire the waterfalls and rapids of the River Almond. From there we made our way through the former Craigiehall Army HQ. The route we used to take is fenced off, but an alternative one led us through the estate to emerge beside the A90. The path beside the road took us to the Burnshot Bridge where we joined the road to Kirkliston. It sometimes seems as if each time we use this stretch of road the experience is more unpleasant than the time before. That was certainly the case today. Riding two vehicles behind the rest of the group, the writer was able to see clearly what was unfolding. It wasn't safe for the van to get past, but the driver of the car behind kept crossing the white line looking as if he was about to embark on a suicide pass. They did this numerous times and could be heard shouting. They then deliberately slowed down and the writer ended up alongside. In a breath-taking moment of hypocrisy, he then proceeded to share his opinion on how the group should have been riding to avoid inconveniencing him. Oh, the irony of it! The road then straightened out and he and the van were gone. We turned right and climbed the short steep hill to Craigie Farm and our lunch stop. Most of us had a picnic lunch. Feedback from some of those that used the café was not positive, even those wanting a take-away drink. 

Straight after lunch we had the pleasure of a lovely descent. The writer stopped at the bottom to take photos of the riders coming down. Having got some photos, he thought, "there's quite a gap. I wonder if there has been a hold-up on the hill?" After waiting a few minutes, the realisation dawned that everyone had come down and he was waiting in vain. Whoops! So, back on the bike and he headed off in pursuit of the group, catching them on the climb up to Burnshot Bridge. Following the obligatory pause at Old Cramond Brig, we took the familiar route back via Barnton and Silverknowes to Craigleith; the only difference being at the end of Barnton Avenue we turned right and then left through Tesco's car park and took the path through to join the Blackhall Path further down. From Craigleith we took the usual route back to The Meadows via the Roseburn Path, the zig-zags, Fountainhall and the Leamington Bridge. We were in for a shock at the Leamington Bridge. Having been there for what seems like an eternity, the temporary traffic lights on Lower Gilmore Place have finally gone. A short distance from there, after a six year refurbishment, the King's Theatre looked resplendent in front of us as we waited for the traffic lights to change. Back amongst the crowds at The Meadows Alison declared the ride officially over.

Thanks to Alison for leading us to an old favourite with a couple of twists to the route to keep it interesting. A most enjoyable ride which was appreciated by all. Thanks to Alan for back marking.

Leader: Alison

Report: Glenn

Photos: Glenn

Two rides planned for August

We've got two rides coming up this month: our standard "second Saturday" run this coming weekend; and our fourth Extra of the season on the 29th.

Saturday 8 August: Craigies Farm

For this Saturday's ride, Alison will be leading us to Craigies Farm. Our route will be similar to one that we have done several times before, but there will be at least one interesting new twist - more about that when we get to it. We will have the usual steep climb up to the farm just before lunch, as well as a couple of other moderate hills during the morning. Apart from that, I don't foresee any difficulties. The total distance will be just under twenty miles.

Craigies Farm has a spacious cafe with a varied menu - albeit a fairly pricey one. There are also outside tables for those who prefer to bring a picnic lunch (as well some seating under cover in case of rain).

We'll set out from our usual spot at the north end of Middle Meadow Walk at 10:30. We'll aim to finish the ride at or near the Meadows around the middle of the afternoon.

Saturday 29 August: Merryhatton

For this month's Extra, Glenn will be leading us on what has become our traditional August run, to the Merryhatton garden centre. This is a particularly scenic route though pleasant East Lothian countryside. But do keep in mind that, like all our Extras, it will be longer than our usual rides, with a somewhat faster pace and fewer stops. This one will be about 35 miles, starting and ending in Musselburgh. I'll post full details here nearer the time.

As I'm sure you know by now, all our rides are free, with no advance booking. If you'd like to join us, just turn up on the day.

20 Milers Extra ride to Silversands Bay at Aberdour

Unfortunately [for the second ride in a row], neither of the group's two scribes could make it today, resulting in no report. Apologies for that. But thanks to Alison, there are a few photos.

