Our first Extra of 2025 this coming Saturday

 

We've got the first of this year's Extra rides coming up on Saturday (24th), when we'll be heading to East Calder and Almondell Country Park.

As you will know by now, our Extra rides are longer than our usual 20-mile outings. We go at a somewhat faster pace and we take fewer stops. Please keep that in mind when deciding if this ride will be a good choice for your fitness level.

Almondell Country Park, with its setting in the deep wooded valley of the River Almond, is a delightful place to visit. It is often crowded, but the visitor centre has a secluded garden where we can enjoy a quiet picnic lunch.

The route

The ride will start from our alternative meeting point at the Craigleith path junction (see here if you are not sure where that is.) We'll head out on a mixture of bike paths and mainly quiet roads as far as Niddry Castle, then pick up the canal towpath for about four miles before joining the road into the park. The return leg will be on quiet roads via Kirknewton and Long Dalmahoy.

The total distance will be about 34 miles. We can expect a few steep climbs, especially in the afternoon, but no other serious hills or other difficulties.

Lunch arrangements

Note that there is no café or pub in the park, so be sure to bring food for a picnic lunch. The visitor centre has vending machines for hot and cold drinks, but unfortunately it is closed between 12:30 and 13:00.

There are toilets in the park. We will also have a toilet stop on the outward leg, about half way through the morning.

Meeting time

You should plan to arrive at the meeting point (see above) in time for a 10:30 departure. The ride will end in the Bruntsfield / Leamington area mid- to late-afternoon.

As always, the above details should be regarded as provisional. The meeting time and place are fixed, but we occasionally need to vary the route and destination according to conditions on the day.

Please check that your bike is in good mechanical order before you set out. And don't forget to bring a spare inner tube as well as any tools that might be needed to remove your wheel in the event of a puncture.

Looking ahead

We'll again aim to have two rides in June. For our standard "second Saturday" run on the 14th, we've got in mind an interesting new destination - more details nearer the time . And we will have our second Extra of the season on  the 28th.

A ride of contrasts

Today's ride was the one rescheduled from April. We were promised an interesting and unusual route to Musselburgh taking in part of the new CCWEL (City Centre West to East Link) route through the city centre, weaving through quiet streets and pleasant green spaces in the east of the city, before heading towards the coast. It was a ride of contrasts: varying between the hustle-and-bustle of central Edinburgh and the peaceful path beside the River Esk as we approached Musselburgh. The weather was lovely; a very light breeze, wall-to-wall sunshine and an ideal temperature for cycling, without being too hot. The trees and path side vegetation still retained that lush freshness that epitomises spring. Given the conditions, a turn out of 27 riders was not surprising. If a day like today couldn't tempt riders to get out, nothing would.

Following the leader's customary briefing, we had our first surprise of the day. 99% of the time we head off down Middle Meadow walk regardless of where we are heading; but today we headed up and turned left onto Lauriston Place. A right turn down Lady Lawson Street, down the side of the Usher Hall, across the busy Lothian Road and we were soon cycling across Festival Square. A few paths and quiet roads, across Shandwick place (taking care on the tram lines) and we were soon on the CCWEL cycle path which took us to Charlotte Square. George Street looked very cosmopolitan with tourists enjoying the sunshine and refreshments at tables beside the road. At St Andrew Square we rejoined the segregated CCWEL and made our way down Queen Street and York Place alongside crowded pavements. It almost seemed as if Festival time had arrived early. On past the Playhouse, across London Road and onto Elm Row before turning into Montgomery Street. Leaving the bustle of the city centre behind, Easter Road, Bothwell Street, past the Hibs stadium and we were in Lochend Park. Past the pond and through the park, we were soon riding through the backstreets of Restalrig - which was a new experience for many of us. A short stretch on the busy Portobello Road, onto Fishwives Causeway, up and over the bridge saw us on the quiet backstreets of Mountcastle. From there, we headed into Figgate Park and stopped by the pond. Here the leader handed out his delicious home baking to the group which was appreciated by all. As we approached Portobello Golf Course, a rider near the back suffered a mechanical issue that required attention. Unfortunately, the leader was unaware of this and pressed on. By the time the issue had been fixed, those at the back had regrouped and caught the others, we were nearly at Brunstane station. All together again, we took the familiar NCN 1 route to Musselburgh station. Via the new path from the station and the Ferguson's housing estate, we were soon heading down the Grove towards the centre of Musselburgh. On this stretch, the backmarker turned to the writer and said, "what a contrast this lovely path beside the river is compared to the centre of Edinburgh". So very true. We ducked under Musselburgh's main road bridge and were soon at the Shorthope Street bridge. This was our lunch stop. The High Street eateries were a short walk away, but the majority opted to picnic beside the river in the sunshine.

