A new twist on a familiar route

Today saw us head out to Craigie Farm. It's one of our regular rides, but there was a new twist on the route which had many riders commenting on how unfamiliar it was to them. The weather turned out to be better than expected with several riders removing layers even before we set off. It stayed dry all day and was pleasantly warm, without being too hot - ideal cycling weather. A turn out of fourteen riders was acceptable rather than good; but August is often a strange month with riders on holiday or attending the Festival. In amongst the regular faces, it was good to see at least one new rider. There was an ironic moment when a driver that had been driving dangerously decided to tell us how we should have been cycling.

Following her briefing, Alison led us away from our meeting point. Perhaps it can be blamed on the large crowds (thanks to the Festival) milling around, but there was a moment of confusion when the group turned left at the Middle Meadow Walk crossroads rather than going straight across. Fortunately, we soon got sorted out and were heading to Roseburn Park by the familiar route via Bruntsfield Links, Leamington Bridge and across the Western Approach Road. We then joined Edinburgh Council Quiet Route 9 through Saughtonhall, Carrick Knowe and Broomhouse. After crossing Meadowplace Road we rode through Gyle Park to arrive at the very busy Glasgow Road. Unable to all get across in one go, we regrouped on the other side and headed through quiet back streets and past Craigmount High School to join Craigs Road. Having crossed Maybury Road, we made our way through the new housing development and onwards to Turnhouse. On this section, Julie (one of our regular riders who couldn't make today's ride) stood at her front gate and waved to us as we rode by. Near to Lennie Mains, Alison led us down a gravel track searching for Craigiehall Temple. We found some houses, but not the temple. At least there was a nice horse in the field. Back to the road for a short distance, before turning off through the woods to the delightful Grotto Bridge where we paused to admire the waterfalls and rapids of the River Almond. From there we made our way through the former Craigiehall Army HQ. The route we used to take is fenced off, but an alternative one led us through the estate to emerge beside the A90. The path beside the road took us to the Burnshot Bridge where we joined the road to Kirkliston. It sometimes seems as if each time we use this stretch of road the experience is more unpleasant than the time before. That was certainly the case today. Riding two vehicles behind the rest of the group, the writer was able to see clearly what was unfolding. It wasn't safe for the van to get past, but the driver of the car behind kept crossing the white line looking as if he was about to embark on a suicide pass. They did this numerous times and could be heard shouting. They then deliberately slowed down and the writer ended up alongside. In a breath-taking moment of hypocrisy, he then proceeded to share his opinion on how the group should have been riding to avoid inconveniencing him. Oh, the irony of it! The road then straightened out and he and the van were gone. We turned right and climbed the short steep hill to Craigie Farm and our lunch stop. Most of us had a picnic lunch. Feedback from some of those that used the café was not positive, even those wanting a take-away drink. 

Straight after lunch we had the pleasure of a lovely descent. The writer stopped at the bottom to take photos of the riders coming down. Having got some photos, he thought, "there's quite a gap. I wonder if there has been a hold-up on the hill?" After waiting a few minutes, the realisation dawned that everyone had come down and he was waiting in vain. Whoops! So, back on the bike and he headed off in pursuit of the group, catching them on the climb up to Burnshot Bridge. Following the obligatory pause at Old Cramond Brig, we took the familiar route back via Barnton and Silverknowes to Craigleith; the only difference being at the end of Barnton Avenue we turned right and then left through Tesco's car park and took the path through to join the Blackhall Path further down. From Craigleith we took the usual route back to The Meadows via the Roseburn Path, the zig-zags, Fountainhall and the Leamington Bridge. We were in for a shock at the Leamington Bridge. Having been there for what seems like an eternity, the temporary traffic lights on Lower Gilmore Place have finally gone. A short distance from there, after a six year refurbishment, the King's Theatre looked resplendent in front of us as we waited for the traffic lights to change. Back amongst the crowds at The Meadows Alison declared the ride officially over.

Thanks to Alison for leading us to an old favourite with a couple of twists to the route to keep it interesting. A most enjoyable ride which was appreciated by all. Thanks to Alan for back marking.

