April ride this coming Saturday

 Our April ride takes place this coming Saturday (12th). If you haven't done much cycling over the winter, this will be a good opportunity to ease yourself back into the saddle. There will be no nasty hills or muddy tracks to cope with, and the total distance will be just under the statutory twenty miles.

Iain will be leading us on what promises to be an interesting and unusual route. We'll take in part of the new CCWEL route through the city centre, then weave through quiet streets and pleasant green spaces in the east of the city before heading towards the coast on NCN1 and the River Esk path. The return leg will be via the Brunstane Burn and Innocent paths.

Lunch

Our lunch stop will be at Musselburgh, where we'll head for a nice picnic spot on the banks of the Esk. Those who prefer to eat indoors will have a couple of cafes to choose from. There are also at least two places where you can pick up a takeaway sandwich and hot drink. There are public toilets near the picnic spot, and we will have an additional comfort stop early in the afternoon.

Time and place

This is as constant as the North Star. We'll set out at 10:30 from our usual departure point at the north end of Middle Meadow Walk. The ride is free and open to all, and there is no need to let anyone know in advance whether you plan to attend.

More thoughts ...

If your bike has been in the shed all winter, it would make sense to give it a quick check-over before setting out. Make sure the tyres are properly inflated, that they are free of stones and other fragments that might cause punctures, that the chain is well lubed and the brakes and gears are operating smoothly - not to mention packing that spare inner tube and whatever tools are needed to remove a wheel in the event of a puncture. If you are in doubt about any of this, your favourite bike shop will be happy to advise.

With the hope of better weather to come, we can look forward to lots more nice rides - including our longer Extra runs - in the months ahead. As always, I welcome your suggestions for routes and destinations. Get in touch by email, or use the comments box at the bottom of this post.

Spring has sprung

We've been to Craigies Farm several times before; but for today's ride the leader devised an interesting new route, taking in the Cramond waterfront and the River Almond walkway. The weather was very kind to us with sunshine, blue skies and what seemed like the mildest temperatures in months - it finally felt as if spring had arrived. It was great to muster 26 riders, with both new faces and some we hadn't seen in a while. With such a large turnout, we even discussed the need to split into two groups to keep things managable. That is something we have not needed to consider for a number of years. In the end, we decided one group would be OK, and it was. 

Following the leader's briefing, which covered safety and an in-depth description of the route, we rolled away from the top of Middle Meadow Walk. Following a familiar route we made our way to the Leamington Bridge where we regrouped. Every time we ride down Leamington Terrace, the road surface seems to have deteriorated still further. How nice it would be to arrive there one day to find it had been resurfaced. From there we made our way to the Roseburn to Union Canal active travel route. It's a great path, and so much better than twiddling through the streets of Gorgie used to be. Just a shame that the point where you cross the Western Approach Road is such a bottle neck, especially with a large group. Soon, we were up the zig-zags and making our way along the Roseburn Path. The group became stretched out along this busy path, and the back marker [and his self-proclaimed assistant] had to put a spurt on to catch the riders in front. They thought they had caught them, but were confused by the American accents. It turned out they were a small group of cyclists that were not part of our group. One of them was attempting to take a photograph whilst riding along; they hit the back marker's rear wheel and went down. Fortunately, there were no injuries or damage. Our two bade them farewell and set off in pursuit of the right group. With us all back together, we turned left at the Craigleith junction and made our way to the Silverknowes Esplanade, which was teeming with people making the most of one of the nicest days in a long time. Along there to Cramond, past the boat yard, past the now defunct Cramond Falls Café and we were at the foot of School Brae. It's not a long climb, but is steep enough to give the group their first workout of the day. After regrouping at the top, we made our way along Whitehouse Road. A right turn down the delightful Peggy's Mill Road, and we were on the River Almond Walkway which led us to Cramond Brig. Following the obligatory pause on the bridge, we took the cycle path beside Queensferry Road. But only for a short distance, before heading through the subway.  Soon we were back on the road and heading towards our lunch stop. The steepest climb of the day took us to Craigies Farm. The group split up with some heading to the café whilst others bagged picnic tables.

With the group fed and watered, we headed off for the return journey. Soon we were whizzing down a steep hill, and on the cycle path beside the A90. Back past the subway entrance from the morning, and once again we paused on the bridge. Our return route saw us head through Barnton, Silverknowes and along the Blackhall Path to Craigleith. From there we retraced our outward route via the Roseburn Path, Roseburn to Union Canal active travel route and Leamington Bridge back to The Meadows, where the leader declared the ride over.

