January 2022

Saturday 1st – New Year’s Day gravel ride, taking in the River Esk path, Dalkeith country park, Bonnyrigg, Roslin Glen and Craigmillar Castle park (29 miles).

Sunday 2nd – the intermediates rode up by Smeaton Farm to Humbie and Gifford, then back through Samuelston and Tranent (44 miles). The fitness group went via Sheriffhall and Carrington to Gladhouse, through Lamancha and Macbiehill to the moor road, home through Penicuik and the cycle path from Roslin (49 miles). The fitness-plus group went by Leadburn to the Meldons, round by the Lyne Valley to West Linton, back through Penicuik and Straiton (63 miles). The intermediate-plus group also went to West Linton, via the cycle path to Roslin, Penicuik and Carlops, back over the moor then home via Bonnyrigg and Dalkeith country park (48 miles).

Wednesday 5th – mid-week intermediate ride along the coast to North Berwick, via Whitekirk to Tyninghame for coffee, back by Athelstaneford, the A199 and Tranent (49 miles).

Sunday 9th – the fitness-plus group rode out by Borthwick and Middleton, went over the Granites then Soutra, back by Humbie and Cousland (50 miles). The fitness group went to Linlithgow via Currie, Ratho and Faucheldean, back by Philpston, Kirkliston and Cramond Brig (54 miles). The intermediate-plus group rode through Dalkeith country park then via Carrington, Rosebery reservoir and Crichton to Humbie, back by Carberry (48 miles). The intermediates went to Smeaton nursery via Aberlady and East Fortune, back through Athelstaneford and Ballencrieff (47 miles).

Wednesday 12th – mid-week intermediate ride to the Humbie Hub via Edgehead and Pathhead, back by Bolton and Samuelston (40 miles).

Saturday 15th – gravel ride to the west of Edinburgh, taking in the Dalmeny estate, South Queensferry, the Hopetoun estate and Dundas loch (45 miles).

Sunday 16th – the fitness group rode via Dalkeith and Carrington to the Scots Pine cafe, then home via Lamancha, the moor road to Penicuik, Roslin Glen and Bonnyrigg (50 miles). The intermediate-plus group went through Mayfield, Crichton, Humbie and Gifford to Merryhatton, then back by Longniddry and the coast road (57 miles). The fitness-plus group rode round the Pentlands, out along the Lang Whang, back through West Linton and Penicuik, with a coffee stop at Carnwath (67 miles). The intermediates rode through Pathhead and Tynehead to the A7, over the hill to Soutra for coffee, back by Humbie and Tranent (40 miles).

Wednesday 19th – mid-week intermediate ride to Smeaton Nursery via W Saltoun and the Hailes Castle road, back through Athelstaneford and Bangly Brae (50 miles).

Sunday 23rd – the inters-plus group rode via Edgehead and Borthwick to the Granites, then via Heriot and Gilston to the House of Soutra, but finding it full, went on to the Humbie Hub and direct back from there (50 miles). The fitness group did a very similar route but included Carrington and Temple on the way out (52 miles). The intermediates split in two: a longer ride to West Linton via Penicuik, back by Gladhouse and Dalkeith country park (55 miles); and a shorter route to the Lanterne Rouge at Gifford, but since it was also full, went on to the Humbie Hub and direct back (40 miles). The fitness-plus group rode along the coast to North Berwick then via East Linton, the Yak, Pathhead and Crichton to Vogrie country park, back through Cousland (60 miles).

Wednesday 26th – mid-week intermediate ride to Gifford via Cousland and Pencaitland, back through Petersmuir, East Saltoun and Elphingstone (39 miles).

Saturday 29th – gravel ride taking in Newcraighall, Roslin, Gore Glen and Dalkeith country park, route slightly shortened due to the high winds (33 miles)

Sunday 30th – the inters-plus group rode to Tyninghame via Tranent, Pencaitland and Gifford, back by Athelstaneford and Bangly Brae (49 miles). The inters went to Merryhatton via the coast road and Gullane, back by East Fortune, Myreton and the level crossing (47 miles). The fitness ride went to Lauder, over to Stow, back by Heriot (55 miles). Fitness-plus riders went to the Strawberry Barn through Gifford, Garvald and Stenton, back through Tyninghame and Athelstaneford (55 miles).

February 2022

Wednesday 2nd – mid-week intermediate ride to Whitekirk Hill, out along the coast to Aberlady, then via Fenton Barns and Congalton, back through East Fortune and Drem (45 miles).

Sunday 6th – a combined fitness/inters-plus group went up to Roslin on the cycle-path from Shawfair, then via Rosslynlee, Gladhouse and Rosberry reservoirs and Carrington to the mining museum cafe at Newtongrange, back by Stobhill, Crichton and Carberry (50 miles). The fitness-plus group rode to Gifford, then via Biel to Haddington, back by the level crossing and Port Seton (55 miles). The intermediates went via Crichton and Fala to Humbie, back by Samuelston and the level crossing (42 miles).

