What, there's a palace here?

For today's Extra ride we headed to the historic West Lothian town of Linlithgow. We hadn't been there since 2017. That, linked with a considerably different route to which we have taken previously, made for a most enjoyable ride. The weather was kind to us as well. The forecast suggested we were in for a breezy and overcast day; but, whilst it was a bit breezy, the sun came out at times and it got quite warm. Such a contrast from the previous Saturday when a few of us had set out to recce the route. In heavy rain [that didn't look like stopping anytime soon] we threw the towel in at Cramond Brig and headed home.

Following Mike's briefing, 17 of us rolled away from the Craigleith meeting point and made our way to Cramond Brig, where we paused on the bridge. Onwards to Burnshot Bridge where we took the road towards Kirkliston. This road was as busy as many of us had ever seen it. That linked with several suicidal drivers [that thought nothing of trying to overtake a long line of cyclists into the path of oncoming traffic] made for a far from pleasant experience. What a relief to leave the road behind and head up onto the quiet railway path towards Kirkliston. The traffic was heavy again in the town, but with sensible drivers. A comfort stop at the sports centre (where Iain kindly offered around his delicious homemade cake), a brief stretch along the B9080, and we were on the quiet road towards Niddry Castle. At the canal we usually join the towpath to head towards Broxburn or Winchburgh. Not today! Instead we headed west along quiet back roads through Faucheldean and Ochiltree. Thanks to steady climbing, the group became quite stretched out on this section. We regrouped and enjoyed a nice fast downhill run for the last couple of miles into Linlithgow. We paused in the square before heading off to our lunch venues. Nearly everyone opted for picnicking - some in the palace gardens and others beside the palace itself. Everyone enjoyed the lunch stop. So quiet and peaceful, yet only a stone's throw from the bustling high street.

We reconvened in the square ready to depart. One rider said they had been to Linlithgow more than a dozen times with another cycling group (that will remain nameless), but had always had a picnic lunch in the square. They had never seen the palace or its gardens! We left Linlithgow and made our way through Philipstoun, took a quiet path under the M9 motorway before crossing the busy A904. At this point we were caught by another smaller cycling group we had seen earlier. Whilst we took the cycle path beside the road, they opted to join the fast traffic on the busy road. Rather them than us. We turned off onto a delightful country road that took us to Abercorn, where we headed into the Hopetoun Estate. Through the estate and onwards to South Queensferry. A stiff little climb saw us on the Forth Road Bridge, where we had a comfort stop at the visitor centre. We then returned to Craigleith via Dalmeny village, the path beside the A90, Cramond Brig, Barnton and Silverknowes where Mike declared the ride over.

Everyone enjoyed the ride, despite some stiff climbs in the morning. The weather had been kind to us, we'd enjoyed the scenery and one rider went home with the newfound knowledge that Linlithgow has a palace. Thanks to Mike for leading such a lovely ride. Perhaps we won't wait so long before returning next time. Thanks to Alan for back marking. One thing the writer noticed that deserves mention is how Alan positioned himself on the road so that vehicles could not attempt to squeeze past when it was not safe.

Leader: Mike

Report: Glenn

Photos: Glenn

What, no trains?

For our third Extra ride of the year we headed to Bo'ness Station on the preserved Bo'ness and Kinneil Railway. Despite it being a summer Saturday, we didn't see a single train. Not sure if we were there at the wrong time, or if none were running; but this was to be our first ever train-free visit. But it was a lovely route, being quiet and peaceful in many parts. It was reasonably warm and alternated between sunny and bright, but overcast. We had a couple of light showers, but they didn't last long. We mustered 23 riders for what was one of the longest and fastest rides of late.

Following the leader's briefing, we left Craigleith and took the familiar route to Cramond Brig via Silverknowes and Barnton. The group had spread out a little, and those further back were most surprised to discover there was no stop on the bridge. Instead we pressed on to the Burnshot Bridge and took the road towards Kirkliston. At this point, one rider left the ride to head home. Apparently, the pace was far too pedestrian for their liking. We turned off the road and made our way up the rough and rocky path to join the old railway path. Whilst most riders were content to wheel their bikes up this section, a few riders commendably rode up. There was a comfort stop at the leisure centre, where not one but two lots of home baking were passed round. Thanks to Ian and the leader for sustaining the group. There followed a short stretch on the road to Winchburgh. A bridge under the M9 motorway, and we turned left onto a quiet road. Another bridge under the M9 and we were in lovely countryside heading towards Niddry Castle. Leaving the road, we joined the delightful Union Canal towpath for the next 4 miles to Philipstoun. At the point where we left the canal were a pair of swans with their signets, in the water. On the recce a couple of weeks ago, the swans were on one side of the path, and the signets on the other. Left with no choice but to cycle between them, pecks from the parents made it clear we were not welcome. From there more quiet roads led us towards the busy A904. We crossed the M9 for the third time, this time the bridge taking us over it. A very short stretch on the busy A904, a left turn and we were again on a quiet road. There followed a delightful downhill run to Blackness where we joined the lovely coast path towards Bo'ness. A short stretch through the woods was rough and unsurfaced, but most of the coast path was wide and well surfaced with beautiful views across the Forth. Through Bo'ness, and we were at our lunch stop at Bo'ness Station. Some of us sat outside to enjoy our picnics, whilst others headed for the café.