According to the leader (Alan) the ride went well with only one minor mechanical issue which was quickly resolved. The weather was dull as the fifteen riders set out, but the sun came out in Fife, albeit accompanied by a noticeable wind.

Fingers crossed, normal service should be resumed for the next ride.

Extra to Aberdour this coming Saturday

We've got the third of this year's Extra rides coming up on Saturday (25th).

For this ride, Alan will be leading us to one of our most popular destinations: the Silver Sands beach at Aberdour. This is a delightful spot: a sandy beach with extensive views over the Firth of Forth. Much of the route will be on the scenic Fife coastal path. We'll be riding on firm surfaces most of the way, but there will be one or two rough stretches that might be muddy. There will be a few moderate-to-steep hills - all fairly short. The total distance will be about 35 miles.

I'm sure you don't need me to remind you, but please keep in mind that these Extra rides are longer than our usual runs, with a faster pace and fewer stops. If you manage our usual 20-mile outings with energy to spare, you should be OK with this one. But if you sometimes struggle to keep up on our usual runs, you will probably want to give this one a miss.

Lunch

For this ride, you can either bring a picnic lunch or visit the Sands café which is right on the beach. This offers a range of sandwiches and other snacks, but it can get very busy, especially on a nice day. If you want to avoid a long wait for lunch, I suggest you go for the picnic option. There are plenty of places to sit on and near the beach, and there are also toilets there. (And we'll have toilet breaks on both the outward and return legs.)

Time and place

The ride will start from our alternative meeting point at the Craigleith path junction - see here if you need directions. Please get there in time for a prompt 10:30 departure. Because of the length of the ride, we will probably not get back to Craigleith until after 4 pm.

As always, there is no need to let us know in advance whether or not you plan to come along. Just turn up if you have a mind to.

And, as always, please remember to bring a spare inner tube plus whatever tools (if any) would be needed to remove your wheel in the event of a puncture.

Looking ahead

Our next "second Saturday" run will be on 8 August. We'll also have another Extra later in August - provisionally fixed for the 29th. I'll post the usual details here in good time.

Ride to Harlaw Reservoir

Unfortunately, neither of the group's two scribes could make today's ride, resulting in no report or photos. Apologies for that. 

According to the leader (Alan) the ride went well with no problems. For the seventeen riders in attendance, it was damp with drizzle on the way out in the morning, dried up for the picnic lunch stop at Harlaw, and turned warm for the run back in the afternoon.

Normal service should be resumed for the next ride. 

July ride to the Harlaw Reservoir

We've got out next ride coming up on Saturday (11th). We'll be heading to what has become our traditional July destination: the Harlaw Reservoir at the edge of the Pentland Hills. This is a pleasantly scenic route and a nice spot for a picnic lunch.

The route

For the outward leg, we will mainly follow quiet roads and well-surfaced paths. Although we will avoid the very steepest routes up to the reservoir, there will inevitably be a fair amount of climbing during the morning (the reservoir is 250 metres above sea level). But we'll take it at our usual steady pace, and allow time for stragglers to catch up.

In return for our exertions of the morning, we can look forward to some nice downhills on the return leg. But this will also include a couple of very rough stretches where we might have to dismount. Thankfully, these will be fairly short.

The total distance will be about 24 miles. Slightly more than half the mileage will be in the morning, so our lunch break will be a little on the late side.

And talking of lunch ...

... There are no shops, cafés or other catering outlets at the reservoir or anywhere near it. So please be sure to bring food and drink for your lunch. Happily there are several nice spots there for picnics.

There are portable (chemical) toilets at the reservoir. We will also stop for a toilet break about half way through the morning.

Time and place

As always, we will set out at 10:30 from our usual spot at the north end of Middle Meadow Walk. As I'm sure you know by now, there is no advance booking for our rides, so just turn up if you decide to join us.

What if the weather is bad?

The 20-Milers rides go ahead regardless of the weather (as some of us know only too well). For this ride, please bring a picnic even if the weather is bad, as we will find an alternative spot where we can eat our lunch under cover if necessary.

Looking ahead

We've fixed our next Extra for the 25th July. I'll post details of that ride in due course. In the meantime, happy pedalling.