Wednesday 9th – mid-week intermediate ride to Gifford via East Saltoun, back by Samuelston (35 miles).

Saturday 12th – gravel ride to East Linton via Coates and Hailes, back Pencraig, Monkmains and the railway path to Longniddry.

Sunday 13th – a very wet day, with reduced numbers at the bandstand. The fitness group went round by Longyester and Morham Bank to Haddington, back via Samuelston and the level crossing (47 miles). The fitness-plus group went to Smeaton nursery in East Linton via the Saltouns and Haddington, back through Tranent (58 miles). A combined inters-plus and inters group also went to Smeaton via Aberlady and Whitekirk, back by Markle and Gladsmuir (45 miles).

Sunday 20th – following a week of stormy weather, numbers were again reduced. A combined inters-plus/fitness group rode to the Scots Pine near Eddleston via Dalkeith country park, Carrington, Temple and Gladhouse, back by Leadburn, Auchendinny and the Roslin-Shawfair cycle path (46 miles). The inters group went to the House of Soutra via Smeaton and Blegbie, back by Fala and Edgehead (36 miles). A small fitness-plus group did a loop round by Penicuik, Gladhouse and Tynehead to Humbie, back through Pencaitland and Tranent (57 miles).

Wednesday 23rd – mid-week intermediate ride to Gifford via the coast road, Bangly Brae, Haddington and Beech Hill, back by East Saltoun and Pencaitland (36 miles).

Saturday 26th – gravel ride taking in Old Craighall, Crichton glen, Pencaitland and the Winton estate (34 miles).

Sunday 27th – both the fitness-plus and fitness groups rode south via Carberry and Borthwick to the Granites, then via Heriot and Gilston to the House of Soutra, back through Humbie and Cousland (49 miles). One intermediate group went to Tyninghame via Aberlady and North Berwick, back via Athelstaneford (51 miles); another looped south via Dalkeith country park, Rosebery reservoir and Crichton to Humbie, then back through East Saltoun and Elphinstone (49 miles).

March 2022

Wednesday 2nd – mid-week intermediate ride to Tyninghame via the level crossing, Athelstaneford, Drem and Whitekirk, back by Hailes Castle and Haddington (50 miles).

Sunday 6th – the fitness group rode on or near the coast road then via Whitekirk, East Linton and Papple to Gifford, back by Humbie and Fala (61 miles). The intermediate-plus group rode round the coast to North Berwick, then through Binning Wood, East Linton and Hailes Castle to Gifford, back by Longyester and Cousland (60 miles). The intermediate group went to Tyninghame via Aberlady, Drem and Whitekirk, back via the Biel estate, the Saltouns and Edgehead (57 miles). The fitness-plus group went over the Meldons and round Cademuir hill to Innerleithen, then back over the Granites (72 miles).

Wednesday 9th – mid-week intermediate ride up Fa’side to Ormiston, along the railway path to West Saltoun and on to Gifford; back by Pencaitland and Tranent (41 miles).

Saturday 12th – gravel ride along the Forth coast to Blackness via the Dalmeny and Hopetoun estates, back the same way initially then inland by Dundas Loch and on cycle paths through the city (45 miles).

Sunday 13th – a windy day, and East Lothian routes all round. The intermediates rode along the coast to Aberlady, then via Kingston and North Berwick to Whitekirk Hill, back by Athelstaneford, Gladsmuir and Carberry (56 miles). The inters-plus group rode to Strawberry Barn by East Saltoun, Longyester and Stenton, back past Traprain Law, Haddington, Pencaitland and Fa’side (61 miles). The fitness group went out by a similar route but on to Tyninghame for coffee, back by Kingston, Fenton Barns and the coast road (65 miles). The fitness-plus group rode direct to Gifford, up Redstone Rig to Whiteadder, then over Crystal Rig to Spott and through the Biel estate to Tyninghame and back through Athelstaneford and Bangly Brae (67 miles).

Wednesday 16th – mid-week intermediate ride to Gifford via Pencaitland, back by Samuelston and Macmerry (34 miles).

Sunday 20th – the intermediate group rode to East Linton by Carberry, the ford, Humbie and Garvald, back by Athelstaneford and Bangly Brae (59 miles). The inters-plus group went to Peebles via Penicuik and West Linton, back by Gladhouse (64 miles). The fitness group rode more directly to Peebles, over to Innerleithen and back over the Granites (68 miles). The fitness-plus group went to Dunbar: out by Humbie, Garvald and Spott, back by Whitekirk, Athelstaneford and East Saltoun (73 miles).

Wednesday 23rd – mid-week intermediate ride through Port Seton and Athelstaneford to Tyninghame, back by Hailes Castle, Haddington and Tranent (45 miles).

