August Extra ride cancelled

I am sorry to report that the Extra ride we had scheduled for next Saturday has been cancelled. This is because of circumstances completely beyond our control. It was to be our traditional August ride to Merryhatton, which many of us were looking forward to. So apologies for the disappointment.

This won't affect our September "second Saturday" run, which will go ahead as planned on the 14th. And we are still hoping to fit another Extra into the programme before the autumn weather closes in. Details of both those events will be posted here in due course.

Far from the madding crowds

Once again, for the August 20-Milers ride, we opted to avoid those parts of Edinburgh that would be heaving with tourists. This was our festival escape time, so we headed to the Edinburgh International Climbing Arena (EICA) at Ratho. The weather was pleasantly comfortable, rather than hot; but it did stay dry all day. There was a stiff breeze, but it was only noticeable on open and exposed sections. A turnout of nineteen riders mustered at our usual starting point, which was now festooned with festival posters. This didn't stop the leader from hanging the 20-Milers banner over one of them. In fact, he forgot to take it down and it remained there all day, being collected at the end of the ride. Wonder how many passers-by saw it and thought the 20-Milers was a show in the festival? 

Following the customary leader's briefing, we headed off through the Meadows which were already busy. Via Leamington Walk and Whitehouse Loan, we were soon in Canaan Lane. The last few riders in the group were delayed as a delivery van turned around having realised it was only a through road for cycles and pedestrians. We emerged from the quiet back streets onto the busy Morningside Road and turned right at the lights into Balcarres Street. Through the gate in the wall, and we were riding through the woods. At Craiglockhart Pond we had to carry our bikes up a few steps to get back on the road. We were soon on the busy Colinton Road where a courteous driver stopped to allow the whole group to make a right turn. Quiet back streets and paths led us to the Union Canal towpath. Heading west, we dismounted and walked across the Slateford Aqueduct. We continued on the towpath past Longstone and Wester Hailes. There were lots of pedestrians on the path just before we turned off at Hermiston House Road, where Iain passed round his delicious home baking. Onwards through Ratho village and up what the leader had called the "monster climb". With the climb behind us, we turned right at Bonnington onto the B7030 for a nice downhill section, before turning right onto the quiet road that lead us to the EICA. There were three options for lunch: picnic tables on the terrace, sit inside and watch the climbers on the wall, or downstairs to the café.

Lunch over, it was time to begin heading back towards Edinburgh. Returning to the B7030, we turned right down to the bridge that carries the M8 motorway. A sharp left turn, followed by another saw us on a steep gravelly track heading up to the Union Canal. Given the loose surface and tight approach, all but Neil on his fat-tyre bike opted to walk this section. We took the towpath back as far as Ratho, leaving it at the Bridge Inn. We were now on what would be expected to be quiet back roads; but were actually quite busy with traffic - it's probably used at a cut-through route given its proximity to the A8. At Roddinglaw, we left the road and took our own off-road cut-through past Kellerstain. Soon we were heading under the subway to emerge at Edinburgh Park.  From there we took the cycle path past Sighthill and Broomhouse, before joining the path beside the tram tracks to the old Jenners Depository. Past Murrayfield Stadium, through Roseburn Park and the familiar route back to the Meadows via Russell Road, the Telfer Subway and Leamington Bridge. Whilst the Meadows had been busy when we left, now they were teeming. It's surprising how many people cannot grasp the difference between the lanes for pedestrians and those for cyclists.

The leader declared the ride officially over, and seemed somewhat surprised to be given a round of applause. Thanks to Alan for leading a ride that allowed us to escape the festival crowds, and thanks to Saqib and Neil for sharing the back marking.

Leader: Alan

Report: Glenn

Photos: Glenn 

August ride to Ratho

 We've got our August ride coming up on Saturday (10th).

Under Alan's leadership, we will be heading west towards Ratho. It promises to be a pleasant route along some nice country lanes. There will also be a couple of stretches on the canal towpath and a couple of short sections on paths that might be a little rough in places. We will face a fairly steep climb just before lunch, but I don't expect any other difficulties. The total distance will be about 22 miles.

Our lunch stop will be at the climbing arena in Ratho. This has a café which serves hot and cold drinks and a limited selection of sandwiches and cakes. For those who prefer to bring their own food, there is a sunny terrace with picnic tables as well as some indoor seating with views of the climbing wall. There are also vending machines selling hot and cold drinks.

The rest you already know: we'll meet at the north end of Middle Meadow Walk in time for a 10:30 departure. We'll aim to get back to the Meadows around the middle of the afternoon. As always, the ride is open to all, with no advance booking.

August Extra : Change of date

Please note that we have re-scheduled our August Extra. This will now take place on 24 August. I'll post full details in due course.