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.

Breezing through Midlothian

Our second Extra ride of the year saw fourteen of us head through the lovely Midlothian countryside to Vogrie Country Park. We've only been there once before, a couple of years ago. For many on today's ride, it was their first visit. We don't venture into the depths of Midlothian as often as we might, but today clearly showed us what we are missing - delightful country roads devoid of traffic, beautiful views and a lovely lunch stop. There was a noticeable breeze that stayed with us all day, but it was warm and we had no rain. It fluctuated between being overcast and sunny - ideal conditions for a route that had quite a bit of climbing. Glenn was today's leader, and made it clear that there would be quite a few climbs to contend with; but he told everyone to take them at a pace they were comfortable with and we'd regroup and get our breath back at the top.

We left Fisherrow Harbour and followed the road beside the river, ducked under the main road bridge through Musselburgh and headed on to Campie School, before making our way through the houses to the station. From there we made our way down to join the Grove and onwards to Cowpits. At Whitecraig Primary School, we had to make a detour onto the grass as the path was blocked by people attending the Whitecraig Gala Day. Taking the path towards Dalkeith, we turned off and headed to Smeaton Shaw and climbed up to join the B6314 for a short distance, before turning left for more climbing on a minor road towards Cousland. Turning right onto the A6124 saw more climbing towards the A68 junction. After pausing to rest and regroup, we turned right and crossed the bridge over the A68. Following a tricky little left-right turn, we found ourselves on a delightfully quiet country road which gave us a panoramic view over the beautiful Midlothian countryside. After a little over a mile, we arrived at a T-junction with a busier road near Whitehill. Everyone was glad of the leader's advance warning, as we had turned left to be confronted with a steep little climb. Having been pre-warned made the difference between getting up the hill rather than grinding to a halt as there was nothing to suggest what lay around the blind corner on approach. The road soon flattened before climbing steadily to Edgehill to be followed by a glorious descent through the village. We regrouped before turning right on the B6372 which led us to the entrance to Vogrie Country Park via Dewartown. A short way after passing through the gates, one rider had the misfortune to fall which resulted in bruising and a grazed elbow. Having given them time to recover, we continued down to the café and picnic area where we enjoyed lunch sitting outside.

With everyone fed and watered and the injured rider patched up, we headed back out of the park and retraced our outward route towards Edgehead. At the staggered junction, instead of turning left towards Edgehead, we turned right towards Ford. Following a lovely fast descent through the village, we began our toughest climb of the day. This took us to Pathhead where we had to cross the busy A68 trunk road. It took a few minutes to get everyone safely across, after which we regrouped, and took a chance for everyone to get their breath back. It was good to be back on another lovely quiet country road which we had to ourselves. The B6367 that followed was not much busier and took us back to the busier A6093. A very short stretch on that road found us on yet another deserted country road. A couple more climbs and we were in the village of Cousland. From there it was an easy run back to Crossgatehall, along the shared-use path beside the road, and we were soon speeding down the road to Smeaton Shaw we had ridden up in the morning. We turned off and took the path back to Whitecraig, this time staying on the path and avoiding the field where the gala day was being held. The path exits onto the busy main road through the village at a pelican crossing. Unfortunately, whilst the crossing was installed several years ago, it has never been switched on - so we had to cross carefully. Once everyone was safely across, we made our way to Cowpits where we joined the Grove and retraced our outward route to arrive at Musselburgh station, where the leader declared the ride officially over.

Everyone seemed to have enjoyed the ride. The weather had been kind to us - perhaps it could have been a little less breezy, but that is probably nit-picking. Most of those present had been somewhere totally new which is always a bonus. The lovely views and deserted country roads were most welcome. We really must get out into the wilds of Midlothian more often as it has so much to offer. Thanks to Alan for back marking.

Leader: Glenn

Report: Glenn

Photos: Glenn