Concentrate on the detail, emphasise
"Nothing is less real than realism;
Details are confusing.
It is only be selection, elimination, by emphasis
that we get at the real meaning of things." ~
10 people turned up for the Summer Spokes Ride. A lovely ride of just over 50 miles to Muiravonside Country Park in Falkirk District. The BBC weather forecast was wrong, and we only experienced a couple of light showers. The rest of the time, it was quite pleasant. Yes, it was breezy on the way out, but that's the way it should be. Cycling home in to the wind after already having have cycled for 1/2 a day, can be incredibly tiring. Generally a ride of four halves.
It's all OK if you know where to look
As Neil quite rightly indicated in June, the BBC does not update its forecasts at the weekend, so Sunday's forecast is based on Friday's data. As a precaution, I always look at the Met Office rain radar pictures, check the Met Office forecast, always updated at weekends, and visit Metcheck, good when it doesn't have VB array errors.
Quick route out.
It was nice to lead a ride after so long. The July ride was cancelled due to bad weather, yes I did turn up. The last long ride I did was to St. Andrews. Anyway, a nice morning, pleasantly warm, though a tad humid. A peaceful ride out of Edinburgh, not much traffic, stating 1/2 an hour early on these rides At Kirliston, a few spits and spots, but this was soon over. So localised that we went from slightly damp road under the Mcc, to dry road, and as we passed under the M9, another bit of damp road, before dry road was encountered again. Then country roads with the countryside showing off its best summer greenery.
Just as we passed the turn off for Beescraig Country Park, the rain started. Heavy in that it made the road wet, but as I reached Dark Entry, I slipped on my jacket to wait for other riders, JIC the rain became more persistent. However, I was aware that I wasn't that damp, so I pack the jacket away as we set off in to Linlithgow. A quick comfort break stop in Linlithgow, before continuing to the quiet B road under the canal aqueduct and in to some very green countryside.
A Lunch of Two Stops
Unfortunately the cafe at Muiravonside Country Park was closed, so no coffee. Fortunately, we had our picnic lunches. A long chat about various things and then we headed to Torphichen, the nearest pub, for coffee and refreshments, and more chat. This did mean a quick trip down an A road, but we were not on it for any length of time, turning off on to The Pub was under new management, but the coffee machine wasn't working, but the staff were friendly. When one person went to get their bike and noticed their helmet wasn't with their bike. A quick look over the fence, and the helmet was floating in the burn. A request to the Inn staff resulted in a hook made from an old coat hanger. I got to fish the helmet out of the burn. At least it hadn't floated away, and it wasn't too wet.
The Third and Fourth
Once passed Cairnpapple hill, the ride back was a blast, down hill and the wind behind us. At The Wilderness, recently shorn Alpacas grazed the higher pastures next to sheep. As with any herd, there's always one poser in the herd, ignoring any admiring glances with an 'I'm too good you you' look on its face. So what are the difference between and an Alpaca and a Llama? They are not related. Llamas are bred to be beasts of burden, and are descended from the guanaco. Alpacas bred for their wool and are descended from the vicuña. We travelled on through The Wilderness, and despite the odd menacing cloud, the sun shone on the views. Firstly on the left, sheep, Fife and the Forth bridges. Then on the right, a line of cows, West Lothian, Edinburgh and the Pentlands.
The steep descent was incredible fun, although a bit of control was called for initially as a red car heading towards us was serving all over the road. Once it had passed, hands were taken off the brakes and, with a vooosh and a big smile, we sped down the hill. Through Ecclesmachen and eastwards, another lovely country road, and while a lot flatter than the previous road, still mostly downhill. The Bings get bigger as we head eastward, but we continue to get excellent views over to the Pentlands. At this time of year, the Orange Bings contrast nicely with the summer green. The sun shining on them also helps to highlight the colours. Its better when there's loads of blue sky as well, but you can't have everything.
Through bings on the twisty road, and turn off through Niddry. At canal bridges, it pays to be careful, and not ride in the centre of the road, especially if you meet a car coming the other way. From Niddry, we headed down to Newbridge. A stretch of road has been resurfaced, but not where the big pot holes roam. Along the cycle path to Newbridge, which is a bit lumpy, but requires little energy to propel yourself. A combination of slight downhill and having the wind on your back.
At Ratho, we decanted to the Ratho Inn. Just in time. The second rain shower hit just after we had arrived, so I stayed, and others head inside. Then along the canal path, now tarmac'd out to the University, but not, yet, as far as Ratho. Not that damp on the cycle path. A bit of a bone shaker initially, but not as bad as the path between Winchburgh and Linlithgow, then gravelly tarmac, but smoother, until at Wester Hailes, we arrive at the normal tarmac path. The end of the ride at Craiglockhart.
A bit of bike reading
We'll have no lycra here. Bicycle: Love Your Bike: The Complete Guide To Everyday Cycling by Helen Pidd, Penguin. A good book for normal people who ride bikes, some good hints and tips on what to wear and essential bike maintenance.
UK Breaks with Bikes, by Rough Ride Guide. There seem to be loads of books that list excellent routes for cycling. But taking the whole book with you is a pain. UK Breaks with Bikes is a series of off-road routes in a folder and loose leaf format. A plastic carrier is supplied so so you can take the one map you need with you, and leave the rest at home. They offer a series of routes based around one central location. It is still recommended that you use an OS map to find the exact route.
Cycling Britain, Lonely Planet. Excellent routes, but you have to lug the whole thing with you. The Cycling series by Lonely Planet covers other countries such as New Zealand and France.
Warm Regards,
Explore, Dream, Discover
Ride Statistics
Distance: 85.5km (53.1 miles)
Average Speed: 20.5kmh (12.7mph) Max 63kmh
Total Climbing: 777m (2550ft) Max 257m
Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Max. Temp.: 22 deg C (72 deg F)
Route Description
Start: Usher Hall
Out: Lothian Rd, Fountainbridge, Telfer subway, Dalry Rd, Russell Rd, Cycle path, Silverknowes, Barnton, Cramond Brig, Burnshot, Kirkliston, Niddry, Winchburgh, Faucheldean, Bridgend Farm, Riccarton Farm, Dark Entry, Linlithgow, Linlithgow Village, B, Muiravonside Country Park
Return: Muiravonside Country Park, Torphichen, Farm, The Wilderness, Farm, Ecclesmachen, Niddry, Newbridge, Ratho, Canal Path to Craiglockhart
End: Craiglockhart