CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Events, rides etc.

CCE Slow, All Inclusive Ride - Sat 3rd March

(59 posts)
  • Started 12 years ago by Roibeard
  • Latest reply from Roibeard

12

  1. Roibeard
    Member

    We've previously discussed an outing this coming Saturday (3rd March).

    I'm proposing a child friendly pace, 10:00-13:00, with a lunch stop. I'd hoped for a circular route, but it might yet be out and back...

    I do have a fairly flat 7.5 mile route that my kids enjoyed, but it involves an unsurfaced wooded section (not ideal for trailers or trikes probably), and a short section of the Old Dalkeith Road cycle lanes. The alternative is essentially down and back up the Innocent Railway.

    I've also got a circular route round the Braids, but this also is unsurfaced, and involves a substantial climb, so probably isn't ideal!

    If you're hoping to come, please chip in with preferences such as "trailer-friendly" etc, and I'll try to accommodate and will follow up with a start location.

    I know this date doesn't suit everyone, so my apologies for that in advance.

    This is open to all, but you're responsible for your own safety, food, children, pets, maintenance and repairs! Having said that, we'll keep together, so fixing mechanical problems will be in everyone's interest...

    Robert

    Posted 12 years ago #

  2. gembo
    Member

    If people decide to Canal towpath and WoL path it to Balerno (path is reasonable at the moment so if it stays dry it will be fine, if it rains itwill be quagmire). There is a fair trade coffee morning on the go. all downhill on the way home but not circular.

    Posted 12 years ago #

  3. Roibeard
    Member

    I'd thought about the canal paths, however they don't feel the most child friendly location... Not very wobble-forgiving!

    Robert

    Posted 12 years ago #

  4. SRD
    Moderator

    Starting point probably more of an issue for us than terrain.

    Posted 12 years ago #

  5. Roibeard
    Member

    @SRD - presumably that's distance to starting point? Feel free to chip in with the necessary parameters and I'll attempt to crank the handle...

    Robert

    Posted 12 years ago #

  6. SRD
    Moderator

    How far we can cycle to get there depends a bit on how far we cycle with you'all. Also question of hills, busyness of roads, and getting home. Not impossible to bring Islabike by trailer if need be. Just appreciate you factoring in that we wouldn't be driving to meeting point.

    Posted 12 years ago #

  7. Roibeard
    Member

    How do you feel about mini-SRD on the canal side or alternatively making your way to the Commonwealth Pool?

    If you don't fancy the water, or the Innocent, I can have look further north and/or west.

    Robert

    Posted 12 years ago #

  8. Claggy Cog
    Member

    The canal towpath will probably be very busy and if there are a few of you will be a complete pain, with lots of dogs, dog walkers, pedestrians, and other less than forgiving cyclists, and possibly rowers as well with their trainer on the towpath not paying the least bit of attention to anyone else. It amazes me how grumpy some of the younger cyclists are, and really have no manners, as well as exceeding the speed limit on the towpath, and do not give way. If it were me I would opt for the CP and the Innocent from there, and there is always the Engine Shed at the end.

    Posted 12 years ago #

  9. SRD
    Moderator

    We do just fine as a family along canal, but I agree with Liz that a bog group of us on their could be a hassle. Should also be able to make Commie pool w/out any trouble. Thanks!

    Posted 12 years ago #

  10. DaveC
    Member

    Could I suggest the North Edinburgh Sub? Starting at nr Russle Road. We could head north to Leith or Newhaven Harbour. There, there is a Brewers Fair which is very chold friendly. We could return back the same way, or along the cpast to Granton and upto Crewe Toll and back along the Edin North Sub to Russel road?

    Alternatives could be out towards leith along the river? though I don't know how child/trailer friendly this could be?

    Posted 12 years ago #

  11. DaveC
    Member

    I could make it to the Comie pool, is there free parking out that way?

    Posted 12 years ago #

  12. Roibeard
    Member

    I'd not expect any at the Pool, that suggestion was to aid SRD, however I'll pass quite a bit of parking to get to the Pool, so you could join me half a mile before we meet the SRD clan.

    That is, one start point for the car folk, and another, more central start for the cyclists.

    The Innocent almost takes one to Asda, so we could avail ourselves of refreshments there, as an alternative to packed lunches.

    Any other ideas/constraints?

    Robert

    Posted 12 years ago #

  13. DaveC
    Member

    Innocent to Asda would be good also, works for me.

    Posted 12 years ago #

  14. chdot
    Admin

    "Innocent to Asda would be good also, works for me."

    Before turning up to ASDA go on for a short distance through underpass to (former) Big W car park to see bridge over railway which leads to various cycle routes/options.

    Also that's Brunstane Station - so kids can see how transport/geography 'fits' together.

    Take a map!

    Posted 12 years ago #

  15. SRD
    Moderator

    How far is that? I was hoping we could get to the coast or the river at Musselburgh? Didn't someone say that was all do-able off-road? I've not been that way, so don't know.

    Posted 12 years ago #

  16. Roibeard
    Member

    It's doable to get to the coast, but there's a railway bridge to cross, then the path surface deteriorates and narrows somewhat, so might not be quite so trailer/trike friendly.