Thanks to Alan for leading, and devising an alternative route now that our old route through the Craigiehall camp is closed off. Everyone seemed to enjoy the ride, and given it is still early March, the lovely weather was an added bonus. Thanks to Neil for back marking, and good to see he suffered no ill-effects having been ridden into.

Leader: Alan

Report: Glenn

Photos: Glenn 

March ride to Craigies' Farm

We've got our March run coming up on Saturday (8th), when Alan will be leading us to Craigie's Farm. This is somewhere we have visited several times before, so this time, just to add some variety, Alan has devised an interesting new route, taking in the Cramond waterfront and the River Almond walkway.

That said, we won't be able to avoid the steep climb up to the farm. But as this will come just before lunch, we will at least have time to get our breath back. There will be a couple of other moderate hills during the morning, as well as  about half a mile on a rough path that might be muddy. Apart from that, I don't foresee any difficulties. The total distance will be close to the statutory twenty miles.

Lunch stop

Craigie's Farm has a spacious cafe with a varied menu. There are also outside tables for those who prefer to bring a picnic (as well some seating that is under cover in case of rain).

Logistics

We'll meet at our usual spot at the north end of Middle Meadow Walk in time for a 10:30 departure. We'll aim to finish the ride at or near the Meadows around the middle of the afternoon.

Like all our rides, this one is free, with no advance booking. There is no need let anyone know if you plan to join us.

I hope to see you on Saturday, or, failing that, on a future ride.

A fort, a chapel and a gasholder

Today's ride saw the leader making his debut in the role. He led us out to Ocean Terminal, but via an interesting and somewhat unusual route, taking in bike paths and quiet roads in the east and north of the city. The route included a couple of spots that were new to all of us. Getting a turn out of 20 riders for our February ride was good. The weather helped. Despite being quite chilly and overcast, it remained dry, and [for once] there were no issues with ice.

The leader gave a comprehensive briefing, telling us of three specific locations we would visit, warning us of a short muddy section, and to take care on the old rail lines by Victoria Quay. Then we were off. Through Holyrood Park, down to Duddingston village, a short section on Duddingston Road West before turning left through the houses to emerge at the Meadowbank entrance to the Park. A cut-through, across the busy London Road, and we were soon in the pleasant surroundings of Lochend Park where we paused by the pond. Through the back streets of Lochend, which were unfamiliar to many, and we were at the Crigentinny Golf Club. Here was the short, muddy section we had been warned about. With everyone safely through, we crossed Seafield Road twice to arrive at The Shore via Leith Links. After a short distance on NCN 75, we turned off to head through the back streets of Bonnington. More twiddling through back streets, The Shore, Victoria Quay and we arrived at Ocean Terminal for our lunch stop. Most of the group headed out onto the veranda for an al fresco lunch.

With lunch over, it was time for some history lessons. First stop was St Ninian's Chapel in Quayside Street, then Leith Fort in North Fort Street. At both stops, the leader gave a brief talk informing us of the history of the two places. We were soon at Victoria Quay, taking care on the embedded rail lines we had been warned about. Unfortunately, they caught out one rider - their bike went down, they appeared to fly up into the air, but miraculously, they landed on their feet unharmed. If you have to fall, that's the way to do it. Via the Hawthornvale Path, Trinity Path, McKelvie Parade and Lower Granton Road we made our way to Granton Gasholder Number 1. Having only opened a week or two earlier, the newly painted gasholder in its own park was our final stop of the day. Here Ian handed out his delicious homemade cookies. From the waterfront we made our way to the Telford Path for the run back into town. We were delayed by a puncture on this stretch. Underway again, the Roseburn Path, the new path that bypasses Gorgie and the canal led us back to the Meadows where the leader declared the ride officially over.

Thanks to Steve for leading us on such an interesting route for his debut ride as leader, which was enjoyed by all. The fact that Mike said, "in my 20 years on the group, I did not expect to be taken to places I hadn't been before, but I was." speaks volumes. Thanks to Alan for back marking.

Leader: Steve

Report: Glenn

Photos: Glenn

February ride this coming Saturday

We've got our February ride coming up on Saturday (8th). Our leader will be Steve (Hancock), who will be making his debut as a 20-Milers ride leader.

Steve has  come up with an interesting and somewhat unusual route, taking in bike paths and quiet roads in the east and north of the city. The route will include a couple of spots that I think will be new to many of us - more about that on the day.

