EDINBURGH 20-MILERS

20th Anniversary Year

You are welcome to join our easy-paced bike rides. Click here for all the information you need.

Pages

Thursday 22 September 2011

Upcoming rides

Sunday 25th September : EasyCycle Short Ride
A short informal ride of about 12 miles, which will be taken at a gentle pace. These rides are especially suitable for less experienced adult riders and those who haven't cycled for a while (16- and 17-year olds are also welcome if accompanied by a responsible adult, but no under-16s please). Today's route will take in Stockbridge, Dean Village and Inverleith, with a couple of short sight-seeing stops along the way. The route will mainly be on bike paths and quiet roads, and will include just one or two moderate hills. There will be a café stop at lunchtime, or bring a picnic if you prefer. The ride should end about 3 pm. Meet: 10.30, outside the Coffee Angel, Brandon Terrace, Canonmills. Cost and booking: Free. No need to book; just turn up. Further information: Logan Strang (0131 346 7786, GLS@seonamara.demon.co.uk).

Saturday 8th October : 20-Milers
We have our usual ride this Saturday (8th October). Chris Pearson will be leading us on what looks like a splendid route, taking in three historic houses, some superb views, and a historic pub for lunch.
 
We'll be heading east by way of Holyrood Park, Duddingston House, the newly paved Brunstane Burn path and Newhailes House, then on past Musselburgh station and a climb up to Fala Castle. Although this is steep, it is not too long, and the views from the top are excellent. We'll then have a nice freewheel down into Prestonpans for lunch at the Gothenburgh. For those who prefer to bring their own food, there are some nice picnic spots overlooking the firth.
 
In the afternoon, we'll have a pleasant ride along the coastal path back into Musselburgh. Depending on the weather and how we feel, we'll then either head straight back along NCN 1, or take a more interesting route through Portobello, Figgate Park and Holyrood Park. The total distance will be 22 to 25 miles, depending on which of these options we take.
 
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 Livia Dyckhoff (0131 554 0577), or email 20milers@gmail.com

Saturday 10 September 2011

10th September Ride to Red Moss


Today's ride was to one of our usual destinations - Balerno - but by a most unusual route. Instead of simply following the well-worn path along the canal to the Water of Leith, our leader, Logan, conducted us on an interesting itinerary on quiet roads and back doubles through the south and west of the city.

Sixteen of us set out from the Meadows on a grey morning in a light drizzle. After crossing Bruntsfield Links, we headed through Merchiston, Polwarth and Shandon, eventually joining Slateford Road. At Redhill Bank, Logan showed us a cunning cut-through to the Water of Leith path that avoided the climb up to the Hailes Gate footbridge.

By the time we reached the end of the path at Balerno High School, the rain had stopped and the sky was doing its best to turn blue - just in time for the real work of the day, which was the slow climb up Cockburnhill Road to Red Moss. That was followed by a superb freewheel past East Riggs and along Mansfield Road back down to Balerno. The Pentland Hills were looking their best along this part of the route.

After lunch in the Grey Horse, we made a half-hearted attempt to visit Malleny Gardens. But the afternoon was wearing away. Because of that - and the admission charge to the gardens - we contented ourselves with peering through the gate.

We then negotiated a section of the route which was completely new to most of the group (including myself). Running north east from Malleny House, this was a rough-ish track which eventually joined the Kirkgate in Currie - a very pleasant alternative to the usual route.

From Currie Church, we continued through Blinkbonny and Woodhall Road, and so into Colinton to view (and use) the excellent new public conveniences there.

The final leg took us along Colinton Road, then through Craighlockhart, Harrison Park and Merchiston - and so back to Bruntsfield and the Meadows. The total distance was 23 miles. Another excellent ride.


View 20milers to Red Moss Sept11 in a larger map


Leader: Logan Strang
Report by: Mike Lewis 

Friday 2 September 2011

September's ride


Our ride this Saturday will be to the south west of the city, and will include a short visit to Malleney Gardens (famous for its 400 year-old yew trees) and the nature reserve at Red Moss. Most of the route will be on paths and quiet roads. There will be a steep climb up to Red Moss, but no other serious hills or difficulties. Logan will be leading us.

For our lunch break, we'll aim for Balerno, where food is available at the pub and the community café. Depending on our arrival time, it might also be possible to buy food for a picnic from the farmers' market (but not if we get delayed).
The arrangements
The arrangements are as constant as the northern star. We meet at the north end of Middle Meadow Walk, in time for a 10.30 departure. The ride is free and open to all, with no need to book.
We can't say for sure what time the ride will end. It's likely to be between 3.00 and 4.00 pm, but it might be a little earlier or later.


If you've not been on a 20milers ride before, why not have a look at these Frequently Asked Questions.