EDINBURGH 20-MILERS

20th Anniversary Year

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Sunday 17 March 2024

Special ride on 23 March

I'm pleased to tell you that we've managed to organise a special half-day ride for this coming Saturday (23 March) to celebrate the long-awaited opening of the City Centre West to East Link (CCWEL).

As you probably know, the CCWEL is a new bike route through Edinburgh city centre. It links the Water of Leith and the Roseburn Path in the west with Leith Walk in the east. Most (not all) of it runs alongside main roads but on completely segregated paths.

Time, place, route

For this ride, we'll meet as usual at 10:30, at our normal spot at the north end of Middle Meadow Walk. We'll head first to Roseburn Park, where we'll pick up the new path as it runs alongside West Coates and Haymarket Terrace and through the West End to Charlotte Square. The route then follows George Street, but this section is not yet segregated so we will be riding in traffic for a short distance. After another segregated section around St Andrew Square, we'll head down to Canonmills and George V Park. The return leg will be via the north Edinburgh bike paths.

The total distance will be about 14 miles. We'll be riding on good surfaces most of the time, with only a few gentle hills.

We'll plan to finish the ride at around 13:00. We won't organise a lunch stop, but there are plenty of cafes, sandwich shops and pubs near the finish for those who want to go for a meal or snack after the ride.

As with all our rides, this one is free and open to all, so feel free to tell your friends. We don't have any kind advance booking system, so just turn up on the day if you fancy joining us.

Official opening ceremony

I understand that there will also be an event to mark the official opening of the CCWEL this coming Wednesday (20 March). I don't have any further information except that it will take place in front of the Four Points hotel in Haymarket Terrace from 11:30 to 14:30

Looking ahead, our next "second Saturday" run will be on 13 April. 

Saturday 9 March 2024

Is this really the way to Roslin?

Our March ride saw us head out to Roslin in weather that would not have been out-of-place in January. The leader had devised an interesting route that took us through areas that few of us had visited before. We also had a journalist join the ride. He is writing an article about cycling in Edinburgh and decided that joining our ride would give him a good insight. He went away better informed, had enjoyed the ride and complimented the group for making him welcome. He also appreciated the informality and friendliness of the group. We're looking forward to reading the article in the "Financial Times" when published.

Despite it being a chilly, damp and overcast day, we managed to muster seventeen riders at the start. Quite impressive given the weather, and a forecast that promised no improvement.

Briefing over, the group headed off via Bruntsfield Links and Whitehouse Loan. We got split up at Streathearn Road where the traffic lights looked as if they would never change in our favour. On the brink of us all walking across at the green man, the lights finally changed. Just along the road, we regrouped and set off again. Through the quiet backstreets of Morningside and we were on Braid Road where we took the path through Hermitage of Braid. As ever, the path was busy with walkers and dogs. It was a bit muddy, but not as bad as it sometimes is. Through the traffic lights at Blackford Glen Road, a short sharp climb up Kirkbrae and we were on Double Hedges Road. We then cut through the back streets of Mount Vernon, before coming to a halt due to the dreaded shout of "puncture!" Alan helped the stricken rider as the rest of us hung around and waited. The delay was longer than expected due to the first tube getting nicked whilst refitting the tyre. Not a day for standing around in the cold, we were pleased to be on our way again. On entering Moredun Woods, the leader stopped and went round the group offering out his home baking. With everyone replenished, it was time to press on towards Roslin and lunch. Through Gilmerton and we were soon on the cycle track that would take us to lunch. In Roslin most of the group headed for the café, one or two made for the pub whilst three hardy souls headed to that popular picnic spot near Rosslyn Chapel - the grave yard.

Lunch over, we headed back to the cycle path to begin our homeward leg. This time we rode the full length of the path back to Danderhall. A mix of roads and paths saw us cross the Wisp and wiggle our way behind the Jack Kane Centre. On leaving the road and heading onto an indistinct grassy path, one rider was unlucky to fall. Fortunately, they were soon on their feet and able to continue. Emerging near to the Bingham bus terminus, we rode straight across the Innocent railway, which led to some puzzled looks on rider's faces. The less familiar route approach was going to continue, even as we neared the end of the ride. The route back to the Meadows took us behind Duddingston House, through Duddingston village and on the road through Holyrood Park. Before leaving the park, we had our final incident of the day. A rider's chain came off. Quick as a flash, the group's chain refitting guru - Yaz was on the case. Within a few minutes, we were on our way back to the Meadows where the leader declared the ride officially over.