With lunch over, we took the coast path back to Blackness, where we joined NCN 76 through Wester Shore Wood and the Hopetoun Estate. This section being by far the roughest and bumpiest of the day. We left the estate and made our way into South Queensferry. Skirting the town, we were soon at Dalmeny village. From there, the path beside the B924 and A90 led us back to Cramond Brig, where we did pause on the bridge. Back to Craigleith by the same route we had taken out. Here the leader declared the ride over.

Shame about the couple of brief showers and not getting to see any trains, but thanks to Neil for leading such a successful ride that was clearly enjoyed by all. Thanks to Mike for back marking.

Leader: Neil

Report: Glenn

Photos: Glenn

On the right track for a lovely ride

For what will probably be the final Extra ride of the year, today saw us head west to Bo'ness Station on the preserved Bo'ness and Kinneil Railway. It was a lovely route, being very quiet and peaceful in many parts. There was one puncture which delayed us slightly; but no one minded as it was in a lovely setting with the warm sun beating down on us. The weather was much better than expected with some lovely warm sunshine at times. Twelve riders turned up. Those that didn't, missed a lovely ride that was enjoyed by all.

Following an in depth route briefing from the leader, we left Craigleith and took the familiar route to Cramond Brig via Silverknowes and Barnton. After the obligatory pause on the bridge, we headed up to the Burnshot Bridge and took the road towards Kirkliston. It was good to leave that busy road behind and wheel our bikes up the rough and rocky path to join the old railway path. Riding through the trees, a few of the group commented on how quiet and peaceful it was. That peace was interrupted by several riders shouting, "turn left!" as three riders sailed past the left turn up to the road. In no time at all, we had regrouped and were riding through Kirkliston. After a comfort stop at the leisure centre, there was a short stretch on the road to Winchburgh. A bridge under the M9 motorway, and we turned left onto a quiet road. Another bridge under the M9 and we were in lovely countryside heading towards Niddry Castle. We left the road and joined the Union Canal towpath for the next 4 miles to Philipstoun. From there more quiet roads led us towards the busy A904. We crossed the M9 for the third time, this time the bridge taking us over it. A very short stretch on the busy A904, a left turn and we were again on a quiet road. There followed a delightful downhill run to Blackness where we joined the lovely coast path towards Bo'ness. Most of the coast path is wide and well surfaced, but there is a stretch through the woods that is rough and unsurfaced. Through Bo'ness, and we arrived for our lunch stop at Bo'ness Station, where we all sat outside to enjoy lunch in the warm sunshine. A few took the opportunity to have a look round and visited the model railway exhibition.

The coast path took us back to Blackness, where we joined NCN 76 through Wester Shore Wood and the Hopetoun Estate. This section was by far the roughest and bumpiest of the day. Perhaps not surprisingly, one unfortunate rider suffered a puncture on this stretch. Is there such a thing as an idyllic setting for a puncture? If so, I think we found it. As a few of the group set about sorting the puncture, the rest of us enjoyed the break with the warm sunshine beating down, the beautiful estate grounds and deer grazing nearby. Puncture fixed, and we were rolling again. We left the estate and made our way into South Queensferry. Skirting the town, we were soon at Dalmeny village. From there, the path beside the B924 and A90 led us back to Cramond Brig, where we paused on the bridge. Back to Craigleith by the same route we had taken out. Here the leader declared the ride over.

Thanks to Alan for leading such a successful ride. There were a number of comments on a lovely route and great scenery, in addition to how quiet and peaceful it was in places. The weather was exceptionally kind to us - much better than expected. Earlier, one rider had turned to the writer and said, "I knew there was something different about this ride, but I couldn't put my finger on it. Then I realised - there was no wind". A conversation ensued on what a windy year it's been. Thanks to Saquib for his maiden outing as backmarker. A job well done.

