http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Topic: Cycled to work today for the 3rd time en Wed, 13 May 2026 03:49:16 +0000 http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=6386&page=2#post-69114 Sat, 05 May 2012 22:04:13 +0000 Smudge 69114@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>:-) no worries, all input is good ;-) My Surly will do the canal no probs, but the roughness would get wearing if I was trying to make good time, and taking the mtb means no panniers :-/<br /> I'll maybe try it on the mountain bike sometime soon though and see what I think. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=6386&page=2#post-69108 Sat, 05 May 2012 20:50:39 +0000 gembo 69108@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Smudge - I was chatting one time to a very big lad stretching the Lycra a bit round the tum tum on WoL - round to the bike chute and aqueduct. His commute was 30 mile round trip from Linlithgow done mostly on tow path. Seemed to work for him but this was on a sunny evening also only half the round trip from Falkirk. I am not sure why I am banging on about this but you could do the canal on a hybrid like the EBC courier which would be less hassle than a drop bar bike under the bridges and through the gates etc and faster than a mtb </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=6386&page=2#post-69065 Sat, 05 May 2012 13:03:18 +0000 Smudge 69065@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Hmmm, really don't know. The canal certainly <em>feels</em> slow, which is fine on a sunny days bimble but a bit frustrating when commuting, and it's rough enough in places that I'd be taking the MTB, and 30 miles on an mtb I'm sure is harder work that 25ish on a tourer/road bike (though without a means of measuring it I may be talking tripe! ) </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=6386&page=2#post-69056 Sat, 05 May 2012 10:14:32 +0000 gembo 69056@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>ah yes but 30 miles on the flat may take as much out of you as 20 miles on the hills? I don't have any idea how close that is to reality but I do plan routes where I can to avoid hills. I had glorious trip from Balerno to Gilmerton via Briad Hills Road yesterday, quick look in the lidl as I had forgotten a shirt despite having two panniers on. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=6386&page=2#post-68985 Fri, 04 May 2012 20:10:17 +0000 Smudge 68985@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@Gembo, true, but also rough, slow and easily 30 miles... :-/ </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=6386&page=2#post-68982 Fri, 04 May 2012 20:02:11 +0000 gembo 68982@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Nice one cb</p> <p>I have meeting at Stirling Albion ground every so often and often threaten to cycle it. If nice day and up early enough without school run and with this knowledge I am regarding my loins. from Balerno quite quick down to the bridge then through fife on the north side of forth. I think I would come backthat way too.</p> <p>Smudge very flat from Falkirk to Colinton if you take the canal </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=6386&page=2#post-68849 Fri, 04 May 2012 11:49:05 +0000 Darkerside 68849@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>You know the scene in the Matrix where Neo say 'Guns. Lots of guns' and they all come whoosing out in droves? If your food cupboard isn't built along those lines, then get bigger cupboards.</em></p> <p>We'll be looking at a new kitchen fairly shortly. This will now be the design brief. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=6386&page=2#post-68820 Fri, 04 May 2012 10:54:53 +0000 Claggy Cog 68820@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>cb - I consider an average of 11.2 mph on the way home very respectable. Well done. If you don't repeat it you won't be able to eat as much cake though, you do appreciate that don't you??!! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=6386&page=2#post-68817 Fri, 04 May 2012 10:46:54 +0000 DaveC 68817@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Wow, very impressive!. I cycled the length of the Dunf - Alva path the other weekend. Nice as its comletely traffic free and mostly sheltered from the wind. From Dunf end to Rosyth you can ride through Pittencreif park (respecting pedestrians) and the avoid Grange Rd and head down LimeKilns Rd (B9156) to A985 where you can head through Rosyth to the Bridge. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=6386&page=2#post-68809 Fri, 04 May 2012 10:09:41 +0000 cb 68809@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Oh yeah, forgot to say, it was an 88 mile round trip in the end.<br /> But anyway, <em>it was a one off</em>. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=6386&page=2#post-68807 Fri, 04 May 2012 09:59:52 +0000 crowriver 68807@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Thet's pretty good considering you had just done a day's work. Respect due. Glad you enjoyed the ride, must do that one sometime - strictly as a leisure ride, mind. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=6386#post-68803 Fri, 04 May 2012 09:45:56 +0000 Min 68803@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Well done CB, you have beaten the 54 mile round distance that I used to do! Very impressive, well done. I bet you feel hungry all day today. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=6386#post-68799 Fri, 04 May 2012 09:34:04 +0000 cb 68799@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>It was very much a one off. I might do it once or twice more over the summer. I should probably do some training rather than just getting on my bike and going for it!</p> <p>I was pathetically slow going home, not helped by a gathering easterly.</p> <p>First five or six miles were OK, then the power just went from my legs. On the flat, into the wind, I wasn't doing much more than 11 or 12 mph - din't have the energy to go faster.</p> <p>But... enjoyed the cycle home, the weather was lovely. Some interesting wee roads and tracks and paths heading out to Kincardine before crossing the bridge.</p> <p>Last time I cycled the north shore of the Forth must have been about 16 years ago. It's changed a lot from a cycling infrastructure point of view, and I was on traffic free free routes almost all the way from Kincardine to Rosyth.</p> <p>Admittedely, some of that was a wee bit ropey at times, but for the most part it was just fine. To be honest, the road would have been good too, but I was happy to plod slowly along the cycle paths.</p> <p>Took Uberuce's advice too, and stuffed my face.</p> <p>With several stops I didn't get home until 9.10pm!<br /> Average moving speed on the way home as 11.2mph! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=6386#post-68770 Thu, 03 May 2012 23:38:32 +0000 Smudge 68770@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Yup, I know the feeling, about to go to bed now as I'm up at 0445 to go to work (bleurgh) after two good days "off" finishing the bikeablilty cycle trainer course :-) </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=6386#post-68765 Thu, 03 May 2012 23:25:30 +0000 Claggy Cog 68765@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I think that we will not hear from cb tonight it is far too late if a repeat commute is envisaged on Friday. Having to get up at about 4 am to go to work would entail having to go at bed at about 8/8.30, well it would for me. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=6386#post-68764 Thu, 03 May 2012 23:23:38 +0000 Smudge 68764@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Blimey, I've done 40ish miles total each day for the last couple of days and that made me feel tired (with no build up) :-o<br /> Hats off for the effort, is this to be a regular thing or just a one off?</p> <p>Been thinking of/planning doing the Falkirk - Edinburgh(Colinton) commute but had thought that just under 30miles each way might be a bit keen... clearly I'm just weak lol</p> <p>Interested in route suggestions though, when I did it last year I went linlithgow-Bathgate-Ratho-Currie-Colinton (I think), from memory it was somewhat hilly. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=6386#post-68759 Thu, 03 May 2012 23:12:54 +0000 splitshift 68759@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>to quote the younger venacular , awsome ! Feel I should stand at the side of your route and offer soup and other such food ! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=6386#post-68739 Thu, 03 May 2012 22:23:20 +0000 gembo 68739@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Permutations are great Edinburgh to Stirling. I like the kirkliston to Linlithgow back road on a Sunday. Also the skin flats Grangemouth area and the off licence at brightons. On the North north side of the Forth I love culross. Respect to cb for the 80+ miles on a work day </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=6386#post-68729 Thu, 03 May 2012 22:07:05 +0000 Uberuce 68729@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>DaveC: when you've been proper nae-kiddin' hungry and have just sated that with a big meal, the blood vessels around your digestive system will goatse the hell out, so yep, the usual supply to the brain will be impeded.</p> <p>Anyway: cb, you should be eating more than you think is decent. You know the scene in the Matrix where Neo say 'Guns. Lots of guns' and they all come whoosing out in droves? If your food cupboard isn't built along those lines, then get bigger cupboards. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=6386#post-68727 Thu, 03 May 2012 22:02:56 +0000 Claggy Cog 68727@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Whey protein in a glass of milk, and a banana when you get home...get some whey protein the next time it is on offer at Holland and Barretts (I like vanilla but son and heir likes chocolate), also for quick stuff I go for a tin of Ambrosia creamed rice, lots of carbs, and more protein, or for protein baked beans on toast is good and quick. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=6386#post-68724 Thu, 03 May 2012 21:57:01 +0000 DaveC 68724@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Hope you are eating LOTS! I find that on day three (sometimes two) of my commute, just after I have eaten my evening meal I feel faint if I stand up too quickly. I have thought about it and wonder if, with my depleted reserves and my body also trying to use energy I don't have much of to digest my food my blood pressure is dropping?</p> <p>Anyway it beats the high of drugs as its free. Not that I have ever done that sort of thing - nah I'm far too tight to spend money on that sort of rubbish. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=6386#post-68719 Thu, 03 May 2012 21:29:54 +0000 Claggy Cog 68719@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@cb - I trust you are NOT going to work tomorrow then. You will be very tired by the time you get home, yes maybe broken as you suggest, or broken in!! You will probably need tomorrow to recover I would say...You will probably be so wired with endorphines you may find it difficult to sleep even though you are really, really tired. Camomile tea and lavender rub are what you need, relaxants... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=6386#post-68708 Thu, 03 May 2012 21:02:23 +0000 DaveC 68708@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Wow I'm seriously impressed. My commute 3 days a week is arround 55km or ~34 miles. A colleague who lives out in Whitburn comes in once or twice a week via Linlithgow and up Kingscavil for hill training but you're commute trumps even his mammoth effort!</p> <p>Had you considered avoiding the canal in favour of the number 1/76 route to Cramond brig and along t Kirkliston where you can cycle straight out to Linlithgow?</p> <p>I'd hate having to cycle round the Stirling services round about, its a nightmare in the car never mind the bicycle! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=6386#post-68707 Thu, 03 May 2012 21:00:38 +0000 Zenfrozt 68707@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>:O wowza...I do maybe 10 miles for the whole round trip...kudos! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=6386#post-68662 Thu, 03 May 2012 15:33:12 +0000 cb 68662@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>The positive comments are very kind, but really this seems nothing compared to what half the people on here get up to.<br /> Essentially I'm going on a reasonably long day ride with a very, very long lunch break.</p> <p>I have not been training. I will be broken by the time I get home. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=6386#post-68658 Thu, 03 May 2012 15:24:51 +0000 Claggy Cog 68658@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Encroyable...chapeau!! I trust that you had got into training before attempting this! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=6386#post-68645 Thu, 03 May 2012 14:57:32 +0000 custard 68645@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Ah,my home journey is easier<br /> tough in the mornings but makes for an easier(in mind) journey home. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=6386#post-68644 Thu, 03 May 2012 14:53:51 +0000 maninaskirt 68644@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Same here! - I'm impressed by your journey and would never consider it. The most I have done on one day is about 63 miles, and that took most of the day.</p> <p>My 8.5miles each way is quite enough, thank you. Especially as the home stretch is mostly uphill... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=6386#post-68642 Thu, 03 May 2012 14:49:21 +0000 custard 68642@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>wow,and folks at work find my 9-10 miles amazing </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=6386#post-68596 Thu, 03 May 2012 12:49:33 +0000 cb 68596@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Canal out of Edinburgh to Ratho then back roads to Winchburgh. B road through Linlithgow (quite a few cyclists heading in towards Edinburgh - these are the guys that do it every day), and on through Polmont, Falkirk, Larbert, then some country roads to Stirling.</p> <p>Left at 5.40 so canal path empty; most roads fairly quiet but getting busier as the time ticked on.</p> <p>Big roundabout at Stirling Services isn't much fun as fast traffic coming off/on motorway, but I seemed to nip across at a quiet moment.</p> <p>Route is highly optimised! I don't think it could be shorter without cycling up the M9.</p> <p>Less time pressure on the way home (apart from voting deadline) so more likely to take a meandering route. Thinking of dodgy Sustrans routes southeast of Stirling then taking the Kincardine Bridge and following the north shore.</p> <p>That could easily up it to a 90 mile day though. Which is the most I've ever cycled in a day. That was the last time I did this! </p>