An Extra leader change

Today's opening 20 Milers Extra of the year saw us muster just nine riders. It was suggested that a clash with "Pedal on Parliament" may have been a contributory factor, but who knows? The weather forecast suggested it would be pleasantly warm with a risk of drizzle or light rain in the afternoon. As it turned out, it was warm without being too hot, and was mainly bright but overcast. We did experience a brief spell of light rain, but it didn't amount to much. The ride to Almondell Country Park is one of Mike's favourites, so he was disappointed not to be able to lead today; fortunately, Alan stepped in.

There was a little confusion at the start as to whether Alan had actually given a briefing or not. If so, it certainly wasn't one of his usual in-depth ones. So, with the briefing over [or skipped] the small group headed off along the Blackhall Path and through the quiet streets of Barnton. We took our obligatory pause on the Old Cramond Brig, where we saw people swimming in the River Almond. Most of us have crossed the bridge many times, but this was the first time we had seen anyone swimming there. We continued, taking the subway under the A90 to arrive at the Burnshot Bridge. Along Burnshot Road past Craigiehall army camp and the road up to Craigie Farm, we turned off and walked our bikes up the rough, steep path to join the delightful path through the woods. On the narrowest part of this path, some of us encountered an impatient rider on a gravel bike who was unwilling to wait a few seconds until we reached a wider part of the path. The back marker shouted, "bike through", to which the writer replied, "he'll be lucky". Next moment he was barging past where there really wasn't room. In doing so, he spooked the rider in front who stopped, forcing the two behind to stop as well. Some people are so impatient and inconsiderate. Those sorts should stay at home on their turbo trainer where their actions will not affect others. We left the path and headed through Kirkliston where we were held up briefly by temporary traffic lights that had not been there on the recce a couple of weeks earlier. Following a comfort stop at the town's sports centre, we headed under the M9 motorway, before turning left onto quiet back roads that led us to Niddry Castle. There we joined the Union Canal towpath towards Broxburn. After a lovely couple of miles beside the canal, we left the towpath and took the road towards Almondell Country Park. Just behind the visitor centre there is a quiet walled garden that most visitors seem not to know about. That was our picnic lunch venue, and we had it to ourselves.

The first spots of rain began as we were finishing our lunch. We hurriedly finished and donned waterproofs before setting off to climb out of the valley to the park's exit, by which time the rain had stopped. We took the path through the new housing estate, and a minor road to arrive at the very busy junction of the A71. Crossing safely at the lights, we were all across and soon negotiating the level crossing at Kirknewton station. Via Kirknewton and Long Dalmahoy we took the rear entrance into the Heriot-Watt University campus. Through the campus, down Gogar Station Road crossing the canal and the M8, we took the subway under the Edinburgh City Bypass to emerge in Edinburgh Park. From there we went through the Gyle shopping centre car park, before taking the path to South Gyle station and over the new bridge across the railway. On through Broomhall, Carrick Knowe and Saughtonhall to Murrayfield, before taking the familiar route back to the Meadows where Alan declared the ride officially over.

The ride had been enjoyed by all with Almondell Country Park being as lovely as ever; the rhododendrons there being even more spectacular than in previous visits. Thanks to Alan stepping in to lead at short notice, and thanks to Saquib for back marking.

Leader: Alan

Report: Glenn

Photos: Glenn

A Windy West Lothian opener

Today saw us head out to Almondell Country Park near East Calder for the first 20 Milers Extra ride of 2025. It turned out to be quite a windy day; but we managed to avoid the expected rain, with just a brief shower to contend with. It was also noticeably warmer, despite it being more overcast than of late. Given the weather forecast, a turn out of 16 riders was quite respectable.

Following the leader's briefing, we headed away from Craigleith towards Cramond Brig via the Blackhall Path, Silverknowes and Barnton. After the obligatory pause on the bridge over the River Almond, we took NCN1 beside the A90 to Burnshot Bridge where we joined the road towards Kirkliston. We have used that road numerous times over the years, but no one could remember it having ever been so busy. We were also slowed by the strong headwind resulting in an even longer queue of cars behind us. It was a relief to leave the busy road behind and join the old railway path to Kirkliston. There is a rough, steep climb to get from the road up to the path. Whilst the rest of the group were happy to walk up, one rider decided to ride up it. We were most impressed that she made it. The path was sheltered and quiet - such a contrast to the road we had left behind. Following a comfort stop at the Kirkliston Sports Centre, we joined the B9080 towards Winchburgh, but were only on it for a short time before turning off and heading towards Niddry Castle where we joined the towpath beside the Union Canal. After skirting Broxburn, we left the canal and took the road to Almondell Country Park where we stopped for our picnic lunch in the secluded garden behind the visitor centre. Despite a couple of spots of rain that came to nothing, we enjoyed our lunch in warm, sunny conditions. 

