September's Ride

The next ride will be on Saturday September 13th and will take us to Cousland in Midlothian, and will include a rare chance to visit the restored 18th Century smiddy and adjoining smith's cottage (suggested entry donation: £2). This is an easy-to-moderate ride, suitable both for occasional cyclists and those with a little more experience.

The total distance will be about 24 miles, mainly on easy paths and quiet roads with gentle gradients. Hot drinks and home baking will be available at the smiddy; those wanting a more substantial lunch should bring a sandwich. The ride will end around 16.00.

Meet: 10.30, at the north end of Middle Meadow Walk (junction of Lauriston Place).
Cost and booking: Free; just turn up.
Further information: Mike Lewis (0131 343 2520) or Chris Pearson (0131 343 2685)

Saturday 9th August

August's run will provide a chance to explore some interesting bike paths in the south west of the city. Total distance will be about 18 miles, with a pub or cafe break at lunchtime (or bring a picnic if you prefer).

Meet: 10.30, at the north end of Middle Meadow Walk (junction of Lauriston Place).
Cost and booking: Free; just turn up.
Further information: Mike Lewis (0131 343 2520) or Chris Pearson (0131 343 2685)

31 20-milers on July's ride

What a superb turn out! Today we had our biggest turn-out of the year (or possibly ever) as we headed out of Edinburgh towards South Queensferry. We started out on the normal "bike rat-run" out of town: head through the Meadows then down to Fountainbridge and then onto the Roseburn Path to join NCR 1 out to Cramond Brig. We went along side the A90 for a while then crossed over on the route towards Kirkliston, and then Mike led us up a lovely shady, windy track (out of the rain which had started to become rather dampening) that eventually brought us out in Dalmeny. It was nice to head Downhill from there into South Queensferry for lunch - most people used the Picnic cafe - they ran out of soup, but still managed to serve everyone in time for us to head off 40 minutes later.

July ride to South Queensferry

There was a large cruise liner in the Forth, and their landing boats were zipping to and fro from the Maid of the Forth landing point, and disgorging the passengers onto buses. We passed by them and under the Forth Bridge - thankfully NOT heading up the offensive hill towards the station, but going along at sea level into the Dalmeny estate. I personally have never been into this estate, and it is definitely worth a trip. The paths were generally sound (some tarmac, mostly gravelly, only some short stretches of earth/grass single-track) and mostly car-free. We had glimpses of the beach all along the track, and ended up at Dalmeny House with a great view of the Forth. Nice place for a puncture!

Finally we headed back up along the Almond and returned to our original route at the Cramond Brig. Andrew's stick won the impromptu game of Pooh Sticks!


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July's Ride

We've had a string of superb rides during the last few months. We've been lucky with the weather, and we've managed to find some interesting and unusual places to visit. There's every reason to expect the trend to continue for this month's run.

This month's route and destination

My aim this time is to introduce you to some particularly attractive bike paths in the Queensferry / Dalmeny area. I can promise you a scenic ride in a delightful rural settings, with excellent views, a long way from any traffic (at least for part of the route). In fact, I hope to surprise you with some places that you might never have known existed. Come along and find out more.

The total distance will be 22 miles. I can't claim that it will be completely level, but there definitely won't be any killer hills to worry about.

However, be warned that some short stretches of the route might be rough, narrow and overgrown. If necessary, we will dismount and push. If the weather is particularly bad, we will take an alternative route that avoids the difficult stretches (but without the nice views).

Food and drink

We will stop for a cafe or pub lunch (your choice) in South Queensferry. For those who prefer a picnic, the harbour will be a good spot. You can either bring your own food or pick up a sandwich from the Picnic Shop nearby.

Time and place

I hope you all know the meeting place by now. Middle Meadow Walk, by the Lauriston Place traffic lights. Meet in time for a 10.30 start. The ride should end at approximately 16.00.

Mike Lewis

0131 343 2520

Ride Report

23 20-milers turned up for a sunny ride that turned out to be about 23 miles long. We headed out along the canal, then turned onto the Water of Leith path just after the viaduct and followed this right to Balerno. We then had the "long climb" of the day ahead of us up to the Red Moss nature reserve at the highest and furthest point of our route. We did, however, have civilised breaks on the way up, complete with Chris's excellent flapjack (thank you Chris). After that it was mostly downhill all the way home. We missed our original lunch destination (Riccarton Garden Centre) but the refectory at Heriot Watt University was a very acceptable alternative. We returned back along the Union Canal the way we had started out.

June08 ride to Balerno & Red Moss

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Tomorrow's ride

Remember to bring a picnic! There are several sandwich shops near the top of Middle Meadow Walk, though.

June's Ride

Saturday 14th June is the next 20-milers outing, as part of Bike Week.

June's ride will be to Balerno and Red Moss, with a picnic lunch at the Riccarton Garden Centre (hot drinks available, but bring your own food). Total distance will be about 22 miles. The ride will end around 16.00.

Meet: 10.30, at the north end of Middle Meadow Walk (junction of Lauriston Place). Cost and booking: Free; just turn up. Further information: Mike Lewis (0131 343 2520) or Chris Pearson (0131 343 2685),