Morton Fishings (fully booked)

Sunday’s ride is to a delightful hidden wee reservoir with fishing boats and a nice man in a shed that gave me a huge trout when I went on my recce. It’s called Morton Reservoir and there a few benches where we can have our picnic lunch. Overall mileage is 29 miles starting at Redhall park and ending at Hermiston Gate. Remember to add on the distance from your home and back. Please note-This ride involves a stretch on a stony and possibly muddy track- suitable tyres please.

Please meet at Redhall park at 9.50 am for a 10 am start. We will go via roads to take up the canal at Cutlins Road and then head up a different way via Heriots Watt campus (not planning an official toilet stop here) and back roads to Balerno. Then we will go along quiet country roads and descend to the A70 where we will cycle west for 1.6 miles before turning right into Leyden road. Now we need to take the stony and possibly muddy track through Selm Muir woods. We will take our time and there will be opportunity for a comfort stop on the way. When we emerge from the woods, we turn left on a lane that will take us up to the reservoir. (15.5 miles)

After lunch we need to retrace our steps on the lane with fabulous views over West Lothian, and head all the way down to the A71 where we will carefully cross over. We find ourselves on a narrow tarmac path that widens to join Oakbank Road on the outskirts of East Calder. Then familiar route home via Clifton Road through the new housing estate and ultimately taking up the canal back to Ratho. From here we will take Freelands and Roddinglaw road back to Gogar and Hermiston Gate. (29 miles total)

https://www.strava.com/routes/2751501873603824222

Apart from the section in the wood we are on hard surfaces but there are potholes, large puddles and wet leaves which may be slippery, so do take great care, especially going downhill. No official toilet stop, but plenty of al fresco opportunities. Weather at the moment looking quite nice so hopefully stays that way.

Bring suitable clothing, something to sit on wet grass although there are some benches, 2 spare inner tubes, pump and basic repair kit, snacks and drinks to keep you going and a picnic lunch. Please do not forget to check before you start out that your bike is roadworthy, especially the brakes. Our riding guidelines are essential reading prior to coming on a ride to ensure your safety and the safety of others in the group.

https://www.cyclinguk.org/group/page/guidelines-safe-riding

Our limit is 9 riders in accordance with the latest advice from Scottish Cycling. We should ride in small groups of maximum 3 riders with 2m distancing whilst riding and during our picnic. It is important to leave large between the groups. Our riding guideline is 50 metres. At junctions the last person in a group should check that the following group has seen where to go. However, we will stop regularly to make sure no-one gets left behind!

The group will always do their best to help anyone in mechanical difficulty. However, you are ultimately responsible for looking after yourself and getting yourself home.

Please TEXT me 07974113737 if you would like to come on the ride. I will confirm whether or not there is a place. If you change your mind, please let me know, so another person can take your place.

You should already have emailed me ironside@blueyonder.co.uk to confirm you have read the covid regulations below.

Please note that by attending a ride:

· You are self-certifying that you are well and not required to isolate or quarantine.
· You agree to maintain social distancing when not cycling and currently during cycling.
· You agree not to share food or drink
· You will carry a mask and hand sanitiser in case of untoward events, such as mechanicals or accidents.
· You agree to follow NHS guidelines if you become unwell after the ride.

Looking forward to seeing you for a great ride on Sunday!

Janet