Lunch over, we headed to Fisherrow Harbour via the coast path. The harbour area was heaving with people thanks to the Harbour Festival being in full swing. It was too busy to linger, so we took the main road towards Portobello. As we headed off the road onto the Brunstane Burn path, up went the dreaded shout, "puncture!", bringing us all to a halt. Some discussion, agreement from the puncture victim and those helping them and it was decided that the rest of the group would continue and the others would catch us up. From there our usual route back - the Innocent Railway took us towards the Meadows. On exiting the Innocent Tunnel, the leader declared the ride officially over.

Thanks to Iain for leading us on such an interesting route to Musselburgh that lived up to expectations. There were many complimentary comments on the ride and it was enjoyed by all. Thanks to Yaz for back marking, and to Alan for dealing with the mechanical issues.

Leader: Iain

Report: Glenn

Photos: Glenn

Two rides planned for this month

We've got two rides planned for May: our standard "second Saturday" run on the 10th, and the first of this year's Extra rides two weeks later, on the 24th.

10th May

For this ride, Iain will be leading us on the route that he had originally planned for April but which had to be postponed. To recap, it will be a fairly straightforward 20-mile run, with no nasty hills or muddy tracks to cope with. Our lunch stop will be at Musselburgh, where there are some nice picnic spot on the banks of the Esk as well as a (limited) choice of cafes and takeaways. For further details of the route, see the blog post dated 7 April.

The meeting time and place for this ride will be the same as always: 10:30 at the north end of Middle Meadow Walk. As usual, you don't need to let us know in advance if you plan to attend: just turn up.

24th May

For the benefit of those of you who are new to the group, our Extra rides takes place on various Saturdays during the summer. These rides venture further than our usual routes, with a somewhat faster pace and fewer stops - but always with the same sociable ambiance.

I'll post details of this month's Extra a bit nearer the time.

More rides

Now that summer has arrived (let's hope), other local cycling groups will be organising rides in the months ahead. These will include easy runs aimed at less experienced riders, short evening rides, and  longer days out and weekends away - not to mention various talks, meetings and cultural events all more or less related to cycling. I'll post details of all these happenings on my website as and when I hear about them.

That's all for now. I hope to see you on one or more of the above rides.

A last minute change

For today's ride we were meant to head to Musselburgh via an interesting and unusual route. Unfortunately, the leader was unwell which necessitated a last minute change of plan. The in-depth and combined knowledge of the group's organisers meant a new route and leader were in place by the time riders began to gather at the meeting point. Apart from the change of destination, the alteration went seamlessly thanks to all those involved. For the second ride in a row, we were blessed with lovely weather - long may it continue. Clearly helped by the weather, we had a very respectable turn out of 25 riders. Along with the regulars were some riders we hadn't seen for a while along with some new faces.

