CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Events, rides etc.

Spring Canal Cycle to Linlithgow or Falkirk

(41 posts)
  • Started 14 years ago by spytfyre
  • Latest reply from spytfyre
  • poll: Pick a day in May
    1 : (3 votes)
    21 %
    2 : (1 votes)
    7 %
    8 : (3 votes)
    21 %
    9 : (1 votes)
    7 %
    15 : (2 votes)
    14 %
    16 : (1 votes)
    7 %
    22 : (2 votes)
    14 %
    23 : (1 votes)
    7 %
    29 : (0 votes)

  1. spytfyre
    Member

    Thinking of doing a mass run in the spring
    http://doodle.com/pienp7crehxc3wkn
    Pick a date in May or suggest another
    Can stop off to sight see (the Avon aquaduct is awesome as is the one near Linlithgow and inbetween 'lithgow and the 'kirk)
    Can stop off to grab lunch/dinner, might even stop quickly to book at Ratho on way out, choose from the menu and pre-order - can call from mobile half an hour out on return leg so ready when we stop?
    Anyone interested?
    Can make it a charity thing and contact the press?

    Posted 14 years ago #
  2. SRD
    Moderator

    What sort of charity? Wasn't there a scheme/story recently about midwives in Malawi getting bikes? Must admit that I'm not big on sponsorship-type events, but could be convinced.

    Posted 14 years ago #
  3. Arellcat
    Moderator

    I think any sort of CCE group ride and/or pig out would be fun. Does it have to be for charidee, though? Some of us already do Pedal for Scotland. :-)

    The canal tunnel by Falkirk High station is worth seeing, as is the Wheel of course.

    Posted 14 years ago #
  4. gembo
    Member

    the sheet ice on the towpath might not be gone by May

    Posted 14 years ago #
  5. Kim
    Member

    Now that would be some winter...

    Posted 14 years ago #
  6. SRD
    Moderator

    Nice example of a charity cycle here. Who says kids don't cycle!

    Posted 14 years ago #
  7. LaidBack
    Member

    "Charlie Simpson (7), from Fulham, cycled five miles (8km)"

    Well done Charlie. That is a great thing to do. I was going to use the word 'work' but I think non-cyclits think that cycling is painful and a kind of penance (is that the right word?).*

    He obviously loves cyling and could have done five times the distance! Not taking anything away from his initiative - the fact he wanted to do something is commendable.

    * Certain TV and Rado presenters make a big deal of their once a year charity cycle, don't they? Not Tom Morton of course or Lesley Riddoch.. or any others that post on this forum...!

    Posted 14 years ago #
  8. chdot
    Admin

  9. spytfyre
    Member

    No, it doesn't have to be for "charidee", just a fun run would be nice for relaxing

    Posted 14 years ago #
  10. chdot
    Admin

    Just a reminder of a destination near Ratho.

    http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=137

    Maybe that could be a 'Bike Week' ride too.

    http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=265

    Posted 14 years ago #
  11. spytfyre
    Member

    map

    Posted 14 years ago #
  12. spytfyre
    Member

    chdot - can you contact the bike week folks and/or spoles etc and suggest it get publicity?
    Would be fun to have a large number of people, by word of mouth and facebook I think I have about half a dozen going

    Posted 14 years ago #
  13. chdot
    Admin

    yes

    is it Mayday then?

    Posted 14 years ago #
  14. spytfyre
    Member

    got the most votes it did

    Posted 14 years ago #
  15. SRD
    Moderator

    What's the plan?