    Commonwealth Pool to the Forth and back is about 9 miles.

    The gotcha is that it's all downhill out, and therefore all uphill back, so requires encouragement for the return or careful energy management!

    Robert

    Posted 12 years ago #

  17. Roibeard
    Member

    Musselburgh itself is also possible, but requires the use of an on-road cycle lane from the end of the path. It would add 1-2 miles to the journey, on the flat.

    A beach picnic is definitely possible if folk don't mind the climb over the railway, and a single track section.

    Robert

    Posted 12 years ago #

  18. amir
    Member

    The railway bridge can be avoided by turning left to loop around the Big W. Means a short stretch on a road.

    There is also a nice cafe in the Harbour - not very big though.

    Not sure that the return from Musselburgh can be described as flat.

    Posted 12 years ago #

  19. chdot
    Admin

    "A beach picnic is definitely possible if folk don't mind the climb over the railway"

    Don't have to go over footbridge - loop round on path and Brunstane Road South.

    If you just want to go to the beach there's Porty via (mostly) signed route through Magdalene and then Hope Lane.

    Lotsa food/drink options.

    Posted 12 years ago #

  20. DaveC
    Member

    I've been that way a few times, yes plenty of scope to get to the River. I'd end up pushing my son all the way up the hill though :-(

    @chdot, If we stopped at the railway we'd never get away... Son "I want to stay and watch trains ALL DAY dad!"

    Posted 12 years ago #

  21. Wilmington's Cow
    Member

    "If you just want to go to the beach there's Porty via (mostly) signed route through Magdalene and then Hope Lane.

    Lotsa food/drink options."

    Very child friendly cafe at the bottom of Hope Street. I assume it's child friendly cos you generally can hardly move for buggies...

    Posted 12 years ago #

  22. Roibeard
    Member

    @more learned forumers

    Thanks for the tip regarding avoiding the footbridge - I think I might assume "shared" status for the path along Milton Road East. At least Google Streetview doesn't show signage either for the end of the cycle route, or the pavement to be shared until Brunstane Road South.

    I had wondered that the Musselburgh sign on the path was pointing in the "wrong" direction, and had assumed it to be simply twisted round!

    Robert

    Posted 12 years ago #

  23. SRD
    Moderator

    @DaveC if I bring the trailer, we can always strap bikes to it, and pop tired tots on tandem/into seats.

    Posted 12 years ago #

  24. DaveC
    Member

    Very kind offer SRD but Camie's bike weighs more than mine. We've tried[*] that method before though not very successfully. I may have to just stick to the usual 'hand on son's shoulder pushing' method. Dilema over which son to bring along. Josie is now refusing to cycle citing back pain... hurumph!!

    Posted 12 years ago #

  25. Roibeard
    Member

    We've already proved that strapping a bike to the Pino is easy (and entertaining)...

    What height is Josie? Taking a turn on the front of the Pino isn't out of the question, particularly if she has the required leg length to pedal!

    Robert

    Posted 12 years ago #

  26. spitters
    Member

    I'd say yes but my smallest is not yet big enough to fit in bike seat on Mrs Spytfyre's bike while I tow the eldest... Also as SRD says the distance to the start point etc and return journey, we'd be much better on the canal.
    Maybe next year when youngest big enough for seat and I can get entire family out.

    Posted 12 years ago #

  27. SRD
    Moderator

    See you next year - or at the June cycle to Spylaw.

    PS - Talk to Mr SRD about riding with baby and tagalong. Or, you can borrow tandem, for both kids, if someone has a small ladies bike I can ride :)

    Posted 12 years ago #

  28. Roibeard
    Member

    Given that some are planning to take vehicles, and some cycle to join us, I think a staggered start is required.

    0945 @ King's Haugh Google Streetview - the cycle path starts here (the building works are finished) and there's plenty of on street parking.

    1015 @ Top of Innocent Tunnel Google Streetview-ish - this is off East Parkside, you have to do a U-turn under the footbridges to the flats. I don't think there is parking available here.

    We'll potter down to the coast, or as near as we wish. The tide will be going out, so there be some sand.

    Forecast is for light showers by midday, and southerly 13mph winds, 9 oC. The wind is unlikely to bother us unduly as the path is mostly sheltered from the South.

    The goal is to return to your preferred starting point around 1300 (the drivers peeling off before the final climb back up to the Park entrance).

    Feel free to come along for the out bound section only, if you prefer!

    Robert

    Posted 12 years ago #

  29. chdot
    Admin

    But that would mean anyone parking at your suggested place would 'have to' go up Innocent only to turn round again.

    Might be better to have people set off from top end of tunnel and others wait where Innocent crosses Duddingston Road West.

    Exchange some 'phone nos. by PM(?)

    Posted 12 years ago #

  30. crowriver
    Member

    No.1 son has come down with a fever. If he is better by Saturday, will try to join you for the Innocent to coast (Portobello?) section as we go that way on Saturdays anyhow.

    Posted 12 years ago #

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