Sunday 23 October 2016

Saturday 5th November. Easter Inch Moss & Bathgate

A casual ride using a mix of the Livingston path network, National Cycle Network route 75 and surfaced track. 

Route Map

We will be at the cafe at Howden Park Centre, Livingston from just after 10 and leave at 1030am and take the Livingston path network out of Livingston and across Seafield Law and Easter Inch Moss to Bathgate.

Stopping at Xcite Bathgate for refreshments, either bring something to eat and drink or buy at the cafe.

Return along NCN 75 across Easter Inch Moss. Turning off at Seafield and dropping down to the river Almond and along the upgraded Easter Breich path beside the river, onto the Livington path network and back to HPC.

  • The distance is about 16 miles. You can also drop off at any part of the route and cycle as far as you feel comfortable with. 
  • There is no need to wear special cycle clothing something comfy. We don't ask you to wear a helmet, it is not a lawful requirement, it is a matter of personal choice.
  • Bring waterproof jacket & trousers, snacks and bottle of water, small tool kit for your bike, spare inner-tube, ensure the valve is the same as the existing one.
  • Check your bike is safe to ride. Recommend checking it over the day before the ride, checking brakes work, the chain is lubricated and the tyres set to the correct pressure, it makes cycling easier. The recommended pressure can be found on the side of the tyre, typically 35-85 PSI or 3-6 Bar.

To let us know how many to expect add some details to our Contact Us form. It does not commit you to attending. Or just turn up on the day.

If the weather influences your decision not to come that is OK, we may see you another time.


Post Ride

Despite a forecast of wind from the NW with a speed in the mid teens, a temperature of 5C, feeling like 0C, and bright sun, 13 including 1 newcomer came along. Most of the ride was sheltered from the wind and there were even a few calm balmy spots

Consider joining your local campaign group SPOKES

Spokes Bulletin 126. Late 2016 has an article about West Lothian Bike Library on the back page.

Quiet Roads Public Consultation

Quiet roads are proposed in the councils Active Travel plan, as part of an active travel network in West Lothian. Through the Sustrans Community Links grant programme. West Lothian Council has received some funding to explore the feasibility of Quiet Roads in West Lothian.

November news 

Saturday 17 September 2016

Saturday 1st October. Brox Burn path, Union Canal, Almondell

A casual ride using a mix of the Livingston path network, quiet country road and surfaced track. Smooth narrow tyres may find some of it a bit bumpy.

Route Map / GPS

We will be at the cafe at Howde Park Centre, Livingston from just after 10 and leave at 1030am and take the Livingston path network to the north of Livingston Village, bridge across Cousland Road to Peel Park the site of  the place Livingston got its name from. Path, to Eliburn Reservoir, path up to Woodlands Park. Out onto the cycle path by the A89 to Dechmont and onto the A899 road to Uphall. Less confident riders can buddy up with the more confident.

We will stop at the Open Door Cafe. The cafe is run by The Busy Project charity, menu is mainly toasties & filled rolls, with nice looking cake. 

We go down along the Brox Burn path which run the length of Broxburn following the burn.
When it meets the Union Canal we will follow it out of Broxburn to Muirend where we join a quiet road to the north gate of Almondell Park. Continue through the park and Almond Park, Craigshill on route 75 of Sustrans National Cycle Network and back to HPC.
 
  • The distance is about 16 miles. You can also drop off at any part of the route and cycle as far as you feel comfortable with. 
  • There is no need to wear special cycle clothing something comfy. We don't ask you to wear a helmet, it is not a lawful requirement, it is a matter of personal choice.
  • Bring waterproof jacket & trousers, snacks and bottle of water, small tool kit for your bike, spare inner-tube, ensure the valve is the same as the existing one.
  • Check your bike is safe to ride. Recommend checking it over the day before the ride, checking brakes work, the chain is lubricated and the tyres set to the correct pressure, it makes cycling easier. The recommended pressure can be found on the side of the tyre, typically 35-85 PSI or 3-6 Bar.

To let us know how many to expect add some details to our Contact Us form. It does not commit you to attending. Or just turn up on the day.

If the weather influences your decision not to come that is OK, we may see you another time.


Post Ride 

16, including 3 newcomers came along on a dry sunny autumnal day with leaf covered paths.

Bridge from Kirkfield East across Cousland Road

Union Canal, Broxburn


October news 

Consider joining your local campaign group SPOKES

Sunday 14 August 2016

Saturday 3rd September. Harburn, West Calder, Easter Breich Woodland

A casual ride using a mix of the Livingston path network, quiet country road and surfaced cycle track. Suitable for all bike & tyre types.

Route Map

We will be at the cafe from 10 and leave at 1030am from Howden Park Centre, Livingston and take the Livingston path network to - The Lanthorn, Dedridge Pond, Livingston South Station, Murieston Trail - Skivo. (short hill, ok to get off and walk, and I know some will) Harburn - quiet back roads to Hartwood and West Calder. 

Any one from the south side of Livingston could meet us at the East end of the Murieston Trail. We will likely be there no earlier than 1100.

Toilets and refreshments at West Calder Community Center. There is a machine serving hot and cold drinks. Bring something to eat or buy at a nearby shop.

