December whiteout

For only the fourth time in our 18-year history, today's ride did not go ahead. Conditions were looking good at 7 am. Yesterday's snow had vanished, there were no longer any icy patches on the roads,  and there was only a slight breeze. But within an hour, all that had changed. In a word, it was a whiteout: heavy snow with visibility close to zero. Nevertheless, two hardy cyclists, plus yours truly, turned up at the meeting point. But after a very brief discussion we decided to call it a day. In the interests of safety and warmth, we turned round and headed for home. Let's hope for better conditions next time.

December ride this coming Saturday

 We've got our December ride coming up on Saturday (10th). This will be different from most of our runs in that it will only be a half-day ride. We'll start at the usual time, but finish at about 13:00. This is partly in deference to the mid-winter temperatures and short daylight hours, but mainly because of the difficulty of finding a lunch venue in the run-up to the festive season.

Our route will take in bike paths and quiet roads in the north of the city. The total distance will be about 16 miles. I don't expect any particular difficulties: no really steep hills or rough surfaces to worry about.

We'll meet as usual at 10:30 at the north end of Middle Meadow Walk. There will be no official lunch break or coffee break, but we'll aim to have a comfort stop at about the half-way point.

Christmas morning

Looking ahead, we will be having our traditional Christmas morning ride on 25 December. This year we are joining our friends at EasyCycle for this event. We'll all meet at 10:30 at our usual start point, and aim to finish by 13:00 at the latest - possibly a little earlier. We'll not stray far from the city centre, so if you need to peel off early, that should be no problem.

I'll post more details of the Christmas ride nearer the time. And looking further ahead, our first ride of 2023 (14 January) will be our usual full-day run.

If you fancy joining us for any of our rides, just turn up on the day. There's no need to contact us in advance.

It's November? Surely not!

We don't keep a record of temperatures on our rides. We often remember them for either exceptionally good or bad weather. But today must have been the warmest November ride we've ever had. Sunny, barely any wind and 14°C in November was amazing. A lovely day to head to the Edinburgh International Climbing Arena (EICA) at Ratho. Some of the group even sat outside at lunchtime. The weather obviously played a big part, but getting 24 riders in November was very impressive. Great to see a few new faces in the mix as well.

With the leader's route and safety briefing over, we headed to Murrayfield via our familiar route taking in Bruntsfield Links, Leamington Bridge, Fountainbridge and the Telfer Subway. Leaving Murrayfield behind, we crossed Balgreen Road and headed up the side of the distinctive Jenner's Depository to join the cycle path. Quiet back roads took us through Carrick Knowe and Broomhall. We crossed the busy Meadow Place Road and were soon at South Gyle station. A short stretch of quiet path, and soon we were mixing it with the Saturday morning traffic in the Gyle Shopping Centre car park. We cut through to Edinburgh Park, under the tunnel and emerged at Gogar Station Road, before turning onto a quiet minor road past Kellerstain. More quiet roads took us to Ratho. This was a lovely section - it was so quiet and peaceful and great to be out in the lovely weather. It could almost have been a spring day. We climbed out of Ratho and joined the B7030 at Bonnington. Along the road, turn right and we followed the road to the EICA and our lunch stop. Some of the group bagged the two picnic tables for an al fresco lunch, whilst the others headed inside.

There is a rough path behind the centre that we sometimes use on the homeward route; but the recce a few weeks previously had shown it to be very rough and wet. Instead we took the road back to the B7030, turned right and headed towards the bridge carrying the M8. Turning off, we headed up to the Union Canal towpath and began our journey back towards Edinburgh. We passed the steep steps leading up to the EICA and on past the Bridge Inn at Ratho. The group became stretched out along this section. The majority kept up with the leader, but a handful fell back and lost sight of those ahead. That is when the doubt set in. Had a turn off been missed? The decision was taken to phone the leader and check. The reply came back that the leading group was waiting at the next bridge. This was the mythical "hump back bridge" that the leader had been talking about, but no one really knew which bridge he meant. It was Union Canal Bridge number 14, which we had actually ridden over on the outward route. The group was back together. Following some ribbing from the leader like, "how can anyone get lost on the canal?", we retraced our outward route back to Edinburgh Park and onwards to Edinburgh Park station. We followed the cycle path at the top side of Sighthill and Broomhouse, crossed the tram tracks and sped down to the Jenner's Depository on Balgreen Road. From there we retraced our steps back to the Meadows, where the leader declared the ride officially over.