I don't foresee any difficulties with the route. There will be gentle gradients for most of the time, with only one fairly steep climb. And for the most part we will be on reasonably firm surfaces apart from one short stretch that might be muddy. The total distance will be just under the nominal twenty miles.

Lunch stop

Our lunch stop will be at the Ocean Terminal in Leith. As you probably know, this offers a choice of cafes and sandwich shops, as well as a terrace for those of us who prefer to bring a packed lunch (but watch out for the seagulls).

Time and place

As always, we'll gather 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. The ride is of course free and open to all, and there is no need to let anyone know in advance whether or not you plan to attend.

A reminder

I'll take this opportunity to remind you to bring a spare inner tube with you if at all possible. That way, we'll be able to get you quickly up and running if you are hit by a puncture. And if your bike does not have quick-release wheels, please also bring whatever tools would be needed to remove the wheel. If you're not sure what size of tube or what type of tools you need, your favourite bike shop will be able to advise.

I hope to see you on Saturday. If you can't make it this time, next month's ride will be on 8th March.

The best-laid plans ...

When we post announcements of our rides, it's always with the proviso that the advertised route is provisional and that we might have to change it at the last minute, depending on conditions on the day. Such was the case with today's run. The original plan was to head out on the Water of Leith path and then back via Woodhall Road and Bonaly. But it has been particularly cold in Edinburgh this last week, with daytime temperatures often well below zero, resulting in some treacherous icy patches on roads and paths.

With that in mind, our leader, Alison, sensibly decided to carry out an extra recce of the planned route during the week. She found that certain stretches of the route – especially the high ground near the Woodhall Road riding school – were particularly badly affected by ice, and were likely to remain so for several days. So various alternative plans were considered. After some more reconnoitring, a more sheltered low level route was chosen, this being a variation of the "five parks" run that we have done several times before.

Twelve riders turned up for the ride, which, given the sub-zero temperature, was a pretty good effort. (Balaclava helmet liners, sealskin gloves and thermal jackets were all in evidence.) 

Route

Our route took us through Holyrood Park, Duddingston village and Cavalry Park, then alongside the Duddingston golf course to Milton Road and Bingham. After a short stretch on the Innocent path, we turned off through the Peffermill Industrial Estate and then through Craigmillar Castle Park. It took a few minutes for us all to get across the very busy Old Dalkeith Road, but we were soon able to continue by way of Inch Park and Double Hedges Road to the foot of Kirk Brae.

On previous occasions, we have headed for Blackford Glen Road and the Hermitage of Braid at this point. But another of Alison's earlier recces had identified the Hermitage as another likely ice hazard. So this time we turned right at the traffic lights and headed up Mayfield Road – our only climb of the day and, thankfully, a fairly short one. Next came a particularly pleasant stretch through the grounds of the King's Buildings. After crossing West Mains Road, we weaved through the back streets of Blackford and the Grange before finishing the ride back at the Meadows.

At just over twelve miles, it was not exactly a long ride, but was just about right given the conditions. We kept up a moderate pace with very little standing around in the cold, and we managed to avoid the worst of the ice. So kudos to Alison for coming up with this alternative plan and for undertaking the necessary recces. A word of thanks too to Miranda who volunteered at short notice to serve as backmarker.

We'll be back to our full-day runs in February. It will surely have got warmer by then?

Leader: Alison

Report: Mike

Photos: Sorry, none this time;  too cold to stop and take pictures.

Our first ride of 2025 this Saturday

We've got our first ride of 2025 coming up on Saturday (11th). Alison will be leading us on what promises to be a scenic route, out along the Water of Leith towards Currie, and then back by a high-level route via Woodhall Road and Bonaly. I don't foresee any difficulties, apart from a couple of short climbs on the return leg and some short stretches that might be a little muddy. The total distance will be about 14 miles.

Note that this will again be a half-day ride. We'll aim to finish at or near the Meadows at about 1 pm. We will not be organising a lunch stop, but there are plenty of cafes, sandwich shops and the like near the end point for those who would like a post-ride meal or snack.

As always, we'll set out at 10:30 from our usual meeting point at the north end of Middle Meadow Walk. And, as always, the ride is free and open to all on a "just turn up" basis.

Finally, please keep in mind that we always welcome suggestions for new routes or destinations for our rides, especially if you can volunteer to lead a ride yourself. If so, do get in touch.