Leader: Alan

Report: Glenn

Photos: Glenn 

A cool picnic beside the Forth

The first 20 Milers Extra ride of 2018 saw us head out to Blackness Castle on the shores of the Firth of Forth. Great weather at the start had us expecting a warm and sunny picnic beside the castle. Alas, come lunchtime the cloud had rolled in and a cool breeze was blowing in off the Forth. But, overall the weather was reasonably kind to us - we did have long spells of sunshine, it was mostly warm and there wasn't any rain. Perhaps those that had continued to ride throughout the winter thought they were owed some magnificent weather. Fingers crossed that is on the horizon.

As usual when the Extra rides see us head out west, our start point today was Craigleith. In amongst the turnout of nineteen riders, it was good to see a few new faces along with some we had not seen for a while. We headed off in one group along NCN 1 via Silverknowes and Barnton to Cramond Brig. Following what has become a mandatory stop there, we headed up the path beside the road towards Dalmeny village. On this stretch, a confused-looking cyclist was trying to work out how to get to the other side of the A90 as the Burnshot Bridge was closed. The writer was able to point him in the right direction via the subway and corresponding diversion. From Dalmeny village, the cycle path took us to South Queenferry, onto the coast road and into the Hopetoun estate. We had made such good time that it was only twelve o'clock as we rolled up to our lunch venue  - Blackness Castle. Was it better to choose a picnic table closer to the visitor centre and further from the shore, or beside the shore? It made little difference; the cool stiff breeze seemed the same whatever the choice. Beneath a cloudy sky it wasn't perfect picnic weather, but it wasn't too bad. Once food had been consumed, no one wanted to hang around unnecessarily. The lure of the big climb of the day awaited.

We left the castle and rode the short distance to the newly-opened village shop, where several of the group grabbed a quick coffee to warm up. A short climb followed by a flat section, a left turn and the main climb of the day lie before us. Not ideal straight after lunch, but everyone got up without any problem. A right-left to cross the A904 and we headed to Philipstoun. Turning right into an housing estate, it never looks as if the canal will lie ahead. But meander through the estate to arrive at a row of garages, and just up the slope lies the canal towpath. A short distance along the towpath and the group ground to an halt. A very aggressive mute swan did not want us to pass. The reason why, soon became clear. His mate was on the nest just a few yards from the path. One by one, we gently made our way past, pushing our bikes which we kept between ourselves and the aggressive bird. All safely past, we remounted and rode away leaving the swans in peace. A lovely ride along the towpath, without further drama followed. Leaving the canal behind near Niddry Castle, we followed minor roads before emerging in Kirkliston. A planned comfort stop came to nothing when we realised the sports centre was closed. A little further along we joined a path that led us through the trees, then followed the road to Burnshot Bridge where we negotiated the roadworks. The lovely new cycle path led us to the subway and back onto the path to Cramond Brig. A brief stop there, and then back to Craigleith via the same route that had taken us out in the morning. Here the leader delared the ride over. Thanks to Mike for leading the first Extra ride of the year. Everyone seemed to have enjoyed it and the only drama had been with the swan. Yes, the lunch stop could have been a bit warmer, but all in all a very enjoyable ride. It always seems as if summer is beginning [or at least just around the corner] when the Extra rides begin. Here's hoping for a great summer of cycling.

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

A windy sojourn to Linlithgow

For the second 20 Milers Extra outing of the year we headed into West Lothian to the historic town of Linlithgow. It was a cool day with a much stronger wind than expected in late June. Battling into the wind heading out did mean that it helped blow us home. We may have been home in record time had it not been for some stiff climbs. One rider was glad he had opted to bring his electric bike; whilst another was delighted that he helped push her up the steeper parts! A good turnout of 22 riders, with a few new faces rolled away from the start point at Craigleith. It was lovely to see our leader for today, Julia, riding the late Logan Strang's bike. The very familiar route through Barnton, over the Cramond Bridge, the path beside the A90 and Dalmeney soon had us in South Queensferry despite the headwind. Following a comfort stop in the town, we were on our way again. One of our regulars suffered a puncture at this stage. What should have been a quick and easy fix was compounded by not one, but two faulty inner tubes. This was obviously going to take longer than expected. It was agreed that the victim and one other would fix the puncture and meet us in Linlithgow for lunch. It was not a day for standing around. Having got quite cool waiting, it was a relief for the main group to be moving again. We headed out through the Hopetoun Estate. To everyone's delight, the irritating gate that used to take ages to get anything other than a very small group through had finally been replaced by something much more user-friendly. This replacement was long overdue, but most welcome.