Leader: Alison

Report: Glenn

Photos: Glenn

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

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 

Riccarton by a route less travelled

Whilst most of today's ride to the Heriot Watt Campus at Riccarton was on familiar roads and paths, the leader did promise us an interesting new stretch we had never ridden before as a group. It may have been due to the lure of Christmas shopping or the dreich weather, but a total of just ten riders was a very low turn out, even for December. Following the leader's briefing about the route, safety and lunch arrangements, we left the Meadows and headed to Whitehouse Loan via Bruntsfield Links. From there we took the quiet backstreets of Marchmont and Morningside. It's a bonus that a number of the roads are blocked off for through traffic to all except cycles. Through Braidburn Valley Park, Colinton Mains Park and more quiet backstreets, this time behind Redford Barracks. Onwards through Colinton and Bonaly before arriving at Woodhall Road, where we turned right and continued as the road petered out to become a rough downhill path to the Water of Leith. Across the narrow bridge and we were on the Water of Leith Walkway. Along this muddy stretch we encountered walkers, dogs and horses before emerging in Balerno. Right along Bridge Road and right at the lights to join Lanark Road West for a short distance. Leaving the busy road behind, we made our way through the new housing estate before taking the path down to Curriehill station. Here we had to wheel our bikes up and over the footbridge across the railway. Leaving the interesting new stretch behind us, Curriehill Road and the familiar back entrance into the Heriot Watt campus took us to our lunch stop. As the leader had explained earlier, the cafeteria we normally use is currently closed at weekends because of Covid. As a result everyone had brought a packed lunch. Three brave souls opted to eat outdoors - at least the rain had stopped. The rest of us went inside and sat at the tables in the cafeteria. We perhaps should not have been there, but no one else was about and we ate our lunch in peace and in the warm.

Lunch over, it was drizzling as we made our way through the campus and emerged at Calder Road. Across the road, down Gogar Station Road, a right turn and we were on the rough path near the chicken farm before emerging at Edinburgh Park. From there, we meandered through the almost deserted roads of South Gyle Park Business Estate to arrive at South Gyle station. We cut through Broomhall and Carrick Knowe, past Murrayfield, through Roseburn Park and onwards to the Russell Road zig-zags. That is where the leader declared the ride officially over. Thanks to Mike for leading us to a familiar destination whilst managing to thread in a totally new and interesting section. Not withstanding the half day ride on Christmas day, this was the last full 20 Milers ride of the year. This year may have only started for us in August, but at least it was better than 2020. Here's hoping that 2022 will be better still.

Leader: Mike

Report: Glenn

Photos: Glenn

Same place, different route

Until we arrived at the start of today's ride, only the leader knew where we were heading. There were a few raised eybrows amongst the regulars when it was announced we would be heading to South Queensferry. We were last there in August; but on that ocassion we took a circuitous route with quite a few unfamiliar sections. All credit to today's leader for managing to do the same without any duplication of August's unfamiliar sections.

The day dawned bright and sunny with no more than a light breeze and stayed like that for the whole day. It wasn't hot, but was pleasantly comfortable for mid-October. The good weather obviously helped to swell the numbers. The leader gave the customary briefing to the 22 assembled riders. By the time the briefing was over and we were ready to roll away, there were 26 of us. We were soon at the Leamington Bridge. A very short stretch beside the canal, Fountain Park, The Telfer Subway, Russell Road and into Roseburn Park - all very familiar. Through Balgreen and on to the path that took us behind the Forestry Commission HQ on Corstorphine Road. From there the back streets of Carrick Knowe and Broomhouse took us to the Gyle Shopping Centre. It was good to leave the busy car park behind and head through the much quieter Edinburgh Park. We nipped through the subway beneath the City Bypass (often referred to as "the smelly bridge") to be faced with a slightly muddy climb to reach the road; that explains why we usually go down that way. Gogar Station Road then took us to the Royal Bank of Scotland HQ. Up and over the RBS bridge and we were riding alongside the busy A8 where we made better progress than the traffic on the road. Leaving the A8 at the Maybury juction, we rode past the casino and alongside Maybury Road before turning off down the much less busy Cammo Walk. A few twists and turns through back streets, across the busy Queensferry Road and a sweetie stop at Cramond Brig. Under the subway and the path took us to Burnshot Junction. Along the road, a right turn and we climbed up to Dalmeny village. Through some decidedly unfamiliar back streets of South Queensferry and we arrived in the centre of town for our lunch stop.

