http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Topic: Have you started cycling since 2010? Why? en Mon, 18 May 2026 21:33:07 +0000 http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14328&page=2#post-255708 Sat, 22 Jul 2017 17:14:58 +0000 Arellcat 255708@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I don't have a watershed moment with cycling, really, because I've never really not cycled. Perhaps one moment. My family has no history of cycling, apart from pre-me commuting to work. Cycling wasn't a leisure pursuit, and certainly wasn't a sport, except for my late uncle, who did 5-hour centuries. </p> <p>I was given my first bike when I was about six. After my RSW14 broke in two I had a succession of bikes but never more than one at a time, going from children's bikes to a ten speed to a mountain bike. I cycled the two miles to school each day, apart from a lean period of a couple of years when I walked instead (but I rode my bike at other times). When I started university I rode there every day. It was about six miles each way – that was a long distance, like, <em>proper</em> commuting! – and for the first couple of weeks I remember it absolutely killed me. I remember my throat getting dried out and my heart going like the clappers.</p> <p>After wearing out yet another pair of jeans, I discovered lycra shorts. A couple of years later I discovered SPDs.</p> <p>Towards the end of uni when lectures were more sporadic, sometimes I cycled home mid-morning, and then back again in the afternoon. I went mountain biking on afternoons off and at weekends. Then I discovered slick tyres for mountain bikes, and from my diaries at the time I was knocking out some pretty decent average speeds.</p> <p>I had another lean period between uni and work, and then another sort of lean period when I bought a car, went power mad for a few months and then got fed up with driving, because driving meant I wasn't exercising.</p> <p>Got rid of the car, bought a bigger car expressly to transport bikes up and down the M1 and M6, then gradually got fed up of having-a-car because I was more in the habit of taking the train instead. Bought a motorbike and got rid of the car, which I actually liked very much but it was too big and it was feeling its age.</p> <p>I've never been drawn to competition cycling, possibly because I was brought up with Songs of Praise rather than Grandstand. But if you combine engineering with competition cycling, I'm there. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14328&page=2#post-255672 Sat, 22 Jul 2017 12:19:55 +0000 morepathsplease 255672@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>1991 - can still feel recent to me. I'd come to Edinburgh from sunny Luton. Had packed a bike in the car, one I'd picked up at a car boot sale. I hadn't used it much, a couple of exploratory trips in flat Bedfordshire. Decided to go exploring one day from my Oxgangs abode and ended up on the path to Ratho. Was met by an elderly gentleman out on his bike and he stopped to talk to me. He told me about a cycling club called the CTC and their Sunday runs suitable for beginners and that was me started. The gent's name was Edward Zoller and he was 90 when I met him. I read on the CTC Lothians &amp; Borders site that he passed away aged 92, a day when he had picked up a new wheel for his bike, and that he had been instrumental in the CTC and in the founding of the ERC. Glad I got to meet Jack Murdoch and his wife Ena who were taking the beginner runs (we went for 'drum-ups' - no cafes required!).</p> <p>Anyhow, my participation has probably been more off than on since then although I had a couple of years or so with a very nice (and easy) 30 mile round trip commute, most of it along the Firth. Just back from my latest off spell and really enjoying the challenge of losing weight and improving fitness for an upcoming sportive. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14328&page=2#post-255550 Thu, 20 Jul 2017 14:17:46 +0000 Rob 255550@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>"The buses slow down dramatically once you leave the city limits as they route the bus through all the many towns and villages."</em></p> <p>I read an interesting piece related to this topic. They were talking about how winding buses through residential areas creates hostile conditions on what should be quiet (probably also filtered) roads.</p> <p>Their solution was to limit buses to main roads and create hubs with bike parking on the outside of residential areas. This would also make buses much quicker, possibly even more frequent. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14328&page=2#post-255549 Thu, 20 Jul 2017 14:05:37 +0000 Rob 255549@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Exercise. I hadn't exercised regularly since school (~15 years). Tried running, gym, etc, all got boring very fast. I had a revelation one day that I used to be in good shape because I cycled everywhere. I fetched my old mountain bike from my mum's house and started commuting.</p> <p>The first few times I cycled up Dublin Street I thought I was going to die, but I stuck at it because the return journey took about 3 minutes. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14328&page=2#post-255548 Thu, 20 Jul 2017 14:00:21 +0000 Lezzles 255548@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>The buses slow down dramatically once you leave the city limits as they route the bus through all the many towns and villages. And yes its often far quicker to drive than it is to cycle. Parking is also less of an issue rurally - after 5 years I've yet to see a traffic warden. </p> <p>Weirdly though its still the safety issue people talk about first when they say they couldn't possibly cycle </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14328&page=2#post-255546 Thu, 20 Jul 2017 12:57:52 +0000 sallyhinch 255546@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>The main issue with rural vs urban cycling that I've found is that it's not necessarily quicker to cycle the way it can be in cities, removing one big push factor. Also high car ownership is the default. You can also ended up stranded and on your own if something goes wrong - I've had some long 'walks of shame' after getting a flat. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14328&page=2#post-255542 Thu, 20 Jul 2017 12:28:59 +0000 I were right about that saddle 255542@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>@Iwrats you appear to be espousing mutually contradictory views again?</em></p> <p>You should see the inside of my head. It's a <em>mess</em>.</p> <p>How about we compromise and put a Campag groupset on a much-loved Ridgeback Velocity? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14328&page=2#post-255517 Thu, 20 Jul 2017 09:57:45 +0000 chdot 255517@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"Strangely living rurally on easy roads far fewer of my friends seem to see bikes as a mode of transport than when I lived in the city."</p> <p>I'm not surprised, I'm sure there are many reasons inc 'bus service rubbish' (perception or truth?) 'need car 'cos everything is so far away', 'traffic'...</p> <p>May be worth a new thread(?) </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14328&page=2#post-255515 Thu, 20 Jul 2017 09:52:22 +0000 gembo 255515@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@Iwrats you appear to be espousing mutually contradictory views again? No law against it. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14328&page=2#post-255513 Thu, 20 Jul 2017 09:47:14 +0000 Lezzles 255513@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I started cycling in 2010/11 when my work brought in a cycle to work scheme. At the time I was travelling from Slateford to the Bush Estate so the opposite way to most of the traffic but up some hefty hills. My intention was to cycle 1 day a week but quickly moved to 4 days a week, quit the gym and lots tonnes of weight and became a bit evangelical about cycling. </p> <p>I've since moved out to Midlothian and have a much shorter cycle of 1.5 miles on wide open roads (that still results in at least 1 horrible close pass a journey). Strangely living rurally on easy roads far fewer of my friends seem to see bikes as a mode of transport than when I lived in the city. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14328&page=2#post-255502 Thu, 20 Jul 2017 09:24:08 +0000 I were right about that saddle 255502@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>That bike is the prize in the national cycle to work day competition, from Cyclescheme.</em></p> <p>Wouldn't be seen dead on such a clunker mate. Italian full carbon and Campag or nothing. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14328&page=2#post-255499 Thu, 20 Jul 2017 08:58:17 +0000 gembo 255499@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>That bike is the prize in the national cycle to work day competition, from Cyclescheme. National Cycle to Work day is in September. You need to know the exact date to enter the competition. (They tell you the exact date on the Cyclescheme website) </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14328&page=2#post-255496 Thu, 20 Jul 2017 08:44:21 +0000 I were right about that saddle 255496@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>a Ridgeback Velocity</em></p> <p>An excellent choice. The Bike Station has had a few of these bikes go through donation, refurbishment and sale five or six times before they wear out. Essentially bomb-proof. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14328#post-255486 Wed, 19 Jul 2017 23:28:33 +0000 piosad 255486@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I'd been cycling when I lived in Norway (2007-2012), partly because I could and partly because my home-nursery-work run was hopeless with public transport and so much faster on the bike. The problem was that (a) the place was essentially a mountain sticking out of the sea, which I had to get over, and my physique doesn't really agree with that; (b) it's hunners of miles above the Arctic Circle and I never worked up the commitment (and gear) needed to cycle during the 7 months that it snows, so it was strictly a May to September thing. We then moved to Belfast, where I never got round to servicing my bike (although it would have been a nice commute of 11 miles along the river and the then lough), so I really only started cycling more or less every day when we moved to Edinburgh. Luckily my commute is between Shandon and George Square, so apart from the dodgy bit between Lower Gilmore Place and the Meadows it's positively inviting! Plus I feel that having started to cycle in Norway, where drivers do tend to be quite polite and understanding (well that and there being at least shared use paths along major roads) I got very used to the idea of being on the road, so I never had the fear factor of mixing with traffic (I'm actually getting *more* horrified by it the more I cycle in this place). Anyway, cycling is really a no-brainer for me — on top of it being good for you and pleasant and so on it's just the quickest way of doing my particular commute anyway. Oh and I finally got myself a bike above the most basic entry level (a Ridgeback Velocity) last autumn and it's really made a huge difference. Since I got it last November I'm pretty sure I've not gone to work by bike literally once, because it was in the shop getting a fix for a popped spoke! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14328#post-255473 Wed, 19 Jul 2017 22:07:27 +0000 Frenchy 255473@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I think it was 2010 that I started cycling properly. I'd been walking to King's Buildings from various flats in Newington for the first few years as a student, but I was getting fed up of spending an hour a day walking, and then moved a wee bit further north as well, which added another 10 minutes each way. Getting the bus every day seemed like a waste of money, and the free university shuttle wasn't much quicker than walking by the time you factor in getting to the queue early enough to make sure you actually got on the bus. A couple of flatmates were also cyclists, so cycling seemed like an obvious choice.</p> <p>So I went along to the Bike Station and got a Dawes road bike. It cost £130, which seemed like an enormous amount to spend on a bike (!), but I wanted to minimise commute time. Put a new saddle on it, and some plastic mudguards as soon as winter kicked in.</p> <p>I do remember I fell off on my way home the first day of commuting, whilst trying to filter outside the Tesco on Causewayside. I think that remains the only time I've fallen off my bike without the "assistance" of a motor vehicle (I've cursed it now, haven't I?)</p> <p>Unfortunately, the maintenance requirements of the Dawes outstripped my ability to fix it after a few years, and I upgraded to a new road bike (Revolution Audax) in Spring 2013. I made sure this one had mudguards, and could take a pannier rack. I can't believe I went three years carrying a rucksack on my commute every day. I didn't even think to take photos of the Dawes before I donated it back to the Bike Station.</p> <p>The Audax lasted six months, before I rode into the side of a supermarket delivery van which had pulled out in front of me. Luckily I'd joined British Cycling just the day before! Their free legal help ensured I was able to get a replacement and some compensation without much fuss. Although the bike shop told me the frame was bent beyond repair, and the insurance was happy to pay for a new one, a friend was happy to take the old one from me and it's still going strong. The replacement Audax is also still going strong, and will have done about 10 000km by now.</p> <p>I spent some of the compensation money on a fancy camera, and I'd learned about Strava not long before, so I splashed out for one with a GPS tracker. Having something keeping track of exactly how far I was cycling sparked the change from being an almost purely utility cyclist to someone who spent their weekends cycling as well. Did my first 100km trip last summer, to Innnerleithen and back, and the first 100 miler to Glasgow and back in April. Couple of 100km audaxes in there too, and hoping to do reach 200km some time this year.