An old favourite via a new route

For today's ride we headed westward to the familiar destination of the Heriot Watt campus in Riccarton. But this time we took an unfamiliar outward route, and visited a different venue for our lunch stop. The leader's intention had been to include a section that we have not used before as a group; but the mile and a half on a rough track was scrapped due to muddy conditions. The day dawned unseasonably mild, bright and sunny. This clearly helped swell the numbers to 25, which was most impressive for a November ride, complete with some new faces. 

Following the customary leader's briefing from Mike, we headed through the quiet backstreets of Morningside, through Braidburn Valley Park and onwards to the stables at Woodhall Road via Colinton Mains, Redford Road and Bonaly. From there we took the rough path across to Blinkbonny Road. Seeing how muddy that path was led Mike to decide that the mile and a half rough track would be best avoided. A short stretch on a muddy path is one thing, but a mile and a half is quite a distance to deal with under such conditions. A dynamic decision made on the fly; but no doubt it was the right one. We continued along Blinkbonny Road and down Kirkgate, past the track we would have taken, before stopping whilst Iain passed round his delicious homemade baking. We then joined the Water of Leith Walkway for a short distance, before climbing up and crossing Lanark Road West. A short distance into the housing estate, up went the dreaded shout, "puncture!" Alan and Ken were soon on the case helping the stricken rider. It wasn't as straight forward as it might have been and took longer than expected. Two-thirds of the group were waiting ahead. After some discussion, it was decided that they would press on to the lunch stop, and the remainder would join them once the puncture was fixed. At least it was dry, sunny and mild. With the puncture fixed, we headed off in pursuit of the others. After threading our way through the housing estate to emerge at Curriehill station, we wheeled our bikes up and over the footbridge to cross the railway line. From there a short ride along Curriehill Road took us into the Heriot Watt campus by the rear entrance. Rather than head to the main admin building for a picnic lunch, we made our way to the Oriam sports centre. Some of the group headed to the café, others picnicked indoors, whilst the remainder took the opportunity to enjoy an outdoor November picnic.

With lunch over, we regrouped and made our way to Edinburgh Park via Gogar Station Road and the subway. Skirting the edge of the Gyle Shopping Centre car park, we made our way to South Gyle station where we had to dismount and negotiate the walkway in place whilst the road bridge is being replaced. Onwards from there via Broomhall and Saughtonhall to Murrayfield Stadium, where we made our way through the rugby fan crowds on their way to the Scotland v New Zealand match. We took the familiar route back to the Meadows via Fountainhall, the canal and the Leamington Bridge, where Mike declared the ride officially over.

Everyone seemed to have enjoyed the ride. Unfortunately, the totally new section had to be scrapped, but we look forward to using it in the future when conditions allow. But it was still a different route to the one we usually take, and we have found a new venue for lunch. The unseasonably mild weather was most welcome, and clearly added to both the turnout and enjoyment of the ride. With thanks to Mike for leading, Alan for back marking and helping with repairing the puncture along with Ken.

Leader: Mike

Report: Glenn

Photos: Glenn

Wetsuits optional

The plan for today's ride had been to head out to the new surfing centre near Ratho. But the weather being what it was, the prospect of a lakeside picnic while watching wave machines at work had lost its appeal. The morning had started with just a light drizzle but had got steadily worse, so our leader, Alan, wisely decided that a shorter ride would be in order.

Six riders turned up at the meeting point in defiance of the rain - not a bad tally given the conditions. We set out hopefully across Bruntsfield Links, up Braid Avenue, through Braidburn Valley Park and along the Braid Burn path to Redford Road. Although there was no sign of the rain easing off,  things could have been worse. At least the day was warm, there was only a slight breeze, and we all had good waterproof clothing. The feeling of the group was that we would carry on.

That optimism didn't last long. By the time we reached Bonaly the rain was coming down by the bucketful. Muttering something about enough being enough, our leader decided on a change of course. So we freewheeled down Bonaly Road and West Mill Road to reach the Water of Leith Walkway from where we started back to town. We stopped for a breather in the shelter of the Colinton Tunnel where we admired the famous mural (now something of a tourist attraction).

