Hi everyone.
I started a thread about getting a new bike about 6 weeks ago and have just done my first week of cycling to work. I got a Giant Escape on the cycle to work scheme from Edinburgh Bicycle Cooperative, along with a helmet, lights, lock, gloves, lubricant, innertube, pump and a mudguard, which is getting fitted when I take it for my 6 week service. I have also bought a dueter Race rucksack that I love.
The route I cycle (Colinton to the Royal Infirmary) is just under 5.5miles through the cycle paths/walking paths from colinton Mains Drive leading to Oxgangs Avenue, then through another path which takes me through Pentland Gardens,Comiston Springs Avenue, then Comiston road up to Braid Hills Road, Liberton Drive, Kirkgate, Mt Vernon Road and Kingston Avenue, then roll down to the Hospital!
It usually takes me between 22-25 mins going, and 30-35 coming home.
I got absolutely drenched on Wednesday coming home, but it's all good fun!
Road surfaces on Mt Vernon Road and Kingston Avenue are atrocious, especially when flying down them on the way to work!
I'm pleased I took the opportunity to get the bike and looking forward to getting fitter and speedier!
CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Commuting
Update after getting my new bike.
(14 posts)-
Posted 12 years ago #
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I'm glad you worded your last sentence as you did.
Most people say fitter and easier, but it never get easier you just either fitter and faster or you start adding new challenges; longer runs or large cargo capacity.
That was mostly a joke but there is an element of truth.
Posted 12 years ago # -
Thanks for the update! Good esp. to hear you are enjoying. the real fun starts when the snow hits :)
Posted 12 years ago # -
Snow is fine, it's ice that separates the men from the… other less manly people.
Posted 12 years ago # -
It's ice that separates me from my bike.
Posted 12 years ago # -
I was serious. I loved cycling on the snow on my hybrid. did not enjoy falling on ice this winter (but luckily no lasting damage)
Posted 12 years ago # -
Me too, I leave them in the house and use something more appropriate.
Better break it out in the next couple of weeks and check it all works. It hasn't moved in 6 months or more.
Back to Just a Minute.
Posted 12 years ago # -
Braid hills road is a lovely road to cycle compared to say Captains Road route
Posted 12 years ago # -
Congratulations on getting stuck in!
I have an alternative route suggestion you could try. Instead of Pentland Gardens, head down through the park by the river to Braidburn terrace, then duck down onto the Hermitage of Braid road - this isn't tarmacced all the way, but I've ridden it countless times on slick tyres. Especially when it's dry like this - no issues :)
Charge the first hundred yards of Kirk Brae to get onto Double Hedges rd, then work your way across to the bottom of Kingston Av.
I doubt it would be quicker at all, but quieter / more interesting, definitely! :)
Posted 12 years ago # -
andy - great to hear you are having a blast. As an addition to Dave's suggestion, have you thought about going theough Braidburn Valley Park and then on to the Hermiatge of Braid - effectively following Braid Burn - and then following Dave's route. Gives you a good run at off-road paths. I know Kirk Brae can seem daunting. However, I cycled it almost every day for two years when I lived out that way and you do get used to it.
Posted 12 years ago # -
Braidburn Valley Park was what I was referring to by "head down through the park by the river". I didn't actually know what it was called!
You can get from Kings buildings to the barracks with a minimum of road riding, and it's probably possible to cut through the estates to the hospital although I admit to not having done so personally.
Posted 12 years ago # -
Welcome to the Royal Infirmary wing of CCE. Just me and Tammytroot as members to my knowledge, and we've never actually met. But we'll still enjoy a warm (virtual) collective glow with the news that our numbers have increased 50%.
Posted 12 years ago # -
"Just me and Tammytroot as members to my knowledge"
I could name two more, but at least one likes to remain 'work anonymous' on here.
Posted 12 years ago # -
I did consider the Hermitage of Braid route before I started but thought it would be a lot slower. I will try it When I'm on afternoons to allow me plenty of time. Might also be a bit safer as I can imagine the Braids Hill road gets very windy Autumn/winter time. (Or like today) Was bad enough Monday and Tuesday!
Had a nightmare on Tuesday. Got Home from work and realised I never had the keys to the flat. Cycled back slowly tracing my steps incase they had fell on the road somwhere but couldn't see them. Got back to work and luckily they were just outside the bike shed where I had kept the bike in the day. Nice 16 mile journey after a shift at work!
Posted 12 years ago #
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