Leaving the estate behind, a mixture of paths, quiet roads and a path alongside a busy road led us to Philipstoun. Whilst crossing a busy road at a blind bend, someone shouted "car!" so loudly that a couple of rides fell over and landed in a heap in the middle of the road. Fortunately, the car stopped, the riders picked themselves up, brushed themselves down - the drama was over and we were on our way again. Across a lovely hump-back bridge, a right turn and we were on the towpath beside the Union Canal. This path led us to Linlithgow and our lunch stop. In the square at the bottom of the hill that led up to Linlithgow Palace, it felt quite cool and windy. As a result, most of the group headed off to various cafes. Only four brave souls made their way up the hill to the palace for a picnic lunch. Surprisingly, it was less windy and much warmer there. For a short time the sun came out and the picnicers enjoyed what would be the warmest part of the day.

After lunch, we regrouped in the square and retraced our route to the canal. The two missing riders were now back with us. There were a few puzzled faces as we headed west! Not to worry - the leader knew exactly what she was doing. It was a great relief to have the wind behind us. Before long we were on the climb up to Ochiltree Castle. We had been warned to expect a stiff climb; but it still took many by surprise and the group was soon quite spread out. It was on this stretch that the rider on the electric bike was able to [quite literally] lend a helping hand and push another rider towards the top. Another rider had told us earlier that she had seen a fantastic T-shirt slogan that read, "It's a hill - get over it". So that's what the group did. There were a few moans when we thought we had reached the summit, only to find a further climb around the next corner. Eventually it was all behind us and a pleasant run on a high level road followed before heading gently downhill all the way to Niddry Castle and Kirkliston. A comfort stop was planned at Kirkliston Leisure Centre. Unfortunately, it was closed. So to any bystanders, a group of cyclists rode into the car park, did a circuit and left. We rode through Kirkliston and joined the cycle path for a pleasant ride through the trees before heading onto the road towards Burnshot Bridge. There we had to navigate through the roadworks, nip through the underpass and we were on our way back to Cramond Bridge and onwards to Craigleith. Thanks to Julia for leading us on an interesting (and at times challenging) ride out to Linlithgow.

Leader: Julia
Report: Glenn
Photos: Glenn

"Riders down!" in Linlithgow

The final 20 Milers Extra ride of the year saw us head to Linlithgow. Good weather, an interesting route taking in some delightful quiet country lanes and a picnic lunch beside Linlithgow Palace made for a lovely day. On the down side, two of the group were involved in a minor accident; which fortunately, involved nothing more than cuts and bruises. As usual when heading out west on one of our longer runs, we met at the Craigleith marker. It was slightly cooler and the skies a little greyer than the last few days as seventeen riders assembled. This made for a managable sized single group and we headed off towards Barnton and Cramond Bridge, where we had our customary pause. We then made our way to Kirkliston where we had a comfort stop at the leisure centre. From there a few short spells on busy roads mixed with some lovely quiet country lanes took us on to Philipstoun. The weather had now warmed up nicely and we had blue skies overhead. At times it felt more like summer than early October. We had a trouble-free run towards Linlithgow. The final run into the town saw us descend a fast steep hill. It was here that disaster struck. At the bottom, the road turned  a corner and the front riders were suddenly faced with a single track bridge crossing the canal with priority to oncoming traffic. With an oncoming car on the bridge, the lead rider braked sharply. The following rider could not stop in time, hit the lead rider a glancing blow and they both went down. The second rider was lucky not to end up under the car. Fortunately, nothing worse than two shaken riders, a shaken car driver and superficial cuts and bruises to one rider was the final outcome. It could easily have been much more serious. Bikes and riders were cleared from the road and the injured rider checked over and patched up. After a short break, the group carried on down a delightful little road that was closed to through traffic which brought us out beside the railway station. From there, a short ride along the busy high street took us to our lunch stop at Linlithgow Palace. Often the group will go into a cafe and rearrange the tables and chairs so we can sit together. Today, two large wooden picnic tables were carried across the grass and placed beside a third. Sitting in the warm sunshine beside the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots, overlooking the loch, we enjoyed a delightful picnic lunch. Those that remember this year's Pedal for Scotland lunch stop, will be delighted to hear there was no cuss cuss salad in sight!

A pleasant ride alongside the canal and then we made our way through the lovely Hopetoun Estate. There was now more cloud and it was a little cooler, but still pleasant. On leaving the estate we passed the new Forth crossing which is progressing well. On through South Queensferry, we made our way onto familiar paths and roads through Dalmeny, Cramond Bridge and Barnton before arriving back at the Craigleith marker.

Thanks to Julia for devising a varied and interesting route to bring to a close the series of 20 Milers Extra rides for 2015. Roll on 2016. A great shame about the accident. But the fact that we were looking at nothing worse than minors cuts and bruises and a couple of shaken up riders, was a great relief.


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