Thanks to Iain for leading us on an interesting and unfamiliar route which was enjoyed by all. Thanks to Alan for backmarking and helping fix the morning's puncture. And begrudgingly, we need to thank the weather. Despite being very dull, damp and quite chilly - at least it didn't rain.


Leader: Iain

Report: Glenn

Photos: Glenn

Monday 4 March 2024

March ride this coming Saturday

 

We've got our March ride this coming Saturday (9th), when Iain will be leading us to Roslin. I hope you'll be able to join us.

Iain has led us to that particular destination several times before, and each time he has managed to find a different route. This month's ride will be no exception. We'll be using a mixture of quiet roads and off-road paths, with just a few not-too-difficult hills. But there will also be at least one rough stretch that is likely to be muddy. The total distance will between 20 and 22 miles.

As always with our rides, please regard the above details as provisional. The meeting time and place are always the same (see below), but we occasionally need to vary the route or destination, depending on circumstances on the day. This doesn't happen very often, but it is something to keep in mind.

Lunch choices

At Roslin, there is a nice quiet spot near the chapel and castle where we can eat our picnics. For those who prefer to have lunch indoors, Dolly's Tea Room offers a range of soup, sandwiches, toasties and panini at reasonable prices. A third option is the Original Rosslyn Inn, although this is somewhat more up-market (and more expensive) than the tea room.

Time and place

We'll set out from our standard meeting point at the north end of Middle Meadow Walk at the usual time of 10:30.

As you know by now, you don't need to tell us in advance if you plan to join us. Just turn up on the day.

Saturday 10 February 2024

Drizzly visit to an old favourite



Today's ride saw us head through the drizzle to that winter favourite of the group, Craigie's Farm. The drizzle had stopped by the time we headed back after lunch, but it had turned cooler. On the homeward stretch, two riders were unfortunate to suffer punctures.

Given the heavy drizzle at the start, a turnout of fourteen riders was good for February. The leader's briefing was very thorough. After mentioning that there would be three busy roads to cross, he then proceeded to [seemingly] reel off the names of every road we would be on. If nothing else, it gave the group confidence that the leader knew exactly where he was going. This was borne out later with an unexpected detour to avoid the rugby crowds at Murrayfield on the way back to town.

Leaving the Meadows behind, familiar paths and roads led us to Roseburn Park via Bruntsfield Links, Leamington Bridge and Telfer subway. Crowds were building up in the area prior to the Scotland v France rugby match. The writer couldn't help but smile as we passed one of those stands at the roadside selling Scotland merchandise; the seller having a distinctly English accent. Past Murrayfield Stadium, across Balgreen Road and we were soon skirting Carrick Knowe golf course. Through the quiet backstreets of Carrick Knowe, the obligatory pause at the dovecot in Dovecot Road, through Gyle Park and we were beside the busy Glasgow Road. With everyone safely across, we passed Craigmount School and went down Craigs Road to cross the busy Maybury Road. We were now on the continuation of Craigs Road. With all the new houses that have sprung up there, the place is unrecognisable to those remembering it as open fields. On better, but busier roads we made our way to Cammo Park via West Craigs. Leaving the road behind, a very muddy path led downhill to the Grotto Bridge, where we paused as Ian handed out lovely homemade cake that was greatly appreciated. Through the eerily deserted Craigiehall army housing estate, the path beside the A90 and we were on the road to Kirkliston. Up the hill to Craigie's Farm, which always helps to build up an appetite and we were at our lunch stop. Some of the group headed to the café, whilst the remainder headed to the undercover picnic tables. It's usually busy as the pick-your-own area, but is not used at this time of year so was a great picnic area.

With everyone suitably replenished, we sped down Craigie Hill, and were soon on the path beside the A90 on our way to Cramond Brig. Following the obligatory pause on the bridge, we headed through Barnton and Silverknowes. On Silverknowes Drive a rider at the back of the group suffered a puncture. Although the group never leaves a rider in difficulty, they were insistent that they were happy to walk home - so the backmarker and writer headed off to Craigleith to re-join the group. We expected to take the familiar route back to town, but the leader had other ideas. To avoid the rugby crowds, he led us on a detour missing out Murrayfield. We left the Roseburn Path and took West Coates to Haymarket Terrace. There we had to contend with heavy traffic and crossing of tram tracks. All safely across, along Dalry Road, up Dalry Place, across the West Approach Road and we were soon back at Leamington Bridge. Having declared the ride officially over, we realised that one of the riders had a puncture. With the drizzle returning and watched over by a swan on the canal, many hands made light work to fix the puncture and get the rider back on the road.