</p> <p>I moved to the top of a hill a couple of years ago, and descending the occasionally icy roads were the <strike>excuse</strike> reason to add another bike to the collection - a very sensible upright bike with a kickstand, wide tyres, dynamo lights and a Dutch-style O-lock. I expected to do a few hundred kilometres on it a year, but it's already done 1000 km in six months. Cycling downhill on an upright is far more fun than I'd ever imagined it could be - instead of staring at a spot a few yards in front of my front wheel, I'm looking at Arthur's Seat as I head to work.</p> <p>Discovering CCE a year or so ago (I think whilst looking for somewhere to vent about taxi drivers...) also lead to me taking a far greater interest in local cycling issues, finally joining Spokes, being a marshal at PoP, etc. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14328#post-255468 Wed, 19 Jul 2017 21:04:59 +0000 Stickman 255468@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Bumping this thread for any newer members, and also to lift the spirits of all. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14328#post-191704 Tue, 23 Jun 2015 21:32:23 +0000 chdot 191704@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Related thread...</p> <p><a href="http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14367" rel="nofollow">http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14367</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14328#post-191702 Tue, 23 Jun 2015 20:55:47 +0000 lorlane 191702@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"...to shortcircuit the three year deliberations!"</p> <p>Haha! Absolutely! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14328#post-191699 Tue, 23 Jun 2015 20:17:46 +0000 chdot 191699@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Yes 'we' just need to show this thread to some more 'thinking about it' people - to shortcircuit the 'three year deliberations'! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14328#post-191694 Tue, 23 Jun 2015 19:48:52 +0000 HankChief 191694@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I could have put this into the "lovely ride" thread but here seems a good place as it encapsulates the spirit of this one better.</p> <p>Glorious ride in the sunshine this morning and a new PB for me. </p> <p>Passed one of the Newbies I had accompanied on their first trip a few months back who was still cycle commuting.</p> <p>Bumped into @greenroofer in the changing room who had buddied a new start in this morning, who seemed to have enjoyed themselves.</p> <p>I then get to my desk to find this post on our BUG. </p> <p><em>Just wanted to pass on my thanks to HankChief for his route advice at the BUG event last week.  I've been trying various routes from Leith Walk that avoid cobbles (small wheels), traffic and hills (my name is not Pantani), so his suggested route (and tips for negotiating Gogar Roundabout) was great:</p> <p>McDonald Road, St Mark's Path, Chancelot Path, Ferry Road Path, Blackhall Path, Roseburn Path then Route 9 to the Gyle.</p> <p>My ride in this morning was very pleasant and a vast improvement over previous effots (despite being slightly longer); I didn't swear once, I saw some wildlife and didn't run over any dogs.<br /> </em></p> <p>And to cap it off I get home and read the uplifting stories above. Definitely a day to warm the soul. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14328#post-191691 Tue, 23 Jun 2015 19:32:06 +0000 Stickman 191691@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"My first venture into town on two wheels coincided with finding this forum as I'd googled a cycle route planner and the site journey planner came up. The route was mostly road though, so I joined and asked for advice"</p> <p>This forum has really helped me gain confidence in cycling (finding routes, mechanical advice, general tips on cycling in traffic). Thanks to everyone who contributes! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14328#post-191687 Tue, 23 Jun 2015 18:45:25 +0000 chdot 191687@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"after having a few sporadic conversations over a period of about 3 years</p> <p>...</p> <p>Finally, I set a date, planned a route and having set out to start with one day a week and build up to more, I enjoyed it so much I just didn't look back."</p> <p>I think there are a lot of people who don't quite get round to setting a date! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14328#post-191685 Tue, 23 Jun 2015 18:37:18 +0000 lorlane 191685@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I started cycling in August 2012 (like a few others it seems) after having a few sporadic conversations over a period of about 3 years with a colleague who lives nearby and regularly cycles to work. I did have a bike but it was seldom (...never) used.