    Posted 14 years ago #
  16. spytfyre
    Member

    OK having looked at the weather forecast I see it is to be dry so I am going to go for it
    Anyone wanting to make the run is welcome to join in, intention is to get to Lochrin basin at Cargo for a 9am kick off
    But a note to all:
    I am not organising this I am just going, if you come along you can feel free to stop for lunch whenever and wherever you like as I am not familiar with the route beyond Linlithgow (and pretty fuzzy between Ratho and Linlithgow too) or you can take a packed lunch as I plan to to save time waiting on someone to deliver ordered food at a pub (although I may stop for a pint somewhere along the way, most likely at Ratho on the return journey.
    If you plan to cycle one way and get the train back please organise this yourself.
    I know the path can get pretty rocky and there is plenty of glass where locals have left their buckfast bottles in shards so I am taking 3 spare inner tubes, a handful of patches and one of the wee CO2 gas inflators that save pumping time.

    Posted 14 years ago #
  17. gembo
    Member

    @spytfyre - you will be ok with the route it pretty much hugs the canal and the surface is OK. Thorns can be an issue for punctures too. Kind of lunar bing landscape at Wynchburgh that is quite spooky. Stretch thru livingston to [polmont and falkirk is a bit drab but tunnel at end fun. If you go on to the Forth and Clyde Canal Path but turn right after approx half a mile there are two pubs a wee one that I didn't go in but looked ok and a big one I did go in which ws quite pleasant on a saturday afternoon, colourful locals, chips for sale, nice beer. We had two pints (pushed the boat out) and then cycled back. I would never drink and cycle on the road but somehow the canal towpath has fewer variables. I have seen all sorts on the canal - Kingfishers, a Shooting Party in tweeds and shotguns blasting, a couple engaged in exhibitionist intercourse (Sat 5pm).

    Enjoy.

    Posted 14 years ago #
  18. Kim
    Member

    There is a nice place to stop just outside Linlithgow called the Linlithgow Park Bistro just of the canal with cycle parking.

    Posted 14 years ago #
  19. spytfyre
    Member

    Forecast on BBC didn't look too promising but the metoffice site looks OK

    Posted 14 years ago #
  20. SRD
    Moderator

    Sorry we won't be able to make it -- made other plans when we thought it was off. Maybe next time. Or how
    'bout a tricycle race for the weans on the 9th?

    Posted 14 years ago #
  21. spytfyre
    Member

    No worries, if this run goes well then will do another bigger run in June or July.

    Anyone else who is interested watch this space tomorrow morning I will check on the weather at 7am and post a go or no-go message

    Posted 14 years ago #
  22. LaidBack
    Member

    Might have a go to at least Ratho on my recliner.

    Arellcat said she may be interested.

    Posted 14 years ago #
  23. Smudge
    Member

    Working :-( poo !

    Posted 14 years ago #
  24. chdot
    Admin

    Should be OK. Slightly following wind too!

    Posted 14 years ago #
  25. spytfyre
    Member

    hee hee... just home from Critical Mass
    was anyone else there?
    see you next month?

    hope to see some of you people tomorrow
    I'll be the one in the red tshirt with the goatee

    Posted 14 years ago #
  26. SRD
    Moderator

    I didn't know much about CM, other than having seen folks around town over the years. Doubt I could keep up for 2 hours, but like the idea of pub after!

    Anyway, will be keeping an eye out the window c. 9am - will wave if I see you.

    Enjoy!

    Posted 14 years ago #
  27. Min
    Member

    It's windy and raining here in Minsville. Luckily I don't really have to go out in it, not to do any training anyway!

    Posted 14 years ago #
  28. spytfyre
    Member

    yup the clouds look rally nasty out to the east of us too
    and the tow path with be in an utterly filthy state.
    I reckon wait for a clearer day for a more enjoyable ride
    what say all?

    Posted 14 years ago #
  29. spytfyre
    Member

    and this would be a perfect day for the site to stop playing with my computer
    sorry for the delay people

    just called my folks out by Linlithgow and apparently the weather is worse out there too...

    Next weekend I am running a wine tasting for Harrison Playgroup so I can't really afford to go getting all tired out
    The 22nd and 23rd are clear in my calendar so maybe then

    Posted 14 years ago #
  30. LaidBack
    Member

    OK - I'm going to text Arellcat. May clear later.

    Posted 14 years ago #

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