Spring is in the air - at last!

 

For today's ride we headed out to Craigie Farm by a somewhat less familiar route. Bright and sunny weather at the start was most welcome and must have influenced the fact that 38 riders turned up. This was the biggest turn out so far this year. Good to see a smattering of new faces and the welcome return of one of the group's stalwarts; who had been out of action for quite a few months. We had almost forgotten what it was like to split into two groups. A slight moment of panic set in when it was realised that only the leader and one other had been on the recce. Panic over. We had a leader and a second group leader, and two back markers were nominated and given a quick briefing of the route. One of the regulars realised they had a puncture just as we were preparing to leave. As ever, there were plenty offers of help. So that rider became a second group member by default. The first group set off. Puncture fixed, the second group rolled away from the start a few minutes later. We left the Meadows and headed to Leamington Bridge and the canal via Bruntsfield Links. After a very short stretch beside the canal, we headed to Fountain Park and down the Telfer subway, through Gorgie and up the zig-zags to join the Roseburn path to Craigleith. We joined the Telford path and made our way to Granton. We paused briefly beside the Granton gasometer. Even that managed to look impressive in the sunshine and it was beginning to get pleasently warm. We made our way along the busy Silverknowes Esplanade, stopping for a comfort break and ice creams at Cramond. Standing in the warm sun and looking out to Cramond Island, there was a slightly surreal moment when one of the group handed out Christmas cake. It seemed a bit strange, but the cake was lovely and greatly appreciated. The first group probably lingered longer than they realised. The second group had caught them up. This was their cue to mount up and head off. We passed the harbour and headed up the steep School Brae. Most of our rides see us whizzing down this road, so it came as something of a shock to have to climb up it. From there we headed along Whitehouse Road, turned right at the crossing and headed down to Cramond Brig before joining the path beside the A90. We carried on and made the right turn for the steep climb that took us up to Craigie Farm and our lunch stop, where the group spread out to enjoy alfresco dining.

 

With the group suitably replenished, we headed back down the road we had come up earlier. At the bottom we turned right and headed towards Kirkliston. Before long, we turned off and made our way up a steep path beside a bridge to join the railway path towards the village of Dalmeny. One brave soul rode up the path whilst most elected to get off and push their bikes up. This delightful path took us through the trees to Dalmeny. From the village we made our way to the Dalmeny Estate. We had a lovely ride through the estate which looked resplendent in the spring sunshine with lambs gambolling around. We exited the estate and took the path beside the A90 and made our way back to Craigleith by the familiar route of Cramond Brig, Barnton and Silverknowes. We headed back down the way we had come earlier in the day. We waited as a canal boat made it's way under the raised Leamington Bridge. From there it was a short hop back to the Meadows. Even though a number of riders had peeled off as we headed back towards town; the leader insisted on leading the remainder of the group right back to the start point. No stopping short allowed here! Thanks to Verity for leading us on an interesting route to a familiar lunch stop. Thanks to the second group leader and back markers for remembering how to carry out those duties - it's been a while; and thanks to the weather for adding to the day's enjoyment.

Leader: Verity

Report: Glenn

Photos: Michael and Glenn

Map trace: Jim

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 meandering route to the Gallery of Modern Art

The final 20 Milers ride of 2015 saw us take a meandering route to the Gallery of Modern Art. This meant we had a longish morning ride, a later lunch and a short afternoon ride back to the finish. After some very wet weekends of late, the forecast suggested we were in for a rather chilly but mainly dry day. It was nice to welcome one new rider amongst the regulars as a total of 18 set off from the Meadows in one group. It was chilly and grey but dry as we made our way to the Innocent Railway via the new cycle track. From there the group made its way through the Magdalenes, across Milton Road and over the big bridge crossing Sir Harry Lauder Road. From the back streets of Portobello we made our way to the promenade. One rider commented on how lovely the view across to Fife was. Those of us not wearing tinted glasses wondered what she was talking about. It just looked dull and grey to us! We pressed on via Seafield to Restalrig. It was here that we were delayed by our only puncture of the day. Being delayed by a puncture is never much fun, especially on a cold grey day. The leader made the decision that the puncturee and two helpers would fix the problem whilst the rest of the group would make their way to Pilrig Park and wait there. Parking up in the deserted children's play park, the group enjoyed the cakes and mulled wine that magically appeared from rider's bags. The puncture repair party joined us. With everyone suitably replenished, we made our way to a comfort stop at the Royal Botanic Gardens. Through Inverleith Park, we went along Carrington Road and through Craigleith. At Craigleith Park we joined the Roseburn Path, climbed some steps and made our way to the Gallery of Modern Art for lunch. The cafe was surprisingly busy. But we split up and all managed to find a seat. Whilst enjoying our lunch, we glanced out of the window to see it raining heavily. We hoped it would be finished by the time we were ready to leave.

The rain had eased, but it was still a bit damp as we departed. Following the recent rain, the water was fast flowing and at quite a high level as we rode beside the Water of Leith. The familiar route through Roseburn, the Telfer subway, Fountainbridge and along the canal to Leamington Bridge took us back to our start point in the Meadows. After lunch various riders peeled off as they got close to home. So only six actually made it to the official finish.

Thanks to Mike for planning a ride that took such a long and meandering route to get us to our lunch stop. Yes, we could have got there much quicker in less miles - but that wasn't the point. A short run back to the finish was also appreciated on a cold and grey December afternoon.


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