Thanks to Alan for leading us on an interesting route and to Yaz for back marking. Everyone seemed to enjoy the ride, despite the weather. 


Leader: Alan

Report: Glenn

Photos: Glenn 

Monday 5 February 2024

February ride this coming Saturday

Now that the shortest winter days are behind us, we will be resuming our full-day rides this month, the next one being this coming Saturday, 10 February.

For this month's ride, Alan will be our leader. Our route will take in Gyle Park, West Craigs and Cammo Park, before reaching our lunch stop at Craigie's Farm. We'll then return to town via Cramond Brig and Craigleith.

We will be on quiet roads and bike paths most of the time, including a couple of short stretches that will probably be muddy. There will be a steep climb just before lunch, as well as a few more moderate hills during the morning. The total distance will be about 22 miles. 
More than half of that will be in the morning, so the lunch stop might be on the late side. The afternoon leg will be relatively short with some nice downhills.

Lunch stop

The cafe at Craigie's Farm offers a choice of sandwiches, salads and a soup of the day.
For those who prefer to bring a packed lunch, there are picnic tables, including some that are under cover.

Time and place

As always, we will meet at the north end of Middle Meadow Walk in time for a 10:30 departure. We will aim to finish the ride around the middle of the afternoon. There is no need to let anyone know in advance whether you plan to join us.

Before setting out ...

... please give your bike a quick look-over to ensure that it is in good condition, especially if you haven't ridden for a while. Check that the tyres are properly inflated, that the brakes are working well and that the chain is well oiled. And please remember to bring a spare inner tube, plus whatever tools are needed to remove a wheel (if you don't have quick-release hubs). If you are in doubt about any of this, your favourite bike shop will be pleased to advise.

Saturday 13 January 2024

Five parks and back in time for lunch




For the second month in a row, today saw us take a shorter than usual half-day ride, finishing in time for lunch. The leader led us on a ride that took in some interesting bike routes in the south of the city, including no fewer than five parks. The five parks were Holyrood Park, Cavalry Park, Craigmillar Castle Park, Inch Park and Hermitage of Braid. Whilst it wasn't a warm day, it was milder than of late and it remained dry and sunny for the duration.

It's no doubt that the weather helped, but a turnout of eighteen riders in January was quite impressive. Following the leader's briefing, we headed off to Duddingston village through Holyrood Park. From there, Cavalry Park Drive and the path beside Duddingston golf course took us to Milton Road, down to the bus terminus at Bingham and onto the Innocent Railway heading back towards the city centre. Having crossed Duddingston Road West, we cut through Peffermill Industrial Estate and headed through Craigmillar Castle Park. Across the busy Old Dalkeith Road, and we were on the quiet road that skirts Inch Park. Across Gilmerton Road, down Double Hedges Road and we were waiting for the lights to change at the junction of Kirkbrae and Liberton Brae. After navigating past walkers, dog walkers and cars, Blackford Glen Road soon came to an end and we were on the Hermitage of Braid path beside the Braid Burn. The first section was busy with more walkers and dog walkers. It was also quite muddy, so we slowed right down, took it easy and the path widened which led to easier progress. Following a comfort stop near the visitor centre, we left the path behind and made our way back to the Meadows via the quiet back streets of Morningside.

At the Meadows the leader declared the ride officially over. A well deserved round of applause followed. Thanks to Alison for leading an interesting ride around five parks on a bright sunny day, and thanks to Yaz for back marking. For February, the plan is to be back to our normal length of ride to include a lunch stop.


Leader: Alison

Report: Glenn

Photos: Glenn

Monday 8 January 2024

January ride this coming Saturday

We've got our first ride of 2024 coming up on Saturday (13th). This will again be a half-day run, starting at 10:30 from our usual meeting point at the north end of Middle Meadow Walk, and finishing at or near the Meadows around 13:00.

Under Alison's leadership, the ride will take in some interesting bike routes in the south of the city, including no fewer than five parks. The total distance will be about 12 miles, with most of the route being traffic-free. There will be a few hills, none of them particularly difficult. There will also be a couple of short stretches which will be rough and possibly muddy, where we might need to dismount.

Because this is just a half-day ride, there will be no official lunch stop. There are plenty of cafés, coffee shops and pubs near the finish for those of you who would like to go for a post-ride snack or meal, but that won't be part of the official ride.

Looking ahead, we will be reverting to our usual full-day format from February. I'll post the details of the February run nearer the time.

Remember, there is no need to book in advance for any of our rides.