Saturday 26th – gravel ride taking in Rosewell, Carrington, Newtongrange and Dalkeith country park (29 miles).

Sunday 27th – on a beautiful spring day (but with early haar), both the fitness and intermediate-plus groups rode to Garvald and up onto the Lammermuirs, down the Rig to Gifford and back, the inters-plus by a direct route, the fitness group by Humbie, the ford, Crichton and Edgehead (63/51 miles). The intermediate group rode up the Granites, over to Heriot, then Soutra and back through Humbie (51 miles). The fitness-plus group rode over the Granites to Innerleithen, along the south of the Tweed to Caddonfoot, then back by the coach road to Heriot, Crichton and Cousland (75 miles).

Wednesday 30th – mid-week intermediate ride to Gifford via Cousland, Humbie and over Bohomy Hill; back by Pencaitland, Boggs Holdings and Longniddry (45 miles).

April 2022

Sunday 3rd – the inters-plus group rode via Mayfield and Borthwick to the Granites, down to Innerleithen, then along the south of the Tweed and back by the coach road, Crichton and Pathhead (69 miles). The intermediates rode out to Tyninghame via Aberlady, back by Biel, Bolton and West Saltoun (59 miles). The fitness-plus group went to Broughton via West Linton and Biggar, back by Eddleston and Carrington (78 miles).

Wednesday 6th – mid-week intermediate ride along the Roslin cycle path to Loanhead, then via Carrington, Gore Glen, Crichton and Vogrie to Cranston; back by Dalkeith and the cycle path to Whitecraig (45 miles).

Saturday 9th – gravel ride to the Pentlands via Dalkeith country park and Roslin Glen, back by the Water of Leith and the Innocent railway (37 miles).

Sunday 10th – a combined fitness/inters-plus group rode to Tyninghame by the coast road, then back through Moreham, Gifford, Newton Hall and the Saltouns (69 miles). The fitness-plus group went to Innerleithen over the Meldons, back over the Granites (73 miles). The intermediates went up the Shawfair cycle path to Loanhead then via Polton Glen to Roswell, back by Carrington, Middleton and Crichton (43 miles).

Wednesday 13th – mid-week intermediate ride to Whitekirk Hill via Aberlady, back by Athelstaneford and Gladsmuir (47 miles).

Sunday 17th – the fitness group went south, on the cycle-path to Roslin, then via Leadburn, the Meldons and round Cademuir to Peebles, back by Gladhouse, Carrington and Dalkeith country park (64 miles). The inters-plus group also started out on the cycle path to Roslin, then went east from Penicuik through Gorebridge to Pencaitland, back by Haddington and the level crossing (61 miles). A small fitness-plus group went to Abbey St Bathans via Haddington, Garvald and Cranshaws, back by Innerwick and Spott (82 miles). The inters group rode round the coast to North Berwick, stopped at Tyninghame for coffee, and returned via West Barns, Stenton and Pencaitland (61 miles).

Wednesday 20th – mid-week intermediate ride through Pathhead, Crichton, Borthwick and Rosebery to Rosewell for coffee, back through Polton glen and down the Shawfair cycle path (41 miles).

Saturday 23rd – gravel ride, and special road ride, to Gifford to celebrate the club’s 10th birthday at the Lanterne Rouge (road: 38/43 miles; gravel 38 miles); a few went on to Pedal on Parliament.

Sunday 24th – the fitness group looped round by Carrington, then via Fala, Humbie, Morham and East Linton to Tyninghame, back by Whitekirk, Aberlady and the coast road (71 miles). The fitness-plus group rode through the Saltouns, round by Humbie, then via Gifford and Garvald to West Barns, back by Tantallon and minor roads through the middle of East Lothian (73 miles). The intermediates also rode to West Barns, but by more direct routes there and back (54 miles). The inters-plus group went to North Berwick via Gifford and Hailes Castle, back by the coast road (55 miles). 

Wednesday 27th – mid-week intermediate ride through Tranent, Haddington, Luggate and Biel to Whitekirk Hill for coffee; back through Kingston, Fenton Barns and Aberlady (54

miles). The inters-plus group went to North Berwick via Gifford and Hailes Castle, back by the coast road (55 miles). 

Wednesday 27th – mid-week intermediate ride through Tranent, Haddington, Luggate and Biel to Whitekirk Hill for coffee; back through Kingston, Fenton Barns and Aberlady (54 miles).

May 2022

Sunday 1st – the inters-plus ride went to Lauder via Pencaitland, Humbie, Carfrae and in past Thirlestane Castle, back by Oxton, Fala Dam, Crichton and Edgehead (60 miles). The fitness ride went up by Smeaton, Pathhead, Humbie, Garvald, Stenton and Dunbar to the Strawberry Barn, back by East Linton, the Yak and Bangly Brae (69 miles). The intermediates rode to West Linton by Gladhouse, Shiplaw and Lamancha, back through Penicuik and Bonnyrigg (52 miles). The fitness-plus group rode up Redstone Rig, down to Garvald, then via West Barns to Tyninghame, back through Haddington (65 miles).