With the leader's briefing over, we headed off towards Dalkeith. We took that well-worn route towards the Innocent Tunnel. But, rather than turning left to head to the tunnel, we swept past and into Holyrood Park. Along Duddingston Low Road, a right turn, down the steep path and we were on the Innocent Railway Path. Crossing several roads, we stayed on the path as far as Musselburgh station. After a brief rest, we headed down the lovely smooth path, crossed under the railway twice and were soon waiting to cross the busy B6415. Crossing took longer than usual thanks to four-way temporary traffic lights. With everyone safely across, we continued through the Ferguson housing estate, crossed the bridge over the River Esk and were on the Grove heading towards Whitecraig. We took our customary breather at Cowpits to recover from the short, sharp climb to the road at the end of the path. The leader took us on an unfamiliar route through the houses in Whitecraig to join the path to Dalkeith. We meandered through the backstreets of Dalkeith to avoid busy roads as far as possible, and were soon at King's Park for our lunch stop.

Following a delightful picnic lunch in the warm sunshine, it was time to begin our journey back. Down the path at the side of the park, across Abbey Road, into the new housing estate and we were soon queuing to get through the kissing gate. In Alan's absence, Sakhib did a sterling job of manning the gate to let 24 riders and three golfers through. Through the woods, over the Maiden Bridge, past the far-from cycle-friendly barrier, through a couple of parks, and we were soon heading into Dalkeith Country Park where we had a comfort break. Given the lovely weather, the paths in the park were busy. But the number of walkers decreased the further we got from the car park. Leaving the park behind, there followed a brief stretch on the busy A6094 before turning off and heading to Cowpits and following the Grove down to Musselburgh. A further comfort stop at Fisherrow Harbour, and we were soon on the Brunstane Burn path. From there we headed back to the Meadows on the paths we had headed out on earlier. But this time we went through the Innocent Tunnel. At the Meadows, the leader declared the ride officially over.

Thanks to Alison for stepping in at short notice and providing a ride enjoyed by all. Thanks to Yaz for back marking, and thanks to the weather for being kind to us for the second time in as many rides.

Leader: Alison

Report: Glenn

Photos: Glenn

April ride this coming Saturday

 Our April ride takes place this coming Saturday (12th). If you haven't done much cycling over the winter, this will be a good opportunity to ease yourself back into the saddle. There will be no nasty hills or muddy tracks to cope with, and the total distance will be just under the statutory twenty miles.

Iain will be leading us on what promises to be an interesting and unusual route. We'll take in part of the new CCWEL route through the city centre, then weave through quiet streets and pleasant green spaces in the east of the city before heading towards the coast on NCN1 and the River Esk path. The return leg will be via the Brunstane Burn and Innocent paths.

Lunch

Our lunch stop will be at Musselburgh, where we'll head for a nice picnic spot on the banks of the Esk. Those who prefer to eat indoors will have a couple of cafes to choose from. There are also at least two places where you can pick up a takeaway sandwich and hot drink. There are public toilets near the picnic spot, and we will have an additional comfort stop early in the afternoon.

Time and place

This is as constant as the North Star. We'll set out at 10:30 from our usual departure point at the north end of Middle Meadow Walk. The ride is free and open to all, and there is no need to let anyone know in advance whether you plan to attend.

More thoughts ...

If your bike has been in the shed all winter, it would make sense to give it a quick check-over before setting out. Make sure the tyres are properly inflated, that they are free of stones and other fragments that might cause punctures, that the chain is well lubed and the brakes and gears are operating smoothly - not to mention packing that spare inner tube and whatever tools are needed to remove a wheel in the event of a puncture. If you are in doubt about any of this, your favourite bike shop will be happy to advise.

With the hope of better weather to come, we can look forward to lots more nice rides - including our longer Extra runs - in the months ahead. As always, I welcome your suggestions for routes and destinations. Get in touch by email, or use the comments box at the bottom of this post.

Spring has sprung

We've been to Craigies Farm several times before; but for today's ride the leader devised an interesting new route, taking in the Cramond waterfront and the River Almond walkway. The weather was very kind to us with sunshine, blue skies and what seemed like the mildest temperatures in months - it finally felt as if spring had arrived. It was great to muster 26 riders, with both new faces and some we hadn't seen in a while. With such a large turnout, we even discussed the need to split into two groups to keep things managable. That is something we have not needed to consider for a number of years. In the end, we decided one group would be OK, and it was. 

