A case of deja vu

 

As many of you will know, we recce our rides to ensure that everything runs as smoothly as possible on the day. Today's ride to Craigie Farm saw a case of deja vu. On the recce a couple of weeks ago, we had just finished our picnic lunch when a heavy shower sent us scurrying for cover. The exact same thing happened today. For several years Craigie Farm was our destination in January; but in recent years it has become a summer ride. The forecast suggested we were in for a day of showers. Following the customary leader's briefing, thirteen of us left the Meadows in drizzly conditions and headed towards Roseburn Park via the familiar route of Leamington Bridge, canal, Telfer subway and Russell Road. We left the park and crossed Balgreen Road opposite the Jenner's Depository and made our way onto the shared path beside the tram track, taking it in the opposite direction to usual. We crossed the tram tracks and took the path through Broomhouse and Sighthill to Edinburgh Park station. Through the subway under the City Bypass and we were soon on quiet back roads around Gogarburn, passing the golf club that had been the destination for our 20 Milers ride back in May. This took us to Ratho where we paused to enjoy the cake that Iain kindly handed out. Suitably replenished, we pressed on to Ratho Station where a little path cut off the corner and we emerged beside the A8. We wheeled our bikes up and over the footbridge to the path on the other side. A short distance along this path beside the busy road [with its incessant noise] was quite enough. There were sighs of relief as we turned right down a quiet road leaving the noise behind. Beside the sewage works, we joined a lovely path through the woods towards Kirkliston. Skirting the town, we left the path near Carlowrie cottages. The leader was the only one who opted to ride down the rough, steep slope to the road; but he was on his balloon-tyred bike. From there, we stayed on that road until we turned off for Craigie Farm. Up the stiff little climb and we were at our lunch stop. Half the group headed to the picnic tables, whilst the other half went to the café. The service in the café was so slow that they gave up, bought food in the shop and joined us outside. We'd just finished lunch when a heavy shower sent us scurrying for cover. It lasted a couple of minutes before turning to light rain.

With waterproofs donned, we whizzed back down the hill and turned left at the bottom to head towards Edinburgh. From Burnshot Bridge, we took the subway, crossed the road and were soon back at Cramond Brig. It was still raining lightly. After our obligatory pause, we continued on our way,  regrouping at the post box on Barnton Avenue. The rain had stopped and it felt quite warm, so off came the waterproofs for what would be a dry run back to the Meadows by the familiar route we have taken so many times before. Having successfully dodged the tourists on the bike path, we were back at the Meadows and the leader declared the ride officially over.

Everyone enjoyed the ride. Whilst the rain probably played its part in a lower turnout, we didn't get soaked which was good. Thanks to Neil for leading us to a familiar place by a interestingly different route. Thanks to Alan for back marking.

Leader: Neil

Report: Glenn

Photos: Glenn

It's November? Surely not!

We don't keep a record of temperatures on our rides. We often remember them for either exceptionally good or bad weather. But today must have been the warmest November ride we've ever had. Sunny, barely any wind and 14°C in November was amazing. A lovely day to head to the Edinburgh International Climbing Arena (EICA) at Ratho. Some of the group even sat outside at lunchtime. The weather obviously played a big part, but getting 24 riders in November was very impressive. Great to see a few new faces in the mix as well.

With the leader's route and safety briefing over, we headed to Murrayfield via our familiar route taking in Bruntsfield Links, Leamington Bridge, Fountainbridge and the Telfer Subway. Leaving Murrayfield behind, we crossed Balgreen Road and headed up the side of the distinctive Jenner's Depository to join the cycle path. Quiet back roads took us through Carrick Knowe and Broomhall. We crossed the busy Meadow Place Road and were soon at South Gyle station. A short stretch of quiet path, and soon we were mixing it with the Saturday morning traffic in the Gyle Shopping Centre car park. We cut through to Edinburgh Park, under the tunnel and emerged at Gogar Station Road, before turning onto a quiet minor road past Kellerstain. More quiet roads took us to Ratho. This was a lovely section - it was so quiet and peaceful and great to be out in the lovely weather. It could almost have been a spring day. We climbed out of Ratho and joined the B7030 at Bonnington. Along the road, turn right and we followed the road to the EICA and our lunch stop. Some of the group bagged the two picnic tables for an al fresco lunch, whilst the others headed inside.

There is a rough path behind the centre that we sometimes use on the homeward route; but the recce a few weeks previously had shown it to be very rough and wet. Instead we took the road back to the B7030, turned right and headed towards the bridge carrying the M8. Turning off, we headed up to the Union Canal towpath and began our journey back towards Edinburgh. We passed the steep steps leading up to the EICA and on past the Bridge Inn at Ratho. The group became stretched out along this section. The majority kept up with the leader, but a handful fell back and lost sight of those ahead. That is when the doubt set in. Had a turn off been missed? The decision was taken to phone the leader and check. The reply came back that the leading group was waiting at the next bridge. This was the mythical "hump back bridge" that the leader had been talking about, but no one really knew which bridge he meant. It was Union Canal Bridge number 14, which we had actually ridden over on the outward route. The group was back together. Following some ribbing from the leader like, "how can anyone get lost on the canal?", we retraced our outward route back to Edinburgh Park and onwards to Edinburgh Park station. We followed the cycle path at the top side of Sighthill and Broomhouse, crossed the tram tracks and sped down to the Jenner's Depository on Balgreen Road. From there we retraced our steps back to the Meadows, where the leader declared the ride officially over.

Thanks to Alan for leading us on an interesting route with a good lunch stop, and thanks to Yaz for back marking. A good ride that was enjoyed by all. The unseasonably good weather clearly played its part.

Leader: Alan

Report: Glenn

Photos: Glenn