Pausing to admire the mural in the Colinton tunnel

After setting off again, we soon reached the footbridge across the Lanark Road and the Union Canal. At this point we usually either join the canal towpath or descend to the main road, but this time Alan led us on a less-familiar route through Redhall Park to Inglis Green Road from where we reached the Water of Leith Centre. We continued along the riverside path through Stenhouse, Saughton Park, Balgreen and Roseburn Park, then finally along the excellent new bike path that links Roseburn with the canal. We were soon back at Bruntsfield Links, barely two hours and 13 miles after setting out, which seemed just about right. It was not exactly a long ride, but still enjoyable in its way, with the Water of Leith looking lovely and the Colinton mural adding some extra interest.

As for the surfing centre, we'll schedule another ride there at some point in the summer – weather permitting, of course.

Leader: Alan

Report and photo: Mike

Three reservoirs and plenty of sun

If today wasn't the warmest day of the year, it must have been very close. Our ride saw us head up to Harlaw Reservoir in the Pentland Hills. We had a slight delay due to a mechanical issue early on, and there was a minor incident with some cows. But overall an interesting route and glorious scenery made for a great day out, with the leader receiving numerous compliments at the end.

We had a reasonable turnout of 21 riders. Amongst the regulars there were a couple of new faces and a rider we hadn't seen since pre-Covid days. It was already pleasantly warm with the sun shining down from a blue sky, with a gentle breeze as the leader gave the customary briefing. With the briefing over, we headed off to the Leamington Bridge. A rider was having a mechanical issue. Quick as a flash, Alan was there to help. A quick adjustment and we were on our way. Unfortunately, the issue wasn't cured, so another stop ensued. This time the tools came out and the delay was longer. As this occurred at the back, the leader and rest of the group were oblivious and pushed on. Stopping to regroup at the entrance to Roseburn Park, the leader was informed of the situation. After a wait and a phone call, the missing riders appeared and we set off to Edinburgh Park via Broomhall and South Gyle. Travelling in the opposite direction to usual, we took the familiar route to the Heriot Watt University campus where we stopped for a comfort break. Leaving the campus behind, we made our way through Riccarton and Currie, emerging from the new housing estate for a short stretch on the busy Lanark Road West. Leaving Balerno behind, we began the long steady climb up Bavelaw Road and Mansfield Road.  Pausing to regroup at the top of the climb, we then headed up to the Harlaw visitor centre for our lunch stop. Some riders opted for the picnic tables in the garden, whilst the rest enjoyed their picnic lunch sitting on the banks of the reservoir.

Lunch over, we headed away from the reservoir retracing our route to the road. Here we turned right  towards Currie. At the sharp left hander we went straight on rather than take the steep hill down into Currie. Shortly, the surfaced road came to an end and we were on a rough stony path for our descent past Clubbiedean and Torduff reservoirs. Before arriving at the first reservoir, following riders saw the leader stop, dismount and wheel his bike off the track and onto a wide stretch of grass. All riders followed his lead. Those at the back wondered what was happening; but as the drew closer, all became clear. A number of cows accompanied by their calves had decided to lie down in the middle of the path. To avoid disturbing or spooking them, the leader decided to give them a wide berth, especially as they had calves with them. Safely past and the lovely descent began in earnest. This was the most scenic part of the whole ride. The reservoirs and surrounding countryside look lovely at any time; but bathed in sunshine shining down from a clear blue sky looked absolutely stunning. Down off the hill and we were in the quiet back streets of Bonaly. The writer commented on how nice and colourful the houses looked. On too many previous occasions he had seen them on dull, grey and wet winter days. We headed on through Colinton, the estate behind Redford Barracks, Colinton Mains Park and Braidburn Valley Park. A short hop through the back streets of Morningside and we were on Whitehouse Loan. Here the leader declared the ride over. Thanks to Mike for leading an interesting and enjoyable ride. The numerous compliments he received were well deserved. Thanks to Alan for back marking and wielding the spanners.

Leader: Mike

Report: Glenn

Photos: Glenn