Wednesday 4th – mid-week intermediate ride to Humbie via Mayfield and Edgehead; back by East Saltoun, Pencaitland and Tranent (38 miles).

Saturday 7th – gravel ride to Haddington via Carberry, Winton woods and Letham Mains, back by the railway path to Longniddry, Elphinstone and Smeaton (39 miles).

Sunday 8th – the inters-plus and fitness groups both went to Innerleithen via Gladhouse and Peebles, back over the Granites (68/71 miles). The fitness-plus group rode via Haddington and Garvald to Duns, back by Longformacus and the Rig (78 miles). The intermediates went up the Rig, down to Garvald and Haddington for coffee (54 miles).

Wednesday 11th – mid-week intermediate ride to Gifford via the level crossing, Haddington and Morham, back by the Saltouns and the railway path to Carberry (40 miles).

Sunday 15th – all four groups did East Lothian loops. The intermediates went to Tyninghame via Athelstaneford, back by Biel and Samuelston (51 miles). The inters-plus group went to Strawberry Barn through Macmerry, Beech Hill, Stenton, Spott and Dunbar, back by Haddington and the level crossing (59 miles). The fitness-plus riders did a similar ride out to Strawberry Barn, but back a longer way, from Haddington to Humbie (70 miles). The fitness group rode through Gladsmuir and Morham to Spott, over Brunt Hill and Crystal Rig to Whiteadder, down the Rig to Gifford (66 miles).

Wednesday 18th – mid-week intermediate ride to Gifford via Cousland, the Saltouns and Leehouses, back by Samuelston (37 miles).

Saturday 21st – gravel ride to Blackness via the Dalmeny and Hopetoun Estates (45 miles).

Sunday 22nd – the fitness group went to West Linton via Gladhouse and the Meldons, back by the moor road and Carrington (66 miles). The fitness-plus group went to Dawyck via Bigger and Broughton, back by the Meldons and Gladhouse (78 miles). The intermediates went through Penicuik, Lamancha, Waterheads and Gladhouse to Rosewell, back by the Shawfair cycle path (51 miles).

Wednesday 25th – mid-week intermediate ride along the coast to Aberlady, through East Linton and past Hailes Castle to Haddington; back by Butterdean Wood and Longniddry (44 miles). 

Sunday 29th – three groups did West Lothian loops: the fitness-plus group getting as far west as California (72 miles); the fitness group out through Pumpherston, up to Bo’ness and back through Queensferry (67 miles); the intermediate-plus a similar route but missing out Bo’ness and returning through Winchburgh (60 miles). The intermediate group did a loop to the south, though Humbie to Soutra and Heriot, then back over the Granites (52 miles).

Tuesday 31st – fast evening training ride.

June 2022

Wednesday 1st – mid-week intermediate ride to East Linton via Haddington, back through Athelstaneford (47 miles).

Saturday 4th – gravel ride on roads and trails around Carberry, Ormiston and Cousland (28 miles).

Sunday 5th – a day for East Lothian loops. Fitness-plus went direct through Haddington to Spott, up Brunt Hill and via Innerwick to Abbey St Bathans, back past Whiteadder and down the Rig to Gifford (78 miles). The intermediates rode to Gifford via Humbie, then along to Garvald and back via Samuelston (54 miles). The fitness group went via East Saltoun, Morham and Pitcox to Tyninghame, back through Whitekirk and Athelstaneford (66 miles). And the Inters-plus went to West Barns via the level crossing, Morham and Stenton, back through Binning Wood and Aberlady (60 miles).

Tuesday 7th – fast evening training ride.

Sunday 12th – the inters-plus and fitness rides both did anti-clockwise loops around the Pentlands, out by the Lang Whang, coffee at West Linton, home via Penicuik (68 miles). The inters group rode through Eskbank and Temple to Humbie, back by Samuelston and the level crossing (52 miles). The fitness-plus group went down to Biggar and Broughton, back over the Meldons (83 miles).

Tuesday 14th – fast evening training ride.

Wednesday 15th – mid-week intermediate ride to Glenkinchie via Prestonpans and Tranent, back via East Saltoun, Samuelston and Pencaitland (40 miles).

