http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Topic: Driving to places to cycle en Mon, 01 Jun 2026 05:16:30 +0000 http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=9608&page=2#post-105671 Sun, 24 Mar 2013 18:40:46 +0000 LaidBack 105671@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Cycle facilities need good parking.... With the QBC they combine both ;-)</p> <p>I agree though. That's rubbish. </p> <p>I have seen parents park up beside new play park at east end which also irks me. The thing is it's so unusual... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=9608&page=2#post-105663 Sun, 24 Mar 2013 17:09:25 +0000 Nelly 105663@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Hope this was nobody on here!</p> <p>Meadows this morning - around the Croquet lawn at the west side.</p> <p>A dad (I guess) was taking his three kids (from balance bike to MTB age) out for a wee shot on the meadows.</p> <p>Which at first glance is good and positive.</p> <p>What irked me a tad was that he had parked his bloody great 4x4 on the cycle lane in order to facilitate said trip.</p> <p>I place that on almost the same level as people who drop their kids off at school using the zig zags - i.e. his couldnt give a sh*t-o-meter was at number 9.</p> <p>He probably took them to krisky kreme for lunch....</p> <p>or am I just being grumpy? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=9608&page=2#post-103277 Thu, 07 Mar 2013 15:14:35 +0000 wee folding bike 103277@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Came to work by car one day in January 2009. Before that it was early 2006. </p> <p>Outwith that I use a bike/trike. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=9608&page=2#post-103265 Thu, 07 Mar 2013 14:38:08 +0000 Baldcyclist 103265@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I drove to the Ferrytol this morning, put my helmet on, got out of the car......nah......got back into the car and drove to Barnton and did the short commute instead. Foul weather! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=9608&page=2#post-102973 Tue, 05 Mar 2013 23:10:49 +0000 gembo 102973@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@crow - think it might depend on how many events there are, so the time I did half the snow roads, there was an audax the net day so there was kipping the night the snow roads finished. Definitely well looked after. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=9608&page=2#post-102970 Tue, 05 Mar 2013 22:25:53 +0000 crowriver 102970@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@gembo, I can't vouch for the night after the Snow Roads as I was off to Perth at teatime. I slept in the hall the night before, it needs to be arranged through the organiser and there was a modest additional charge. You pick a bit of floor, unroll your mat and sleeping bag, and kip down at a reasonable hour. The organisers laid on a communal evening meal, and breakfast too. I'd say we were well looked after.</p> <p>There was alas a guy snoring two berths away from me, which kept me awake for a bit as I'm a light sleeper. I can well imagine, had I ridden the Snow Roads and kipped there the following night, I'd have slept like the proverbial lump of wood. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=9608&page=2#post-102966 Tue, 05 Mar 2013 21:14:48 +0000 gembo 102966@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@crowriver, is the hall open the night before the snow roads? It leaves about 6 a.m. Is that right? Makes sense if the hall is open on the Friday night. I have only Done the one that goes over cairn o mount once. It left at 8am, back by 4pm excellent macaroni pies and clootie dumpling which I pretended was vegetarian. At the time, I would not have thought I could have slept in the hall or Thrumms Through the window hotel and risen next dAy for the third event of the weekend, but subsequently I have cycled 160km and slept the night and then done 130km. Is there much snoring in the hall or is everyone so knackered they just sleep? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=9608&page=2#post-102912 Tue, 05 Mar 2013 13:19:28 +0000 crowriver 102912@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>You could pop your bike on a train to certain places too. For routes out of the city, the Spokes map or even Googol maps are agreat aid to planning. Cheaper than a GPS too. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=9608&page=2#post-102908 Tue, 05 Mar 2013 13:05:34 +0000 ARobComp 102908@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I've upped my cycling game recently putting in more miles and I'm already starting to get fairly fed up of the routes out of the city. It's just such a nightmare sometimes. </p> <p>Still it's forced for to come up with new and innovative and interesting routes around these bog standard routes - however that required me to buy a (not very fancy) GPS in order to plan routes. This has made all the different, however it's another barrier to distance (I rarely ride &lt;30km in any one ride apart from commuting) That might mean people would rather drive out to somewhere a bit less convoluted than a city and then to have a nice ride.</p> <p>I do like "going somewhere" though so am planning self 400km one weekend soon where I'll ride 200km there and 200km back which should be a nice weekend away! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=9608&page=2#post-102907 Tue, 05 Mar 2013 12:59:38 +0000 Wilmington's Cow 102907@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>We have in the past done some long rides. Pedal for Scotland, and some 40 milers down in the Borders (lovely quiet country roads) - but a big gap in cycling caused by an aggresively violent Saxoman (while in his car) and then a broken leg set things back almost to square 1.</p> <p>New bike though, making inroads. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=9608&page=2#post-102905 Tue, 05 Mar 2013 12:56:25 +0000 crowriver 102905@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Might be better to cycle somewhere and get the train back... ;-) Maybe a day ride is a good starting point: Dunbar? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=9608&page=2#post-102903 Tue, 05 Mar 2013 12:52:42 +0000 fimm 102903@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Boyfriend and I cycled to Durham over three days last summer and got the train back - that was a very good trip. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=9608&page=2#post-102901 Tue, 05 Mar 2013 12:36:29 +0000 Wilmington's Cow 102901@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I remember when I first started occasionally commuting it was car aided. I lived at Mayfield above Dalkeith and would drive in and park in Comely Bank, ride home that night, ride in in the morning, then drive home that night. Rinse and repeat.</p> <p>But then at that point I had to stop about 3 times on the climb up from Dalkeith towards Sheriffhall and had the same problem heading south on the climb after the hospital.</p> <p>Definitely miles in the legs - now I'd have no qualms about cycling both ways each day all week...</p> <p>My other half <em>has</em> actually expressed a desire to take a train out to a point away from the city and spend the next couple of days cycling back. Probably only be about 80 miles total, but it's another step - but will still need careful route planning (if only because the nights away will have to be in comfy beds and sadly not camping ;) ) </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=9608&page=2#post-102889 Tue, 05 Mar 2013 12:07:36 +0000 crowriver 102889@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>To be fair, it was only three years ago when 100k seemed like the end of the world. It's the old "miles in the legs" thing.</p> <p>As for the unsafe roads, well I took the quiet roads between Kirrie and Perth (very pleasant route, lovely countryside, and recommended even for pootlers). Only encountered half a dozen vehicles, plus a few other cyclists, before reaching the outskirts of Perth.</p> <p>For longer audax rides, I will only enter if the start is reasonably simple to get to from a train station. So I'm looking forward to the opening of the Borders railway as the Gala rides will be more accessible... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=9608&page=2#post-102887 Tue, 05 Mar 2013 12:05:17 +0000 fimm 102887@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>My boyfriend and I dodn't drive somewhere to cycle very often (not owning a car has a lot to do with this. Boyfriend does complain that it means you do the same routes a lot - if we did own a car we might choose to drive somewhere in order to cycle a different route. </p> <p>As it happens we went to see my parents at the weekend, and ended up hiring a car and taking our bikes. This meant we ended up doing a lovely route in a remote area near Yethom on the way north. Cycling is meant to be a pleasure, sometimes, not just a chore... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=9608&page=2#post-102880 Tue, 05 Mar 2013 11:57:05 +0000 Wilmington's Cow 102880@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"<em>What of folk with partners or families <strong>for whom 15 miles is currently hard work and who don't feel safe on the roads?</strong></em>"</p> <p>Thinking primarily of going for rides <em>with</em> partners and families.</p> <p>50k of fairly flat is still an extra 50% of the ride you've just done. My first audax was a mere 60k, starting at Dalmeny and only 10 miles there and back (20 total) from my house at the time - I was absolutely wrecked after 60k. Now, as you say, I wouldn't give it a second thought really for that distance. But if I was to be riding a 200k (say) I'd consider driving the bike a similar distance because that's probably at the upper end of my ability.</p> <p>So yeah, depends on the individual, the ride, the distance and terrain toa nd from the start, the accompanying party, etc etc etc. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=9608&page=2#post-102879 Tue, 05 Mar 2013 11:50:19 +0000 crowriver 102879@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>What of folk with partners or families</em></p> <p>I think I am in both categories. </p> <p>I didn't say it would suit everyone. However I reckon most respondents on this forum who cycle regularly are capable of cycling 50 fairly flat kilometres after a 100k ride. Whether one can get a leave pass away from home for a day and a half is another matter. For me it's a question of negotiation. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=9608&page=2#post-102877 Tue, 05 Mar 2013 11:33:11 +0000 Wilmington's Cow 102877@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>It's what I'd love to do to take part in an event.</p> <p>What of folk with partners or families for whom 15 miles is currently hard work and who don't feel safe on the roads? (or those people who can't spare two nights away either side of an event?). </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=9608&page=2#post-102876 Tue, 05 Mar 2013 11:21:26 +0000 crowriver 102876@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>I can't tell if that's ironic/sarcastic or not.</em></p> <p>Hardly. That is exactly what I did in June 2012. When I finished the Kirriemuir 100k I had my bridie, a cup of tea, a wee rest and a chat. Then I cycled 50k to Perth to catch the train. It's mostly flat you know.</p> <p>That you thought I might be taking the mick speaks volumes. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=9608#post-102850 Tue, 05 Mar 2013 09:09:58 +0000 chdot 102850@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"Quite why anyone would have an issue with this is beyond me"</p> <p>Also there was a time when some people 'just' cycled as a sport and drove to the start of races - and perhaps did most of their training indoors. </p> <p>Of course this upset some 'touring types'. </p> <p>I think there are now more people with a more flexible mindset. </p> <p>People ride bikes for commuting, 'basic' transport, 'touring', exploring, racing and general fun - AND a mixture of those. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=9608#post-102846 Tue, 05 Mar 2013 01:12:15 +0000 Instography 102846@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I can't tell if that's ironic/sarcastic or not. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=9608#post-102845 Tue, 05 Mar 2013 00:50:04 +0000 crowriver 102845@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>You have to drive to Kirriemuir to do the snow roads, unless you live there or take a longer holiday. </em></p> <p>Nah. You can take the train, then cycle from Perth station the day beforehand (or Dundee/Arbroath). Sleep in the village hall the night before, and the night after. Cycle to the train the following day.</p> <p>I didn't do the Snow Roads last year (was on the 100k instead) but I did cycle to/from Perth and sleep in the hall the night before... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=9608#post-102839 Tue, 05 Mar 2013 00:01:07 +0000 chdot 102839@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>It's been established on CCE before that parking and cycling is 'legit'. </p> <p>Presumably the racks are intended for people who cycle then bus - many?</p> <p>The lockers for people who drive/cycle but don't want to take the bike home each night. </p> <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chdot/8521148043/"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8236/8521148043_70d2a409cb.jpg"></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chdot/8522260596/"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8382/8522260596_7a92c0918e.jpg"></a><br /> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/chdot/8522260596/">Ingliston P&amp;R</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=9608#post-102836 Mon, 04 Mar 2013 23:49:29 +0000 Instography 102836@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I wouldn't be cycling to work now if I hadn't done that although for a long time I felt like a crook unloading my bike and scuttling off before I got caught. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=9608#post-102835 Mon, 04 Mar 2013 23:47:54 +0000 SRD 102835@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>At the traffic forum, I suggested that they could make it more obvious that park&amp;rides could be for bikes. I was told the council wouldn't want to do that. But didn't get a sensible reason why. Instead they said, not many people would want to. I disagreed, as a colleague had asked me about doing it only that morning. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=9608#post-102833 Mon, 04 Mar 2013 23:45:55 +0000 Instography 102833@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>They listened in the sense that they didn't stick their fingers in their ears and shout "la, la, la" but whether they listened in the more active, agreeing sense I couldn't say. They haven't been back in touch to cross my corporate shill palm with the silver necessary for me to do the sums that would indicate the potential of promoting such a plan. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=9608#post-102827 Mon, 04 Mar 2013 23:33:37 +0000 chdot 102827@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"advising other people and Government agencies that it's a perfectly viable..."</p> <p>Did the agencies listen?? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=9608#post-102825 Mon, 04 Mar 2013 23:26:12 +0000 Instography 102825@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Oops. I've been doing it all wrong slinging my bike on the back of my car, driving halfway to work and cycling the rest. Not only that, I've been enabling another to do the same and advising other people and Government agencies that it's a perfectly viable, transitional or permanent way for people to blend cycling into their travel. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=9608#post-102811 Mon, 04 Mar 2013 21:26:41 +0000 gembo 102811@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>You have to drive to Kirriemuir to do the snow roads, unless you live there or take a longer holiday. If the old railway as turned into a path you could cycle to Glentress from Edinburgh I think. We took our bikes on the tube when we did the London revolution. I live next door to reasonable roads for cycling on but tht is not the same for everyone. With some perseverance most places in Edinburgh could be your stating point for a cycle but I also plan routes to avoid traffic so I conclude it is all relative.</p> <p>Hope the people going to the Hebrides get soft winds. Barra most people would only take the bike for a day? we got bikes a couple of years back in south wold for a out twenty quid for the week with tons of routes to try. North Uist has some great roads to cycle as does Harris so long as it is not too windy. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=9608#post-102779 Mon, 04 Mar 2013 16:00:07 +0000 kaputnik 102779@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>My parents have gotten into your sort of Sustrans-route cycling, NEPN to Leith, prom from Cramond to Leith via Granton, Pencaitland Path, that sort of thing and sometimes further affield such as around Loch Leven. However they will always drive their bikes to the start of the "safe" route, even me pointing out the srart of Corstorphine - Balgreen Path is about 500m (downhill) from them hasn't changed their minds.</p> <p>But for them, cycling is very much a leisure activity to get a bit of light exercise and they're happy with that, and I don't think me getting on at them about it is going to change their minds.</p> <p>However, give them safe urban routes to get to places like the shops or whatever and they might actually just use them. They want to go cycling, they just feel they have to go somewhere "safe" to do it, and personally don't really blame them. </p>