New banner's first outing

Today saw us head to the Heriot Watt University campus at Riccarton. Despite it being a familiar destination, the leader added a couple of interesting wiggles that were new to many. The sixteen riders that turned up were met with a large banner leaving them in no doubt that this was the 20 Milers group. Thanks to Alan for organising that in our 20th anniversary year, and carrying it for the duration of the ride in a tube strapped to the back of his bike. It was good to see a few new faces added to the mix. We had typical April weather: blue skies, gusty winds, sunshine and a couple of heavy showers. Fortunately, we were on our way back to town when the day's heaviest shower hit us.

With the leader's briefing over, we were off. Via Bruntsfield  Links, Whitehouse Loan, Cannan Lane, Woodburn Terrace and the new cycle route along Braidburn Terrace, we arrived at Braidburn Valley Park. In the park, what appeared to be a pony was paddling in the burn, much to our surprise. We'd seen it from the rear, but as we drew alongside we could see it was actually a large St Bernard dog. Through Colinton Mains Park, cycle paths led us to the housing estate beside Redford Barracks before emerging onto Redford Drive. A short downhill stretch and we turned into Redford Drive. The quiet back streets of Bonaly, Woodfield, Woodhall Road and we were negotiating a rather muddy path to join Blinkbonny Road. We crossed the busy Lanark Road West and threaded our way through the estate at Riccarton. Busy traffic on a steep climb resulted in many of the group missing a turn and having to retrace their steps. Back together, the group rode along Curriehill Road and entered the Heriot Watt campus via the back entrance. Whilst the majority opted to go into the main building for an indoor picnic lunch, a few went and sat beside the pond.

With lunch over, our shorter run back to town began. Having crossed Calder Road, we weaved through quiet country roads and along an unsurfaced path to emerge at Edinburgh Park. Alongside the tram tracks at Sighthill, before crossing them and heading past Murrayfield to Roseburn Park. From there, we took the well-known route back to Leamington Bridge where the leader declared the ride over.

Thanks to Neil for leading us on an interesting ride that was enjoyed by all. He even received a round of applause at the end. Thanks to Alan for back marking, arranging the banner, putting it up, taking it down and carrying it for the duration of the ride.

Leader: Neil

Report: Glenn

Photos: Glenn

20-Milers April ride on Saturday

 We've got our April ride this coming Saturday (13th). I hope you'll be able to join us.

Under Neil's leadership, we'll be heading west, with a lunch stop at the Heriot Watt campus in Riccarton. We'll take a fairly familiar route, albeit with a couple of interesting wiggles that will be new to many of us. We'll head out via Braidburn Valley (using the new bike route along Braidburn Terrace), Bonaly and Curriehill, returning by way of Gogarbank and Edinburgh Park.

Inevitably there will be a few hills along the way, as well as a couple of rough stretches that will probably be muddy. But there should be no other serious difficulties. The total distance will be twenty miles, give or take.

Lunch arrangements

Please note that there is no catering of any kind at the campus, so be sure to bring a packed lunch. There is a nice loch-side spot where we can picnic, as well as space to eat indoors if the weather turns bad.

As always, we'll set out at 10:30 from our usual spot at the top of Middle Meadow Walk.

And as always, the above details should be regarded as provisional. The meeting time and place are fixed, but we always reserve the right to vary the itinerary if circumstances demand. That doesn't happen very often, but it's always a possibility.

Looking ahead

I hope to be able to post details of our first Extra of 2024 before long. (Any suggestions you may have for new routes or destinations will be gratefully received.)