Friday 17th to Sunday 19th – the 9th Portovelo weekender began with one group riding from Portobello to Wooler (76 miles), another getting the train to Tweedbank and riding from there (38 miles), and the rest driving down – some of whom then did a warm-up loop from Wooler west to Town Yetholm (32 miles). On the Saturday, the fitness-plus group did an epic ride south to Rothbury (for coffee), west through Coquetdale, past Catcleuch reservoir and north via Chesters to Jedburgh (for lunch) and then east to Wooler via Town Yetholm (107 miles). The fitness group did a slightly shorter version of the same route in the opposite direction (91 miles), while a combined inters/inters+ group went south and east initially, past Chillingham to Etal for coffee, a long skinny loop via Coldstream to Kelso for lunch, and direct back via Milfield and Doddington (78 miles). On the Sunday, three groups rode east to the coast and Bamburgh (the fitness-plus group by a slightly longer route), then round the coast to Beal and over the causeway to Lindisfarne for coffee and direct back through Lowick (59/50 miles).

Sunday 19th – One ride along the coast to Longniddry, via the railway path to Haddington, past Traprain Law to Tyninghame (cafe), back via East Linton, Drem and Aberlady (53 miles).

Tuesday 21st – fast evening training ride.

Wednesday 22nd – mid-week intermediate ride via Roslin Glen to Gladhouse, then back via a cafe stop at the mining museum in Newtongrange (39 miles).

Sunday 26th – the fitness-plus group rode to Peebles via the Meldons, over to Innerleithen and back over the Granites (75 miles). The fitness group went to Innerleithen first, then via Clovenfords to Stow for coffee, and back on the coach road and home through Crichton (75 miles). The intermediates started along the coast, then inland over the Yak to Haddington, on to Gifford for coffee, and back through Humbie and Fala (50 miles). For the inters-plus group, it was a long way round to Gifford via Samuelston, Garvald and Redstone Rig, then home through Humbie, Fala Dam and Ormiston (62 miles).

Tuesday 28th – fast evening training ride.

Wednesday 29th – mid-week intermediate ride along the coast to North Berwick then via Binning Wood to Tyninghame; back by Traprain, Haddington and Gladsmuir (50 miles).

July 2022

Saturday 2nd – gravel ride to Abercorn and Blackness via Corstorphine Hill, back by Kirkliston and Granton (44 miles).

Sunday 3rd – a combined inters/inters-plus rode through Haddington and Luggate to Garvald, up onto the moor, back down the Rig to Gifford, then back by the Saltouns and the railway path (58 miles). A combined fitness/fitness-plus group rode through Gifford and Spott to Torness, back through Dunbar to the Strawberry Barn for coffee, then home through East Linton (69 miles).

Tuesday 5th – fast evening training ride.

Wednesday 6th – mid-week intermediate ride to Rosewell via Crichton and Carrington, back by Lasswade (36 miles).

Sunday 10th – the fitness group rode via Temple and the Meldons to Dawyck, then over Dreva to Broughton and direct back by Blyth Bridge and Bonnyrigg (71 miles). The fitness-plus group went round the Pentlands, out through Blyth Bridge and Biggar, back by Carnwath and the Lang Whang (75 miles). The inters rode south over the Granites, left to Heriot for coffee, back through Pencaitland (54 miles). The inters-plus group went east to Strawberry Barn via Tranent, Gifford and East Linton, back by Haddington and Carberry (65 miles).

Tuesday 12th – fast evening training ride.

Wednesday 13th – mid-week intermediate ride to Haddington via Aberlady, back through the Saltouns (44 miles).

Saturday 16th – gravel ride through Newcraighall, Dalkeith country park, Roslin Glen, the Pentlands and Colinton (35 miles).

Sunday 17th – the inters group rode round the coast to N Berwick, to Tyninghame for coffee, back inland by Morham and Samuelston (55 miles). A combined fitness/F+ group rode south-west in a skinny loop through the city and out to Carnwath via Mid Calder, back along the Lang Whang and through Gilmerton (70 miles). The inters-plus group went via Carrington, Gladhouse and the Meldons to Peebles, back by Eddleston and Bonnyrigg (59 miles).

Tuesday 19th – fast evening training ride.

Wednesday 20th – mid-week intermediate ride mostly on cycle-paths to Dalkeith, then via Roswell and Howgate to Penicuik, back by Bilston and the cycle path to Shawfair (35 miles).

Sunday 24th – the fitness group rode to Innerleithen via Carrington, Eddleston and Peebles, then back by the Granites (70 miles). The fitness-plus group went to Melrose via Humbie, Lauder and Earlston, back by Galashiels, Stow and the coach road (77 miles). The inters-pluses went up onto the moors via Haddington and Garvald, back down the Rig and home via Pencaitland and Tranent (53 miles). The inters went by Vogrie, Middleton and Temple to Rosewell, back by Dalkeith and Inveresk (39 miles).

Tuesday 26th – fast evening training ride.

Wednesday 27th – mid-week intermediate ride involving a skinny East Lothian loop to Whitekirk Hill (49 miles).