Almondell Country Park, with its setting in the deep wooded valley of the River Almond, is a delightful place to visit, but it did result in a tough post-lunch climb to get out of the park. The old NCN75 route has fallen victim to the new housing development. The leader had worked out an alternative way around the houses through East Calder. Whilst it is not as good as the old route, it did the job and took us to where we needed to be. We then had to cross the busy A71. Fortunately, everyone was able to get across when the lights changed, thus avoiding any delay. The road to Kirknewton was busy and unpleasant. It was nice to leave it behind as we headed through the village. We were now on lovely quiet roads through Longdalmahoy and on towards Curriehill. We took the back entrance into Heriot-Watt University where we had a comfort stop. We crossed ,the busy Calder Road, and were soon at Gogarbank. Here we encountered a shower with most riders stopping to don waterproofs. Five minutes later we were at Edinburgh Park in bright sunshine and the rain was off. Through South Gyle, past South Gyle station, Broomhall, Carrick Knowe, Balgreen and we were riding past Murrayfield Stadium. Out of Roseburn Park, along Russell Road and we were soon on the new cycle path towards Fountain Park. At the Leamington Bridge, the leader declared the ride officially over.

Everyone had enjoyed the ride, the destination, and the weather had been kinder to us than we had dared expect. Thanks to Mike for leading and Alan for back marking. Good to get the first Extra of the year under our belts, and there are several more planned for the summer.

Leader: Mike

Report: Glenn

Photos: Glenn

Westward to Almondell

The fifth 20-Milers Extra ride of the year saw us head into West Lothian by way of Almondell Country Park. Following a week of changeable weather and autumnal winds, we were hoping for favourable conditions for today's ride. Showers approaching from the west in the afternoon were expected, so there was a sense of urgency from the ride leader when his unusually concise briefing was given to the group at the Craigleith junction.

A respectable turnout of 18 riders headed off from Craigleith towards Silverknowes. The familiar route took us through Barnton and on to our obligatory pause at Cramond Brig. An earlier fall and an unrelated mechanical issue had meant that by the time we were at Cramond the group had shrunk to 16.

As we headed towards Kirkliston via Carlowrie Road, the leader turned left to join the disused railway track. A slightly over exuberant rider had gone ahead of the leader on the earlier downhill section and missed the call to turn left at the junction. A brief delay ensued whilst the person in question returned with the search party that had went after them.

Back on track we followed the old railway path towards Kirkliston. There was a brief comfort/refreshment stop at the leisure centre. Suitably refreshed we headed under the M90 and M9, followed the quiet Overton Farm road towards Niddry Castle. From there we joined the Union Canal, and followed that as far as the southern tip of Broxburn. Rejoining the tarmac, we headed along Drumshoreland Road and into Almondell Country Park. 

 Picnic lunch

 With no significant catering facilities the group enjoyed a picnic lunch whilst taking in the flora and fauna within the gardens. As we congregated for the return journey, one of our regular riders requested permission from the leader to jump ahead to view the nearby viaduct before rejoining the group. Unfortunately another six riders followed without the leader's knowledge, resulting in a significantly reduced main group heading back.

As a consequence of the split group, the leader set off at a reduced average speed so as to allow the 'viaduct viewers' an opportunity to rejoin in a timely manner. They eventually caught up as the main group approached the level crossing at Kirknewton. The barriers closing at the crossing offered those who had taken the scenic detour a few extra moments to catch their breath.

From Kirknewton we enjoyed a slight tailwind as we followed the Long Dalmahoy Road. From there  we went through Gogarbank, under the bypass, and onwards towards Edinburgh Park. From there we cut through a bustling South Gyle shopping centre car park to join local cycle route 9 which took us past South Gyle station, through Carrick Knowe, and onwards towards Murrayfield. A quick meander around Roseburn Park brought us to Russell Road, up to where the zigzags join the Roseburn Path, at which point the ride was officially declared over. 

Many thanks to Alan for leading us to a popular destination via a scenic route. Thanks also to Yaz for back-marking what turned out to be quite  an eventful ride. 

Leader: Alan

Report: Neil

Photos: Neil and Alison

Return of the Extras

The last 20 Milers Extra ride was back in September 2019. After a gap of nearly three years, it was great to be back. Some riders that joined the group a few months prior to lockdown had never ridden an Extra before. Today saw us head out to the popular destination of Almondell Country Park near Livingston. 

It was pleasant, rather than warm and quite breezy as fourteen riders mustered at the Craigleith junction meeting point. Briefing over, we headed off towards Silverknowes. Our familiar heading-west-route took us through Barnton and onwards to Cramond Brig, where we took our customary pause for a few minutes. The cycle path beside the A90 took us to Burnshot Bridge and along the road to Kirkliston. As ever, we left this road and made our way onto the much nicer railway path to Kirkliston. Following a comfort stop at the sports centre, a quiet back road took us towards Niddry Castle where we joined the Union Canal towpath. After three miles on the towpath, at Broxburn we left the canal behind and took the road to Almondell Country Park where we enjoyed a picnic lunch in the garden behind the visitor centre.

