November ride to Dalkeith - and others

As I write this, it's obvious that our long hot summer is over and the colder weather has arrived. But that's no reason to put away you cycle clips. The best way to face the winter is to keep fit and healthy. And the best way to do that is to get out on your bike and enjoy some fresh air and exercise.

With that in mind, here is news of three rides for the month ahead:

Saturday 10th November: 20-Milers to Dalkeith

Verity will be leading our November ride. We'll head out towards Portobello and Musselburgh, then turn inland towards Dalkeith via the country park. The total distance will be 24 miles. There will be a short, steep climb near the start, but no other serious hills and no particular difficulties.

We'll have lunch in the Blacksmith's Forge in Dalkeith. This is a Wetherspoon pub (and it really is on the site of an old forge), so while not exactly gourmet fare, they do offer a good range of burgers, baked potatoes, sandwiches and salads at very reasonable prices. Those who prefer to bring their own food can enjoy an al fresco lunch in the nearby park.

We'll set out from our usual meeting place at the north end of Middle Meadow Walk at 10:30. Sunset on the day is scheduled for 16:15. We should be back at the Meadows well before that, but you should bring lights anyway in case we get delayed and to see you home.

Thrusday 22nd November: Jim's moonlight ride

Something new for the coming months. Starting this month, Jim Cameron will be leading a monthly mid-week evening run to (approximately) coincide with the full moon. These runs will go at a moderate pace, aiming to do about 15 - 20 miles during the evening. Obviously it will be dark (even with the moon), so you will need good strong lights with plenty of juice.

The rides will set out at 19:00 from Lister Square, which is behind the Starbucks in Middle Meadow Walk. They will finish around 21:00. For more information, see this web page.

Sunday 25th November: EasyCycle half-day ride

If you prefer a shorter, slower ride, you might like to know that EasyCycle have now moved to their winter format. Between now and February, their rides will be just two and half hours, starting at 10:30 and ending at 13:00, with a total distance of about 12 miles. There will be no official lunch break, but the ride will end near a city centre pub. Last winter, whenever the weather was reasonable, some of the riders were in the habit of grabbing a bite to eat and then clocking up a few more miles on an informal basis in the afternoon, but of course it's up to you whether or not you wish to do that.

If that appeals to you, meet at 10:30 in front of  Söderberg café (formerly Peter's Yard) in Middle Meadow Walk. There is further information on the EasyCycle website.

Just turn up

Remember, there is no advance booking for any of the above runs, so just turn up on the day. They are all free and open to all.

For those who favour a longer ride, cycling groups such as Spokes and CTC will be continuing their usual programme of runs during the winter months. Check www.cycling-edinburgh.org.uk for details of all local bike rides.