Saturday 30th – gravel ride via Colinton to the Pentlands (Thriepmuir and Glencorse), back by Rosewell and Dalkeith country park (40 miles).

Sunday 31st – the inters-plus group went to Penicuik, then via Gorebridge and Pathhead to Pencaitland, back through Haddington, up the Yak and home via Bangly Brae (59 miles). The intermediates took a direct route east to Tantallon, then East Linton, back by Hailes castle and Tranent (50 miles). The fitness-plus group rode through Gifford and Stenton to Strawberry Barn, back by Whitekirk, North Berwick and the coast road (61 miles). (There was no fitness group.)

August 2022

Tuesday 2nd – fast evening training ride.

Wednesday 3rd – mid-week intermediate ride to Gifford via Haddington and Morham Hill, back by East Saltoun and Tranent (40 miles).

Sunday 7th – the inters-plus group rode to Heriot through Tranent, Humbie and Soutra, back by the Granites, Borthwick and Edgehead (52 miles). The intermediates went to Tyninghame via Aberlady, back by East Linton and Athelstaneford (50 miles). Fitness-plus riders went down to Peebles via the Meldons, to Innerleithen for coffee and back over the Granites (72 miles). The fitness group also went over the Meldons en route to West Linton, back over the moor and via Temple (71 miles).

Tuesday 9th – fast evening training ride.

Wednesday 10th – mid-week intermediate ride to Vogrie via Mayfield, back through Crichton Glen and Pencaitland (37 miles).

Saturday 13th – gravel ride in East Lothian, taking in Dalkeith country park, the railway path, Saltoun Big Wood, Butterdean Wood and Fa’side (35 miles).

Sunday 14th – the intermediate group did a skinny loop to West Barnes via Haddington, back by Athelstaneford, with a cafe stop in Tyninghame (55 miles). The inters-plus went direct to Garvald, up to Whiteadder, then over Crystal Rig and Brunt Hill to Spott, through Dunbar to Strawberry Barn, and direct back (67 miles). A combined fitness/fitness-plus group also went to Strawberry Barn via Humbie, Gifford and Garvald, back by Tantallon and the Yak (73 miles).

Tuesday 16th – fast evening training ride.

Wednesday 17th – mid-week intermediate ride through Haddington to Gifford, back through the Saltouns (42 miles).

Sunday 21st – the fitness group rode direct to Broughton, then round Goseland Hill to Biggar, and direct back (72 miles). The intermediates went up the Granites, left to Heriot, then over to Soutra and back by Humbie (49 miles). The intermediate-plus group went over the Granites to Innerleithen, back by Peebles and Gladhouse (71 miles). The fitness-plus group did a similar route, but out via Heriot and back via Rommanobridge (75 miles).

Tuesday 23rd – fast evening training ride.

Wednesday 24th – mid-week intermediate ride through Longniddry and Haddington to Gifford, back by the Saltouns (43 miles).

Saturday 27th – gravel ride to North Queensferry via Cramond and Dalmeny, back through the south of the city.

Sunday 28th – the fitness group did a convoluted loop around East Lothian taking in West Fenton, the Yak, Haddington, Gifford, Humbie and Elphinstone (67 miles). The fitness-plus group went up the Rig and over the moors to Grantshouse, then alongside the A1 to Dunbar and back through Athelstaneford (88 miles). The intermediate group rode via Samuelston, Stenton and Garvald to Gifford, back by Pencaitland and Tranent (51 miles). The intermediate-plus group went to Innerleithen via Dalkeith, Gladhouse and Peebles, back over the Granites (68 miles).

Tuesday 30th – fast evening training ride, the last of the year.

Wednesday 31st – mid-week intermediate ride to Tyninghame, via the coast road and Whitekirk, back through Haddington and Gladsmuir (47 miles).

September 2022

Sunday 4th – the inters+ group rode to North Berwick via Humbie, Gifford, Hailes Castle and Binning Wood, back by the coast road (55 miles). The intermediates started along the coast then went inland to Tyninghame, then did a hilly inland loop near Garvald, and direct back from Haddington (54 miles). The fitness group rode via Gifford and Spott to West Barns, back by Whitekirk and Athelstaneford (67 miles). The fitness-plus group rode via an exaggerated zig-zag to Tyninghame, back by Gifford and Peaston Bank (80 miles).

Wednesday 7th – mid-week intermediate ride through Samuelston and Garvald to Gifford, back by the golf course and Pencaitland (45 miles).

Saturday 10th – gravel ride loop into the Pentlands (35 miles).