After taking lunch sitting in the warm garden, what better to get the group moving again than a short, sharp climb to exit the park. The NCN75 path was closed due to building works. As a result, we had to take a detour onto a busy main road for a mile. Back on the planned route, and we arrived in Kirknewton which was full of visitors enjoying gala day. Via Dalmahoy we took the back exit into Heriot-Watt University. Through the campus, we were soon on a familiar route home via the Gyle, Broomhouse, Murrayfield, Dalry, the Telfer subway and Fountain Park. Thanks to the Edinburgh Canal Festival and Raft Race, we had to dismount and wheel our bikes through the crowds. At the Leamington bridge, the leader declared the ride officially over.

Everyone enjoyed the ride, the weather had been reasonably kind to us with it being less breezy in the afternoon, and it had been a trouble-free day. Thanks to Mike for leading and kicking off the first Extra ride of the year.

Leader: Mike

Report: Glenn

Photos: Glenn

An Extra swansong into West Lothian

For our final Extra ride of the year, we headed into West Lothian for a picnic lunch in Almondell Country Park. Before the start we encountered a wee boy on a scooter that could have talked for Scotland; the weather was kinder to us than the forecast had suggested and once again, we had to contend with a few rough and bumpy stretches of path. There was also a brief delay whilst one of the group played good samaritan to a stranded motorist.

As is the norm when heading out west, our meeting point was the Craigleith path junction. Whilst waiting for the riders to arrive, a young boy turned up on his scooter and began chatting to us. A minute or two later, his dad arrived; but like the rest of us - couldn't get a word in. He must have talked non-stop for almost ten minutes. If ever talking became an Olympic sport, we had just met Scotland's future gold medallist! By now it was time for us to leave. A turn out of twelve was acceptable; but it would have been nice to have finished this year's Extra rides with a slightly higher number. The forecast said it would be a dry, mild but overcast day. It did stay dry, but we saw more sunshine than expected; and whilst it never got hot, it was pleasantly warm and ideal for a picnic. We headed off on the familiar route taking the cycle path through Silverknowes and Barnton to Cramond Brig. We paused there briefly wondering if this would be our first sweetie stop of the day. Alas, it was not to be. The leader sheepishly admitted he had committed the cardinal sin and forgotten to bring sweeties! We headed off, took the underpass beeath the A90 and headed out on the road past Craigiehall Army HQ. Verity kindly marked the junction where we turned off, for the benefit of following riders. Whilst there, an old lady stopped her car saying she had a puncture and would need to walk to a nearby house and phone the RAC. Without hesitation, Verity phoned the RAC on her mobile and was able to give the location. Speaking about it later, we had visions of the call handler looking out onto the horrendously busy M5/M6 junction near Birmingham whislt directing a mechanic to a quiet road near Kirkliston. Verity rejoined us and we made our way along the cycle path to Kirkliston. An unscheduled stop in the main street saw the leader disappear into a shop and emerge carrying a packet of sweets. He had redeemed himself. We made or way through the village, pausing for a comfort stop at the leisure centre where the sweeties were passed around. Quiet country roads near Niddry Castle led us onto the towpath beside the Union Canal for the run into Broxburn. Leaving the canal, a mixture of cycle paths and quiet residential streets allowed us to avaoid a section of the busy A899. Unfortunately, the path ended and a stretch on the busy road followed. We turned off and headed to Uphall station. Cycle paths took us around Pumpherston golf course before joining a path beside the River Almond. Some of the paths on this section were somewhat rough and bumpy; but they caused us no problems. We rode beneath the impressive Camps Viaduct. It made a change, as on previous rides we have always ridden across the viaduct. On the final run into Almondell Country Park, there were a couple of bridges that were far-from-easy to navigate as a rusult of steep lips of slippy steel - not what you would expect on a dedicated cycle path. We arrived at the visitor centre and bagged a couple of picnic tables in the garden for our picnic lunch.

Lunch over, we made our way up a stiff little climb to exit the country park. A rough path followed by a minor road brought us out at a busy junction on the A71. We crossed carefully to join a much quieter road that took us to Kirknewton. On the stretch of road around Long Dalmahoy, the leader confidently led us past a "road closed" sign. Three cars were behind us as we arrived at another "road closed" sign and the road was blocked by a lorry and workmen filling in a trench. As the cars were forced to turn around, the workmen stopped and allowed us to squeeze through the gap between the lorry and the ditch. That explained why the sign had also said, "except for pedestrians and cyclists". We carried on and took the back way into the Heriot Watt University campus. Due to building work, there were several cycle paths closed within the campus; but fortunately, diversions were in place to help us get through. From there we followed a route we have used many times to enter the back of Edinburgh Park. From there on, the familiar route took us through Sighthill, Broomhouse and Stenhouse before following the tram line as far as Murrayfield. From there it was a short run to the Russell Road zig-zags, where the leader declared the ride over.
Thanks to Peter for leading the final Extra ride of the year. Everyone seemed to enjoy it, and it is always good to go somewhere familiar but have the route mixed up a little to keep it interesting. Courtesey of her good samaritan role, Verity gets a well-deserved mention in dispatches for the second week running. So here ends another successful series of Extra rides - role on next summer.

Leader: Peter
Report: Glenn
Photos: Glenn
Map trace: Jim