Following the leader's briefing, which covered safety and an in-depth description of the route, we rolled away from the top of Middle Meadow Walk. Following a familiar route we made our way to the Leamington Bridge where we regrouped. Every time we ride down Leamington Terrace, the road surface seems to have deteriorated still further. How nice it would be to arrive there one day to find it had been resurfaced. From there we made our way to the Roseburn to Union Canal active travel route. It's a great path, and so much better than twiddling through the streets of Gorgie used to be. Just a shame that the point where you cross the Western Approach Road is such a bottle neck, especially with a large group. Soon, we were up the zig-zags and making our way along the Roseburn Path. The group became stretched out along this busy path, and the back marker [and his self-proclaimed assistant] had to put a spurt on to catch the riders in front. They thought they had caught them, but were confused by the American accents. It turned out they were a small group of cyclists that were not part of our group. One of them was attempting to take a photograph whilst riding along; they hit the back marker's rear wheel and went down. Fortunately, there were no injuries or damage. Our two bade them farewell and set off in pursuit of the right group. With us all back together, we turned left at the Craigleith junction and made our way to the Silverknowes Esplanade, which was teeming with people making the most of one of the nicest days in a long time. Along there to Cramond, past the boat yard, past the now defunct Cramond Falls Café and we were at the foot of School Brae. It's not a long climb, but is steep enough to give the group their first workout of the day. After regrouping at the top, we made our way along Whitehouse Road. A right turn down the delightful Peggy's Mill Road, and we were on the River Almond Walkway which led us to Cramond Brig. Following the obligatory pause on the bridge, we took the cycle path beside Queensferry Road. But only for a short distance, before heading through the subway.  Soon we were back on the road and heading towards our lunch stop. The steepest climb of the day took us to Craigies Farm. The group split up with some heading to the café whilst others bagged picnic tables.

With the group fed and watered, we headed off for the return journey. Soon we were whizzing down a steep hill, and on the cycle path beside the A90. Back past the subway entrance from the morning, and once again we paused on the bridge. Our return route saw us head through Barnton, Silverknowes and along the Blackhall Path to Craigleith. From there we retraced our outward route via the Roseburn Path, Roseburn to Union Canal active travel route and Leamington Bridge back to The Meadows, where the leader declared the ride over.

Thanks to Alan for leading, and devising an alternative route now that our old route through the Craigiehall camp is closed off. Everyone seemed to enjoy the ride, and given it is still early March, the lovely weather was an added bonus. Thanks to Neil for back marking, and good to see he suffered no ill-effects having been ridden into.

Leader: Alan

Report: Glenn

Photos: Glenn 

March ride to Craigies' Farm

We've got our March run coming up on Saturday (8th), when Alan will be leading us to Craigie's Farm. This is somewhere we have visited several times before, so this time, just to add some variety, Alan has devised an interesting new route, taking in the Cramond waterfront and the River Almond walkway.

That said, we won't be able to avoid the steep climb up to the farm. But as this will come just before lunch, we will at least have time to get our breath back. There will be a couple of other moderate hills during the morning, as well as  about half a mile on a rough path that might be muddy. Apart from that, I don't foresee any difficulties. The total distance will be close to the statutory twenty miles.

Lunch stop

Craigie's Farm has a spacious cafe with a varied menu. There are also outside tables for those who prefer to bring a picnic (as well some seating that is under cover in case of rain).

Logistics

We'll meet at our usual spot at the north end of Middle Meadow Walk in time for a 10:30 departure. We'll aim to finish the ride at or near the Meadows around the middle of the afternoon.

Like all our rides, this one is free, with no advance booking. There is no need let anyone know if you plan to join us.

I hope to see you on Saturday, or, failing that, on a future ride.