Thanks to Alan for leading us on an interesting route with a good lunch stop, and thanks to Yaz for back marking. A good ride that was enjoyed by all. The unseasonably good weather clearly played its part.

Leader: Alan

Report: Glenn

Photos: Glenn  

20-Milers November ride this coming Saturday

We've got our November ride coming up on Saturday (12th). Alan will be leading us on an interesting route through the west of the city, heading out to Ratho. The total distance will be about 24 miles. There will be a couple of short steep hills, and a mile or two on a very rough track which might also be muddy. But apart from that there should be no particular difficulties.

Lunch stop

Our lunch stop will be at the Edinburgh International Climbing Arena. Although there is a cafe there, we advise you to bring a packed lunch. That's because, on our recent visits, the service at the cafe has been very slow, so you could well spend most of the lunch break in the queue. But don't worry: you won't need to picnic in the open air. There is plenty of indoor seating, including an area overlooking the spectacular 30-metre climbing wall (which claims to be the largest of its kind in the world). There are also vending machines serving hot drinks.

Arrangements

As always, we will meet at the north end of Middle Meadow Walk in time for a 10:30 departure. The ride should end well before dark, but it would be advisable to bring lights in case of delay. The ride is, of course, free and open to all. As you know, we don't have a booking system and there is no need to reply to this post.

December rides

Looking ahead, we will once again be organising a short ride for Christmas morning (25 December). This time it will be a joint venture with our friends at EasyCycle. I'll post details once these have been decided, so for now just note the date. This ride will of course be in addition to our normal monthly run, which will be on the 10 December.

Alec Mann (1951-2022)

Photo credit: B&SS

I first got to know Alec Mann back in the early 2000s, when he and I were both regular riders on the Spokes Sunday bike rides. When I helped to set up Edinburgh 20-Milers in 2004, Alec was one of our first members and quickly became a familiar figure in the group. His last ride with us was last month's run to South Queensferry. He died a couple of weeks later at the age of 71.

Alec was very much a stalwart of the local cycling community. He frequently cycled with Mellow Velo and organised and led many of their cycling weekends. He was known for his near-encyclopaedic knowledge of local bike routes, and always took care to recce his rides in great detail. He was a long-standing member of Spokes, and served on their planning committee. He helped with the preparation of Spokes' bike maps, and was meticulous in checking their accuracy. As well as cycling, he enjoyed walking, and often went out with the walking group at St Peter’s Church in Lutton Place, where he was an active member of the congregation.

Alec Mann was born in St. Albans in 1951. Because of his father's work, the family frequently moved around the country, so Alec spent his childhood in various places, including Altrincham, Bristol and Edinburgh, amongst others. To avoid having to constantly change schools, he attended Shrewsbury School as a boarder. He then went to Edinburgh University where he developed a deep interest in computer science. This was to become the basis of his career. He remained at the university, working mainly at the King's Buildings as a software developer in the agricultural sector. He was latterly a consultant with Biomathematics & Statistics Scotland where he provided technical and statistical support for various agricultural research projects. He retired a few years before his death.

Alec is survived by his mother (aged 96 and still independent), a sister, brother, nieces and a great-niece. I know that the 20-Milers membership will wish to join me in passing on our condolences to his family. 

Funeral arrangements

Alec's funeral will take place in the Main Chapel at Mortonhall Crematorium, Howdenhall Road, on Thursday 27 October at 14:00. No flowers, please. There will be a collection in aid of Bethany Christian Trust.

Mike Lewis

I don't know where we are

Cockenzie House was today's destination. The Meadows, Musselburgh and Cockenzie House - a quite straight forward ride by a well known route then? Not at all. At the briefing, the leader informed the group that whilst much of the route would be on familiar roads and paths, there would be a couple of stretches that would be completely new to most. So the scene was set for an interesting route, with some nice East Lothian scenery thrown in. The weather forecast suggested sunny intervals, pleasant temperatures and no rain. As it turned out, two out of three ain't bad. Good weather and the promise of an interesting route led to a turnout of 28 riders - second highest of the year.