Sunday 11th – challenge rides for all four groups. The intermediates did the “two bridges” route: over the Forth Road Bridge to Fife, through Culross to the Kincardine Bridge, and back through Bo’ness and Linlithgow (77 miles), with a smaller breakaway group peeling off at North Queensferry, back over the bridge and round the south of the city (46 miles). The intermediate-plus group rode direct to Carnwath via Roslin and Dunsyre, then did a loop to the south-west (Lanark, Carluke, Corsairs), and back by the Lang Whang (100 miles). A fitness group of two ended up as one after a mechanical – but he still managed to ride to Talla via the Meldons and Broughton, back by the Gordon Arms and the Granites (100 miles). The fitness-plus group went through Bigger and Abington to Lowther Hill, then over to Moffat, and back by Tweedsmuir, Stobo and the Meldons (136 miles).

Wednesday 14th – mid-week intermediate ride through Haddington and East Linton to Merryhatton, back by Aberlady and the coast road (47 miles).

Sunday 18th – two rides went over the Forth Road Bridge to Fife. The inters-plus group did a loop by Auchtertool and Cowdenbeath; the fitness-plus group went all the way up to Dollar, back by Crook of Devon and the Cleish Hills (80 miles). The intermediates went east to Tyninghame via Gladsmuir and East Fortune, back by Morham and Bolton (54 miles). The fitness group went west to Linlithgow, out by Balerno and Bathgate, back by Kirkliston and Newhaven (68 miles).

Monday 19th – intermediate ride (public holiday special) to Gifford, back by Humbie and Cousland (43 miles).

Wednesday 21st – mid-week intermediate ride to Tyninghame via Aberlady back by East Linton and Morham (50 miles)

Saturday 24th – gravel ride to Haddington taking in Butterdean Wood and Fa’side hill (42 miles).

Sunday 25th – a small fitness group did the “Two Bridges” – via the city centre, Bo’ness and Grangemouth to the Kincardine Bridge, cafe stop in Culross, back over the Forth Bridge (69 miles). The inters-plus group went over the Meldons to Peebles, then up to West Linton, back by the moor road and Penicuik (60 miles). The fitness-plus group rode via Livingston and Auchengray to the Big Red Barn, then back via West Linton and the moor road (75 miles).

Wednesday 28th – mid-week intermediate ride to Gifford – out by Tranent and East Saltoun, back by Samuelston and Ormiston (39 miles).

October 2022

Sunday 2nd – the fitness-plus group explored the Bathgate Alps, having ridden out by Balerno and West Calder, and returned via Linlithgow and Kirkliston (72 miles). Fitness riders went to West Linton via Carrington, the Meldons and Blyth Bridge, back by the moor road, Polton and Eskbank (65 miles). The inters-plus group went to Dunbar by Traprain Law, back by East Linton and Haddington (62 miles), while the intermediates did a skinny figure-8 to Tyninghame (53 miles).

Wednesday 5th – mid-week intermediate ride to House of Soutra via Edgehead and Crichton,, back through Humbie (42 miles).

Saturday 8th – gravel ride into East Lothian taking in Saltoun Big Wood and a cafe stop at Humbie (33 miles)

Sunday 9th – the inters went south to Rosebery and Gladhouse reservoirs, then over to Humbie and home via the Saltouns (52 miles). The Inters-plus group went via Carlops and Lamancha to Peebles, back by Carrington and Dalkeith country park (64 miles). The fitness group went to Innerleithen via Gladhouse and Peebles (68 miles). The fitness-plus ride went to Innerleithen via the old coach road and Clovenfords, back over the Granites (71 miles).

Wednesday 12th – mid-week intermediate ride through Mayfield and Carrington to Rosewell, back by Polton glen, Loanhead and the cycle path (30 miles).

Sunday 16th – the fitness-plus group rode direct via Rommanobridge to Biggar, then back by Carnwath and the Lang Whang (75 miles). The intermediate-plus group looped via Aberlady and Haddington to the House of Soutra, then over to Heriot and back by the Granites (63 miles). The intermediates went east to Luggate via Haddington, via Garvald to Gifford, and back by Samuelston (52 miles). There was no fitness ride.

Wednesday 19th – mid-week intermediate ride round the coast to Aberlady, inland to East Fortune, back through Athelstaneford and Tranent (40 miles).

Saturday 22nd – gravel ride into Fife: out along the coast and the Dalmeny Estate, a small loop around North Queensferry, then back by Kirkliston, Ratho and the south side of the city (45 miles).

Sunday 23rd – the intermediate-plus group rode to Tyninghame via Gifford and Haddington, back along the coast (57 miles). The intermediates started along the coast to Whitekirk Hill, back through Athelstaneford and Gladsmuir (51 miles). The fitness-plus group went to Innerleithen.

Wednesday 26th – mid-week intermediate ride to Gifford via Aberlady and Athelstaneford, back by Samuelston and Tranent (40 miles).