As the riders had spread themselves around various cafes and the picnic spot in the town, the decision was made to meet at the Co-Op. At the agreed departure time, the leader got a call from one of a group of five regulars to say they had taken a long time getting served and were still eating at the far side of town. It was decided the main group should set off and the others would either catch us or make their own way back. Unfortunately, one of the missing group was the back marker, so that mantle was passed to another rider. The new back marker committed the cardinal sin of mentioning the "p" word during a ride. Sure enough, as we entered the Dalmeny estate, up went the shout, "puncture!" There was no shortage of helping hands and equipment in the form of various pumps and gas canisters. The puncture was soon fixed. The delay had allowed the missing five to catch up; so we headed into the estate as a complete group again.
Through the estate which was looking beautiful in the sunshine, up a stiff little climb and down a lovely descent and we were back at Cramond Brig. A brief halt (as is the custom) on the bridge before heading back to town. There were no further delays and the route was the usual one back through Barnton to Craigleith, down the Roseburn Path to the Russell Road zig-zags. Here the leader declared the ride officially over.

Thanks to Bill for leading us on an interestingly different route to South Queensferry. It just goes to show that with a little forethought and planning, going to a familiar place can still be interesting. As the saying goes, "getting there is half the fun".

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

Are you sure this is the right way?

Earlier in the week the forecast was promising a day of thundery showers. By this morning it sounded somewhat better - a mixture of showers and light rain with thundery showers arriving after five o'clock. In the end, our ride to South Queensferry was blessed with warm sunshine, not a drop of rain and everyone was safely home by the time the thundery downpour did eventually arrive. We have a ride to South Queensferry every year, so there is always the risk of it becoming rather familiar and lacking in interest. Not this time; the leader did us proud by picking a route that none of us had taken before. We even got tangled up with a parade.

Despite the forecast, a turnout of 18 riders was quite good, with the added bonus that we didn't need to split into two groups. Good to see some new faces in the mix. The first part of the route was familiar until we arrived at Bruntsfield Place where we turned left and joined the main road. Those not paying attention almost went over the crossing and down to the canal. Instead, we meandered through the less familiar back streets of Bruntsfield, Merchiston and Polworth before arriving in Roseburn Park. More quiet paths and we emerged at the busy Glasgow Road. There was a little confusion as the leader had told us we would be crossing the road beside the Jaguar garage - which is now a Volvo garage. We left the busy road behind and threaded through more quiet back streets before emerging at the busy Queensferry Road. Across that and a quick whizz down Whitehouse Road, where we turned off and headed down to Cramond Bridge for the obligatory stop whilst cake and sweets were passed round. It was now warm and sunny. Heading out in the morning everyone was so busy ensuring they had got their waterproofs that no one had given a second thought to sun cream. We then took the path beside the road towards Burnshot Bridge. On arriving at the cattle grid at the entrance to the Dalmeny estate, we surprisingly went in rather than riding past and heading towards Dalmeny village. A cyclist coming out warned us to look out for a large highland cow standing in the middle of the road. Pre-warned, we were able to slow down and give the cow a wide berth. We rode through the estate and came into South Queensferry beneath the majestic Forth Rail Bridge. As we headed into town we came to a barrier and a "road closed" sign. It turned out to be the day of the Ferry Fair Festival parade. One of the stewards said we could head along the road so long as we dismounted and hurried up so as not to get tangled up in the parade. We made it to the centre of town and riders headed off in various directions in search of lunch. We'd never seen the place so busy.

After lunch, we had a short walk wheeling our bikes to reach the end of the high street. From there it was up the hill, through the Co-op car park and we were on the path to Dalmeny village. We then took the familiar route back towards Cramond Bridge. Re-grouping at Burnshot Bridge, we were joined by a rather muddy French mountain biker who asked the best way back to Portobello. It appears he had got lost near Craigie's Farm and ended up riding across a potato field. We told him we were heading in the direction he needed to go, so he rode with us for a short while. He soon left us to go and seek out a jet wash for his bike and himself. We held with tradition and paused briefly on Cramond Bridge. From there it was onwards through Barnton with an easy crossing of Cramond Road South courtesy of temporary traffic lights. We had never before experienced such an easy crossing. Through Silverknowes and the Blackhall path took us to Craigleith. From there, the familiar route of the Roseburn path, Russell Road, Telfer subway and the canal took us back to the Meadows where the leader declared the ride over.

Thanks to Alan for leading an enjoyable ride. It just goes to show that with a little thought and imagination, what looks set to be a somewhat predictable and familiar ride can easily become something more interesting. Thanks also to the weather for being on our side. None of us expected to stay dry all day and be concerned about forgetting to apply sun cream.

Leader: Alan
Report: Glenn
Photos: Glenn
Map trace: None available