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