Sunday 30th – the fitness group went via Dalkeith, Borthwick and Stow to Lauder, back by Carfraemill, Humbie and Carberry (61 miles). The inters-plus group looped round by Morham and Pitcox to East Linton for coffee, back by North Berwick and Aberlady (64 miles). Fitness-plus went via Gifford and Redstone Rig to Whiteadder, then over Crystal Rig to Spott and back by East Linton and Athelstaneford (68 miles). The intermediates did the classic route up the Granites, via Heriot to the A7, over the Gilston road to Soutra and back by Humbie (52 miles).

November 2022

Wednesday 2nd – mid-week intermediate ride to Humbie via Pathhead and Crichton, back by Bolton and Haddington (43 miles), with some going to Gifford instead, back by Samuelston (39 miles).

Saturday 5th – gravel ride out west, taking in the river Almond, the edge of the airport and the Dalmeny estate (42 miles).

Sunday 6th – the intermediate group went via Gladhouse, the Meldons and Rommanobridge to West Linton, back by the moor road and Auchendinny (60 miles). The intermediate-plus ride was over the Granites to Innerleithen, then along to Thornylee and back by the coach road and Heriot (66 miles). A combined fitness and fitness-plus ride went up the Granites, via Heriot to the House of Soutra and back by Haddington and the coast road (61 miles).

Wednesday 9th – mid-week intermediate ride to Haddington via Gladsmuir and Traprain, back by Boggs Holdings (43 miles).

Sunday 13th – on a beautiful sunny day, both the intermediate and fitness groups did East Lothian loops to Tyninghame (56 and 62 miles). The fitness-plus group rode south via Humbie and Soutra to Walkerburn, then along to Innerleithen and back over the Granites (73 miles).

Wednesday 16th – mid-week intermediate ride to Gifford via Haddington and Morham, back by the Saltouns (43 miles).

Saturday 19th – gravel ride in East Lothian, taking in Carberry estate, Butterdean wood, Haddington and the railway path to Longniddry (41 miles).

Sunday 20th – the inters rode along the coast to Aberlady then via Kingston and Whitekirk to East Linton, back through Haddington (50 miles). A combined inters+/fitness ride went to Dawyck, over the Meldons (twice) (64 miles). The fitness+ group rode down the A68 through Lauder and Earlston to Melrose, back by Langshaw and Stow (73 miles).

Wednesday 23rd – mid-week intermediate ride via Haddington to Merryhatton, back by Aberlady (41 miles).

Sunday 27th – on the last 8am rides of the year, the fitness group rode via Carrington and Peebles to Innerleithen, back over the Granites (65 miles). The fitness-plus group did a longer version of the same: to Peebles over the Meldons, through Innerleithen to Clovenfords, and back on the coach road (77 miles). The inters-plus group went to West Linton via Crichton, Gladhouse and Lamancha, back over the moor road (62 miles). The inters group rode to Gifford via Haddington and Garvald, back through the Saltouns (46 miles), with a splinter group that went up Redstone Rig.

Wednesday 30th – on the first icy day of the winter, a shorter mid-week intermediate ride along the coast to Gullane and back.

December 2022

Saturday 3rd – gravel ride to Gifford taking in Fa’side, railway paths, Saltoun Big Wood and Petersmuir Wood (40 miles).

Sunday 4th – on a cold and damp day, the fitness ride went to Strawberry Barn: out by Samuelston, Morham and Stenton, back by Biel, Luggate and Haddington (53 miles). The inters group went via Roslin and Temple to Humbie, direct back (42 miles). The fitness-plus group went to Tyninghame via the Saltouns, Haddington and Athelstaneford, back by Whitekirk and Gladsmuir (56 miles). The inters-plus group went round by East Linton to Gifford, and direct back (45 miles).

Wednesday 7th – mid-week intermediate to Tyninghame: out by the coast and East Fortune, back by Athelstaneford and Tranent (45 miles).

Sunday 11th – very cold, and low numbers, so two groups rode out along the coast road. The inters/inters+ group went to North Berwick and back the same way (37 miles); the fitness/fitness+ group went round by Whitekirk to Tyninghame and back via East Linton and Haddington (49 miles).

Saturday 17th – gravel ride to Pencaitland on the railway path, back through Winton Wood and Tranent (24 miles).

Sunday 18th – another cold day, and a combined fitness/fitness-plus group rode round the coast to North Berwick and Whitekirk, stopped for coffee at Smeaton, then back by Ballencrieff, Haddington and Tranent (54 miles). The intermediate group rode along the coast to North Berwick and back the same way (40 miles). The inters-plus went to East Linton via Tyninghame, then back along the coast (55 miles).

Wednesday 21st – mid-week intermediate ride to Gifford via Cousland and the Saltouns, back by Samuelston and Tranent (34 miles).

Monday 26th – Boxing Day special: one big group went through Tranent and Haddington to East Fortune, then via Drem and the coast road home (40 miles).

Wednesday 28th – the last mid-week intermediate ride of the year to Merryhatton via Aberlady, back by Haddington and Pencaitland (42 miles).