Not long after leaving the Meadows, we came across an obstacle. We couldn't cross St Leaonard's Street at the usual crossing as new tar had been laid a short time before our arrival. A very helpful road worker informed us we would have to go up the pavement and cross further up. This slight detour didn't delay us for long. Safely across, and we were soon through the tunnel and travelling down the Innocent Railway. At Brunstane station, we turned left as if heading for the Brunstane Burn path. But we carried straight on to follow a less familiar path as it threaded through the Gilbertstoun estate. With the first unfamiliar section behind us, we re-joined the usual route to Musselburgh station. Paths, quiet back streets and a footbridge over the River Esk saw us on The Grove for a short distance, before turning onto a path that took us to Inveresk. A left and right and we were on Crookston Road, which peters out to become a path running alongside the A1 slip road. A short pause to regroup beside the site of the Battle of Pinkie, and we were on the road towards Whitecraig which crosses the A1. A left turn, and it looked as if we were heading for the steep climb that is Fa'side Hill. Those that knew where they were, looked worried. There had been no mention of this steep hill at the briefing. The leader then turned left onto a flat strtech of road and stopped. We then had a stop for cake thanks to Iain. Pressing on towards St Clement's Well, there were several comments about how beautiful it was riding past sheep grazing in the fields. The comment, "I don't know where we are" was also heard from many. The road ended and a path lead us on a footbridge over the A1 to emerge amongst the new houses being built on the edge of Wallyford. A track led us between the unfinished houses to emerge at Wallyford Industrial Estate. Down to the traffic lights, turn right and we were heading towards the top side of Prestonpans. We stayed on that familiar road until we turned left and took a path down to the site of the Battle of Prestonpans. Back on the road for a short stretch and we arrived at Cockenzie House for our lunch stop. Most of the group headed to the cafe, but a few opted to picnic in the park across the road where they dined in the warm sunshine.

We left Cockenzie House by the rear entrance. This avoided the main road and took us past Cockenzie harbour. Avoiding the main road, we were soon on the new cycle path. With no shelter, this was where we were hit with a brief but heavy shower. Back onto the coast road, we left Prestonpans and joined the cycle path beside the Firth of Forth. Unfortunately, due to the ongoing flood defence works, a section of the coast path is closed. This meant we had to re-join the road for a while, before turning off and getting back on the coast path. Onwards to Fisherrow Harbour for a comfort stop before joining the road towards Portobello. At the bottom of Milton Road we took the Brunstane Burn path to Brunstane station. The run back into town saw us retrace our outward route from the morning. We had another slight delay at St Leaonard's Street. The tar was now dry, but the crossing was not working and traffic was heavy. Back at the Meadows the leader declared the ride over.

Everyone seemed to have enjoyed the ride. There were no problems and it lived up to expectations about seeing new places. A successful ride. What more can anyone ask for?

Leader: Glenn

Report: Glenn

Photos: Glenn

October ride this coming Saturday

 I hope you will be able to join us this coming Saturday (8th) for our October ride.

One of the nice things about our rides is that they provide a chance to discover new and unfamiliar bike routes. This month's run is no exception. Glenn will be leading us into East Lothian, mostly on familiar roads and paths, but with a couple of stretches that I'm sure will be completely new to most of the group. It promises to be an interesting route, with some nice scenery as a bonus.

The ride will be slightly longer than our usual "second Saturday" outings: about 25 miles in all. But there won't be any really nasty hills, and we'll be riding on good surfaces most of the time. There will however be a few rough patches that might be muddy in places. There will also be a couple of stretches on main roads, although with luck these won't be too busy.

Lunch stop

For our lunch stop, we'll head to Cockenzie House. There is a friendly cafe there which offers a good range of snacks and light lunches. For those of us who prefer to bring our own food, there are plenty of places to picnic in the house's grounds or in the park across the street.

Time and place

We'll meet at our usual spot at the north end of Middle Meadow Walk in time for a 10:30 departure.

Looking ahead

Unfortunately, we haven't managed to organise another of our Extra rides this year. There simply wasn't time to arrange this before the autumn weather sets in. But rest assured that they will be back next spring. We did run four very successful Extras this summer, which is four more than in each of the previous two years. I hope you enjoyed them as much as I did.

We will, of course, continue our standard rides throughout the winter. Look out for an announcement of our November outing nearer the time.