A chilly January jaunt

The original plan for today was to head out on the Water of Leith path, returning by a high route along Woodhall Road and through Bonaly. But with temperatures barely reaching zero, and reports of extensive icy patches on many bike paths and minor roads, we opted for a different route – one that involved staying in town, and on roads that were likely to have been gritted.

Seven of set out from the Meadows, which was not a bad turnout considering the conditions. We started down The Mound and Dundas Street, and then on to Canonmills and along Inverleith Row towards Leith. Fortunately, the traffic was light, and, up to that point, we did not encounter any serious ice.

We cautiously crossed Leith Links and then onto the Restalrig Path. At first, all was well. But about half way along the path, we came up against some serious slippery stretches, with the ramp leading up to Lochend Road being all but impassable. We had been aiming for Lochend Park and Meadowbank, but when one of the group slipped and fell on the ice (fortunately she was unhurt), we decided on another change of plan.

So we left the Restalrig Path at Easter Road, then weaved through back streets to Leith Walk. We stayed on the segregated bike lane to the top of the Walk, then into Leith Street and across Waterloo Place. The final leg took us over North Bridge and into Chambers Street to the National Museum, at which point the ride was declared over and we went our separate ways.

At slightly less than an hour and half in the saddle and seven miles on the clock, it was not exactly a long run, but the general feeling was that we had made the best of the morning, despite the difficult conditions. And although the temperature remained around zero the whole time, at least it stayed dry and reasonably sunny.

Next month we will have a normal full-day ride. With luck, the weather will have improved by then. (But don't hold me to that.)

Leaders: Alison and Mike

Report: Mike

 

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.

Quick, we need a Plan B!

For the second time in as many months, today's planned route to Musselburgh (with the promise of some hidden gems and little known parts of the Honest Toun) fell victim to treacherously icy conditions. The writer (who should have been today's leader) grew increasingly concerned with the under-wheel conditions as he made his way towards the start from Musselburgh. In the interests of safety, the decision was made to think up an alternative route at short notice. The depth of knowledge of Edinburgh cycle routes within the group paid dividends. After the briefest of head-scratching, a new route was hatched and the group was ready to roll with a stand-in leader. Ice and snow may have been a problem further out; but within the city centre it was merely cold and wet. Twenty riders braved the conditions to make the start. This made a single group managable. At least that was the theory. Breaking with tradition, we made our way onto the busy roads that would take us across the Royal Mile, down the Mound and across Princes Street. A combination of traffic lights and Saturday morning traffic soon had the group well and truly split up. After several stops to regroup, we headed through the Rodney Street Tunnel and onto the Warriston Path to Leith. A combination of bumpy cobbles with wet old railway lines sunk into them led to hairy moments for a couple of riders. We then skirted Ocean Terminal and meandered around quiet back streets by Western Harbour Breakwater. A short spell on busy roads around Newhaven followed. That wasn't pleasant, especially as it turned quite wet. It was nice to leave the busy roads behind and make our way through Granton on cycle paths. But there was no improvement in the weather. Via the Telford and Roseburn paths we made our way to our lunch stop at the Gallery of Modern Art. In the final few minutes of our approach the rain-cum-sleet had turned to light snow. The wetness of the roads and paths were the reason it didn't settle.

What a relief to get into the cafe at the Gallery of Modern Art. It was so busy that we were forced to spread ourselves over several seperate tables. Before long we had the place looking as if it had been invaded by a bedraggled group of rufugees - we did get some funny looks!

Working with such a flexible and ad hoc route; had the weather been more agreeable, we may have taken a meandering way back to the finish and added a few extra miles. As it was cold and still snowing as we departed our lunch stop; no one argued with the wise decision to head back via the shortest and quickest route. We carved our way through various back streets to the west end, through Festival Square and back to the Meadows.

At a mere 13 miles, this was one of the shortest 20 Milers rides for quite some time. Given the weather, no one was complaining. Thanks to Mike for stepping in at the last minute and coming up with a worthwhile route. That run to Musselburgh will happen at some point. It probably owes us a warm day of wall to wall sunshine!

Leader: Mike
Report: Glenn
Photos: Michael
Map trace: Jim

A chilly, damp ride - and a change of plan

Today started very cold, with the temperature around zero and with icy patches on the roads. We had planned to go to Musselburgh, but a communiqué from our agent in that town told us that the paths there were particularly treacherous. After a hasty re-think we opted for a shorter ride within Edinburgh.

Under Alan Orr's leadership, 19 of us set out, cautiously pedalling through Polwarth and Dalry, and then to Ardmillan Terrace and Russell Road. We zig-zagged up to the Roseburn Path, and then headed north west on the familiar NCN 1. By the time we reached Cramond Brig, the thermometer had soared to 3C, and most of the ice had disappeared. So we pressed on, reaching Craigies Farm about 20 minutes later. The café at Craigies has been enlarged since our previous visit, so we had no difficulty finding tables for an early lunch.

 As we were finishing our soup and sandwiches, the rain started, so we headed straight back to town, arriving at Craigleith just before 2 pm. At that point, our leader declared the ride over.

Thanks to Alan for coming up with this route at short notice. As it happens, it was similar to the route we were planning for February. So we'll probably revert to Musselburgh next time - weather permitting, of course.

Leader: Alan
Report: Mike
Map: Jim
Photos: Michael and Mike
 

Ice and easy does it

Following a week which gave us the worst weather so far this winter and the threat of icy conditions under-wheel, it wasn't surprising that only 13 riders turned up at the start of today's ride. Several of our regulars decided not to risk it. Maybe the memory of the ill-fated January ride that had to be curtailed due to lethal black ice was still fresh in their memories.

For the first time in a while there was no need to split into two groups as we headed towards the Innocent Railway via the path across the Meadows which was freshly gritted. We went through Craigmillar Castle Park where the mud wasn't too bad due to the frozen ground. On past the Royal Infirmary, through Moredun and into Burdiehouse Burn Valley Park. At this point we stopped for our customary sweetie stop. Upping the stakes from the usual passing round of Jelly Babies, Andy opened a flask and passed round a quaiche of mulled wine which was greatly appreciated on such a cold day. Our sweetie stops may have changed forever! The conditions under-wheel were now quite treacherous with sheet ice often stretching across the width of the path. The only consolation being that we could actually see the ice; therefore much better than the black variety. Crossing a particularly dodgy bit, one rider was heard to say, "I want my mum!" Brave souls these 20 Milers! We made it safely to our lunch stop where the group split between the Mortonhall Garden Centre cafe and the Stables Bar.
 

With everyone fed, watered and warmed up, disaster struck! One of our group had securely locked his bike only to realise that the key was still at home. As several members of the group set about breaking the lock, others stood around getting cold whilst some were less than helpful asking "does anyone have a hand grenade?" Just as it looked as if the rider and his bike may have to be abandoned, the skilful wielding of a large rock solved the problem. More trying to ride on treacherous ice covered paths / walking followed as we made our way to Braid Hills. From there we rode back into town via the Astley Ainsley Hospital, mainly on ice-free roads. Prior to finishing the ride, Andy gave us a brief history lesson about the Edinburgh Hospital and Dispensary for Women and Children which used to stand on Whitehouse Loan. We may have had a few hairy moments, but we did get back safely with no injuries or fallers.

Leader: Andy

Report: Glenn

Photos: Michael
Map: Jim