</p> <p>Finally, I set a date, planned a route and having set out to start with one day a week and build up to more, I enjoyed it so much I just didn't look back. </p> <p>I mostly use canal towpaths/cycle paths etc as I still find main roads can be pretty hostile and I find my commutes are usually tranquil affairs. I know that my journey will take exactly x minutes and is not going to be affected by roadworks, event traffic or any other impediment. Except, perhaps, a puncture. But even that does not frustrate the way a traffic queue can.</p> <p>I love that you can get around Edinburgh quite well on a bike and enjoy finding new routes to take. My first venture into town on two wheels coincided with finding this forum as I'd googled a cycle route planner and the site journey planner came up. The route was mostly road though, so I joined and asked for advice. Must check back to see who it was that replied!! (edit: cb)!</p> <p>I don't necessarily cycle to get fit but I'm definitely fitter as a result so that's an added bonus. I'm glad and thankful that I'm able bodied to be able to do it! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14328#post-191681 Tue, 23 Jun 2015 17:28:52 +0000 davidsonsdave 191681@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I've been cycling off and on since I was little, even completing an epic crossing from the east coast to the west and back again with my Dad when I was fourteen. </p> <p>When I got a job after University my parents offered to get me either a suit or a bike. Opting for a EBC rigid fork MTB, I explored the numerous secret off-road tracks that Edinburgh has to offer and commuted to the Western General on the NEPN. It even came with me to Glentress on numerous occasions before they really had proper trails!</p> <p>Numerous changes of job and flat meant that it was less desirable to commute by bike for a long while (shorter distance/busy roads) but when we were looking to buy a house three years ago, one of the things high on my wish-list was that it would be commutable by bike, partly to save money but mostly that I didn't want to become a slave to a car or bus. </p> <p>When we moved from Leith Walk to the NW of Edinburgh, the very aged EBC bike was back in service but didn't last long. It was replaced with a second hand EBC hybrid which made the commute quicker and more pleasant. </p> <p>I cycle to work every day which is far quicker than catching the bus and means I fit in a bit of exercise I would otherwise not have time for. I recently bought a second-hand trailer which has meant that I can take my eldest to nursery along the Cramond Foreshore every day without worrying about the weather. Unlike getting into the car, there are no tantrums about taking the bike, and we get a lovely trip by the sea with boats, ducks, swans, dogs, various sea birds, which she absolutely loves.</p> <p>For me cycling is a kind of freedom which you don't get with any other form of transport. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14328#post-191674 Tue, 23 Jun 2015 15:32:42 +0000 nevelbell 191674@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>2011 after moving to Blackhall. Commute to work in Leith via the cycle path seemed like a no brainer, plus I had 2 young children and didn't want to die at a young age due to a heart attack. Now I'm a complete cycle convert and militant! Viva la revolution! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14328#post-191669 Tue, 23 Jun 2015 15:15:06 +0000 BaseCut 191669@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I've been cycling to work since 2012. I'd been fortunate up to that point since I started uni and then work in 2000 never to have needed to take the bus or drive as i worked in the centre of town and walked everywhere. </p> <p>In 2012 a new job took me down to Leith and as I live on the south side, walking would have taken too long. After initially being nervous about the hassle/danger of cycling, after the first day, I've not looked back. </p> <p>The joy of motion, of having a workout while commuting and generally enjoying nature/fresh air along the canal or NEPN, really are one of the best parts of my day, rain or shine. I cycle every day and my commute is about 28 mins - Craiglockhart to Leith. I can't beat that in the car or on the bus. For me it's a no-brainer. Fitness and enjoyment at little or no cost, versus frustration, cost and having to find a workout elsewhere in my day. </p> <p>3 days a week I drop my daughter at nursery on the bike and she loves it too. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14328#post-191660 Tue, 23 Jun 2015 14:20:15 +0000 chdot 191660@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Just re-read this thread - some wonderful stuff!</p> <p>Any updates or contributions from other people? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14328#post-179825 Wed, 04 Feb 2015 14:12:04 +0000 Beano 179825@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I picked up cycling again in about June last year with the aim of trying to reduce my commuting costs (£1440 to Scotrail). I quickly realised that I probably wouldn't 'save' much money but I have gained in other ways.</p> <p>I went everywhere on a bike as a teen (paperboy too) but then that went when I got a car. Tried to pick back up in mid-20s whilst working at Dounreay but had a 15/16 mile commute and for some reason seemed to struggle (was doing it on an MTB). When I moved back to Dunfermline for a job in Edinburgh (another 16 mile commute) I thought I wouldn't be able to do it given my previous efforts.</p> <p>began looking at this forum and took the advice of 'do your first commute on a nice hot summer day' so I borrowed my brother's hybrid and I was smitten; fantastic ride to work and back and had a friend to accompany me.</p> <p>when my annual season ticket ran out I got a C2W bike and haven't looked back. Could do with a couple more bikes (road for summer; hack for winter) but otherwise happy. even planning weekend rides with friends now :-)</p> <p>so in a nutshell....money saving (or so I thought) prompted me to start but health &amp; enjoyment is keeping me going.</p> <p>I should add that having a reasonably 'good' cycle route from fife to Edinburgh (IMO) has also helped. I have only been cycling less than a year but notice two upgrades to the A90. i'm guessing some guys have been commuting fife to edin (or vice versa) for many years and been frustrated at the lack of improvements on the route. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14328#post-179723 Tue, 03 Feb 2015 16:43:14 +0000 jdanielp 179723@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>A holiday cycle tour of central Berlin in autumn 2007 reminded me that cycling is good fun, especially when it is actually t-shirt and shorts weather in November.</p> <p>Then I started seeing my girlfriend, who was already a regular cyclist, in early 2008 and we enjoyed a cycle along the canal/Water of Leith into the Pentlands when she bought a second bicycle sometime during that year.</p> <p>In early 2008 I also started working at Heriot-Watt Uni again and quickly became fed up with the 45 bus service, having previously driven when I worked there a few years earlier but having since ditched the car.</p> <p>In early 2009 I bought my first 'adult' bike, a decent low-end MTB from the Bike Co-op, with which I expected to head out at weekends now and again, and maybe cycle to work, although I decided to wait for the clocks to change for the latter... After a tentative start to commuting I quickly found myself cycling to work more often than not and ended up upgrading my bike clothes and equipment, and hybridising the bike substantially.</p> <p>Now, I cannot really imagine not cycling on a regular basis and would rate it as being one of the best parts of the days I do, espeically after a kingfisher spot!</p> <p>After upgrading to a 'proper' commuter bike last year I'm about to succumb to the temptations of n+1 again... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=14328#post-179719 Tue, 03 Feb 2015 15:00:24 +0000 Ed1 179719@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I started cycling in at the end of June last year, after moving to just outside Balerno on the ncr75, I noticed a lots of bikes going past my house.<br /> When living in Edinburgh I almost never used my car at weekends, so was in the habit of using the bus in to town as easier no parking issues. Initially I would walk 30 minutes to the bus stop or 50 minutes to the train then decided a bike would be better for going to the train station.</p> <p>Now I almost never cycle to the train station I nearly always cycle in to town. In summer I would also cycle home but in winter have been getting the train home quite often. I have lost a lot weight cycling but this was not my motivation, just seemed a nice way to go the station or in to town. </p> <p>After finding so many cycle paths in town, it seems and ideal way to travel, did not know of the old rail lines and how far the canal went out, can cycle all over Edinburgh with barely using the roads. I can go to Leith from my house with barely using roads or can go the Lothian road Lothian road on the canal. </p> <p>Although I largely had to learn to cycle I practiced near my house on the single lane roads, if had known about all the paths in Edinburgh I would have got a bike years ago. </p>