Yes and neatly tended. Loads of local kids out on their bikes too.
CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Commuting
The "I had a lovely ride today, thankyou" thread
(2685 posts)-
Posted 5 years ago #
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Lovely warm day for the commute. Drizzle on the way home was the sort that fogged up glasses, but all good really.
Kudos to the chap in Marchmont pulling an armchair on a trailer, complete with lights in the gathering gloom. I haven't even managed to fit my lights yet.
Posted 5 years ago # -
@LaidBack Yeah, trained back from Dundee. Too lazy to cycle all the way back.
(Sorry for the late reply. Been a busy week!)
Posted 5 years ago # -
@lazycyclist and @laidback you might be interested in this route from Edinburgh to the East Neuk. I tried it a couple of weeks ago. It's shorter than the LEPRA version which goes west of Dunfermline and then north of the Lomond hills but it's quieter than the route along the coast. Goes through Crossgates, Auchtertool, Cardenden, Thornton, Coaltown of Balgonie, Markinch, Star, Burnturk, Craigrothie, Ceres and over the hill to Crail past the Secret Bunker. Pretty hilly though.
Posted 5 years ago # -
@Cyclingmollie - thanks - we've done parts of that near Cardenden. Could be a worth doing. Mrs LB would rather have hills than traffic. A lot depends on max gradient on the tandem. Over Granites type of long climb hill isn't a problem but Talla type would be.
Posted 5 years ago # -
Beautiful sunny morning on the commute, and no headwind. T-shirt weather!
Posted 5 years ago # -
@Cyclingmollie cheers for the tip. Been meaning to head a bit more that way into Fife, in fact, so will look into it!
Posted 5 years ago # -
With timings dictated by train timetables, my overoptimistic interpretation of my fitness/average speed and excessive stopping en route, I found myself in Moffat at 5.30pm yesterday, facing the ride back to Edinburgh in the dark, for which I was under-prepared. In particular, I was haunted by memories of being chilled to the bone on this year's RttS and by concern that riding alone in the dark on on the A701 was probably a bit unwise.
In fact it was utterly lovely. Yes, it was chilly, but I did have more clothes than for RttS, so I never got really cold. I rode under calm wind and clear skies the whole way home. The view climbing the Beef Tub was truly spectacular, with the relief of the hills lit by the setting sun.
On the way up the Beef Tub I spotted some fly-tipped builder's rubbish, including a brand-new hi-viz vest, so I liberated that and with it gained increased reassurance about my visibility to following vehicles.
The A701 was really quiet. I travelled in my little cocoon of bright dynamo light, experiencing the sounds, smells and striking local changes in temperature of the countryside as it settled for the night. The miles ticked by in peaceful contemplation, interrupted by the very occasional car. Some of the roughest bits of the road have been re-surfaced (although Mountain Cross and Broughton are still pretty poor), but I ticked off all the landmarks as they passed. By Broughton the stars were out in all their magnificence, and I paused to wonder at them.
Nights like that are rare and memorable. It was an experience to savour.
Posted 5 years ago # -
@greenroofer A great description of one of these rides you'll think over time and time again.
A classic case of 'I've started so I'll finish' and it turned out different, but better than you expected.
Posted 5 years ago # -
Almost safer it would seem to cycle from Moffat to Edinburgh in the dark? No one appears to leave Toffee Town over night.
RttS in competition with Dr Wha tonight.
Posted 5 years ago # -
I spotted some fly-tipped builder's rubbish, including a brand-new hi-viz vest, so I liberated that
Beautiful.
Posted 5 years ago # -
@Greenroofer, that sounds like a good night. How far south did you start to find yourself in Moffat at that time? Presumably at least a few hours behind schedule.
Posted 5 years ago # -
@acsimpson, I am guessing Oxenholme knowing the M.O. of the Greenroofer? Though maybe Lancaster?
Posted 5 years ago # -
Yes, the Cumbrian stations sprang to my mind too. Although was he trying to use a different station on each adventure?
