Forthcoming rides : October

We've got two rides planned for the next couple of weeks. As always, everyone is welcome on these rides. You don't need to book in advance: just turn up on the day.

20-Milers Extra : 5th October

Our Extra rides are faster and longer than our usual outings, but still aim for a sociable pace, without undue pressure. For this one, Julia will be taking us to the historic town of Linlithgow.

The outward leg will mainly follow quiet roads, with a little bit of climbing, but nothing particularly onerous. This is a very attractive section of route, with fines views to the Forth and beyond. The return hop will be reasonably flat, with a mix of bike paths, quiet roads and canal towpath. The total distance will be about 34 miles.

For lunch, we'll head for the picnic tables by Linlithgow Palace. There are also several cafés nearby where you can pick up a hot drink, a sandwich or a bowl of soup.

Meeting place. We'll meet at the Sustrans marker at the junction of the Roseburn, Telford and Blackhall paths (the same place where we met for our rides to Blackness and Dunfermline earlier in the summer). If you're not sure where it is, head for South Groathill Avenue, and look for the sign-posted entrance to the bike path by the pedestrian crossing.

Time. The ride will start half an hour earlier than usual, at 10.00. We'll aim to be back in town between about 4.00 and 5.00 pm.

A shorter option. If you'd like to come on part of the ride but don't fancy doing the full 34 miles, you have the option of cycling with us to Linlithgow, then taking the train back. There are four trains per hour, with a journey time of about 25 minutes. But bike space is limited on these services, so if more than a couple of you decide to take this option, you might not get on your first choice of train.

Normal 20-Milers ride : 12th October

Our second ride in October will be our normal "second Saturday" run, leaving from Middle Meadow Walk at 10.30, and returning to town between about 3.00 and 4.00 pm.

For this ride, Glenn will be leading us on a tour of some interesting bike routes in East Lothian. This looks like being a particularly pleasant run, with some excellent views. There will be a couple of moderately steep climbs, but we'll take these at our usual unhurried pace. The total distance will be about 22 miles.

We'll stop at a pub for lunch, or, as always, you can bring a picnic if you prefer.