I think he enjoys an early start and his comment about timetables rather than just the first train makes me wonder if he changed trains and went to Windermere, Barrow-in-Furness or somewhere similar to that.
Posted 5 years ago # -
I recollect The Greenroofer was 6.4 miles into his journey when he hit the diesel descending the north face of the kirkstone pass.
Posted 5 years ago # -
Ah yes, having minimal contact with CCE over the weekend/Monday I have now seen that post and the linked Strava activity. Unfortunately I am to late to remove my Barrow-in-Furness option.
Posted 5 years ago # -
A little pink piece of putty has taken Barrow in Furness
Posted 5 years ago # -
I started from Oxenholme. @gembo's sleuthing is admirable but does not take account of my incompetent failure to start the Garmin until 15 miles into the ride...
Posted 5 years ago # -
Ah, yes as thought oxenholme more than 6.4 miles from north side of kirkstone pass
Posted 5 years ago # -
Wanted to try some roads/paths not travelled on my commute and as I've covered everything I know from home, I tried something different this morning.
I took the first train into Edinburgh and explored from there - had never been S of the Canal/Innocent, so headed out Kirk Brae and headed out to the Roslin Path and then joined the 196 route to Penicuik.
Hit the Pentlands just as the sun did - was spectacular- autumn colours and perfect reflections - great route through the Pentlands past Glencorse, Loganlee and Green Cleugh to Balerno and downhill all the way to work.
Probably the best commute I have done yet.
Posted 5 years ago # -
Wow! That is commitment to the scenic commute. I have no excuse not to try that myself other than lethargy - you've inspired me.
Posted 5 years ago # -
@jonty - it was amazing and especially as all of it apart from the first 3km and the last 10km or so was new to me.
Part of the joy of trying new stuff is that when I find something good I can share it with the family. Can see several short trips on all of those paths.
Posted 5 years ago # -
How suitable is the bit after Loganlea (on way to Balerno) for a road bike?
Posted 5 years ago # -
@Frenchy- probably not at all. A lot of gravel/stones (pointy and 3-4" across, rocks, grass and mud. Was hard enough on my hybrid- marathon plus tyres took a bit of a pounding. But it may be only 1/2 hr's walk to cover that bit?
But the rest of the route is fine, and even if the road bike is the only option, it is still worth it I'd say...
Posted 5 years ago # -
@Frenchy Loganlee to Balerno via Green Cleugh? It is very unsuitable for a road bike.
Posted 5 years ago # -
Ta, that's what I was assuming.
Posted 5 years ago # -
@paddyirish I've commuted that the other way after staying at the mother's in Balerno! Once back is back on form I must do it again...
Posted 5 years ago # -
@unhurt I think from the Balerno side would be tougher, though most of the height gain is on road at least.
Good luck with the back - it is seriously debilitating, but hopefully once over the worst, getting active (again) and staying active will keep things in check.
Posted 5 years ago # -
@frenchy I have spotted people on road bikes, a whole triathlon of them and then individuals separAtely. The bit just after loganlea where they found the poisoned peregrine is a little tricky as the river twists and turns.
I have done it on a Tricross but I have no shame and just got off and pushed. it is far drier now than it used to be due to improved drainage. When you get back on to ashphalt (maybe only 1.5 miles off road) you are at Bavelaw Castle from there you have the very lovely descent of Beech Avenue, if no one else there you can get up to 40mph no bother but take care. Nice in Autumn and the views down to Edinburgh most scenic.
Posted 5 years ago # -
Fine on my croix de fer with stock 35mm gravel tyres, I see people on skinner Cyclocross bikes not struggling. Full road tyres probably not suitable. But there's tonnes of tarmac, it goes all the way to the Howe, so even if don't fancy the walk and turned back there it's a grand day out.
@paddyirish: what route did you use to get from Penicuik to (I assume) Flotterstone?
Posted 5 years ago #
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