Return along Main Street West Calder, down Cleuch Brae for a short distance, turning right for Easter Breich where we join the path by Breich water and follow it to the River Almond and through Easter Breich Woodland and Kirkton Campus to Livingston Village and back to HPC.

  • The distance is about 17 miles. You can also drop off at any part of the route and cycle as far as you feel comfortable with. 
  • There is no need to wear special cycle clothing something comfy. We don't ask you to wear a helmet, it is not a lawful requirement, it is a matter of personal choice.
  • Bring waterproof jacket & trousers, snacks and bottle of water, small tool kit for your bike, spare inner-tube, ensure the valve is the same as the existing one.
  • Check your bike is safe to ride. Recommend checking it over the day before the ride, checking brakes work, the chain is lubricated and the tyres set to the correct pressure, it makes cycling easier. The recommended pressure can be found on the side of the tyre, typically 35-85 PSI or 3-6 Bar.

To let us know how many to expect add some details to our Contact Us form. It does not commit you to attending. 

If the weather influences your decision not to come that is OK, we may see you another time.

Post Ride

18, including 4 newcomers turned up. The forecast was for overcast until 1 when it was supposed to pour down. As we ascended a short incline shortly after setting off two who had been once before had to pull out due to problems with a bike one had borrowed the day before. Another who was on a borrowed road bike dropped out south of Bellsquarry due to a puncture and not having a spare tube, he was also only 5 minutes walk from home. 

Murieston Trail

Due to ongoig roadworks at Harburn hall we had to detour and pick up the route to Pearie Law wind farm and a decent to West Calder.

5 Sisters Bing
At 1 the sky remained clear and it got warmer as we decended to Easter Breich Woodland and quiet paths back by along the river Almond to Livingston, still with no rain. The rain came on several hours later around 5.    

Consider joining your local campaign group SPOKES

Next ride Saturday 1st October


Wednesday 3 August 2016

Saturday 6th August. Ratho Climbing Centre

A casual ride using a mix of the Livingston path network, NCN 75, quiet country road and surfaced cycle track. Smooth narrow tyres may find some of it a bit bumpy.

Route Map

We will leave at 10:30am from Howden Park Centre and and along route 75 of Sustrans National Cycle Network, through Almondell Country Park out the East Calder entrance onto Clifton Road to pick up NCN route 754 along the Union Canal tow path to the EICA, worlds biggest indoor climbing centre for a refreshment stop, bring something to eat or buy at the cafe.

Return by the canal tow path across Linns Mill Aqueduct to Muirend and by quiet road to Roman Camps and onto the Uphall to East Calder track and across the Almondell Viaduct above the park to Almondell Park returning to the HPC.
  • The distance is about 17 miles. You can also drop off at any part of the route and cycle as far as you feel comfortable with. 
  • There is no need to wear special cycle clothing something comfy. We don't ask you to wear a helmet, it is not a lawful requirement, it is a matter of personal choice.
  • Bring waterproof jacket & trousers, snacks and bottle of water, small tool kit for your bike, spare inner-tube, ensure the valve is the same as the existing one.
  • Check your bike is safe to ride. Recommend checking it over the day before the ride, checking brakes work, the chain is lubricated and the tyres set to the correct pressure, it makes cycling easier. The recommended pressure can be found on the side of the tyre, typically 35-85 PSI or 3-6 Bar.
To let us know how many to expect add some details to our Contact Us form. It does not commit you to attending. Or just turn up on the day.

If the weather influences your decision not to come that is OK, we may see you another time.

Post Ride 

Camps viaduct above Almondell park
17 including 5 newcomers came along on a warm sunny day.

August news 

Consider joining your local campaign group SPOKES

Next ride Saturday 3rd September


Union canal

Wednesday 15 June 2016

Saturday 2nd July. Harburn and West Calder

A casual ride using a mix of the Livingston path network, quiet country road and surfaced cycle track. Suitable for all bike & tyre types.

Route Map

The route is mix of the Livingston path network, quiet minor country road and surfaced track. 
We will start at 1030am from Howden Park Centre, Livingston and take the Livingston path network to - The Lanthorn, Dedridge Pond, Livingston South Station, Murieston Trail - Skivo. (short hill, ok to get off and walk) Harburn - quiet back roads to Harwood and West Calder. 

Any one from the south side of Livingston could meet us at the East end of the Murieston Trail. We will likely be there no earlier than 1100.

Toilets and refreshments at West Calder Community Center. There is a machine serving hot and cold drinks. Bring something to eat or buy at a nearby shop.

Return along Main Street West Calder, down Cleuch Brae for a short distance, turning right for Easter Breich where we join the path by Breich water and follow it to the River Almond and through Kirkton Campus to Livingston Village and back to HPC.

  • The distance is about 17 miles. You can also drop off at any part of the route and cycle as far as you feel comfortable with. 
  • There is no need to wear special cycle clothing something comfy. We don't ask you to wear a helmet, it is not a lawful requirement, it is a matter of personal choice.
  • Bring waterproof jacket & trousers, snacks and bottle of water, small tool kit for your bike, spare inner-tube, ensure the valve is the same as the existing one.
  • Check your bike is safe to ride. Recommend checking it over the day before the ride, checking brakes work, the chain is lubricated and the tyres set to the correct pressure, it makes cycling easier. The recommended pressure can be found on the side of the tyre, typically 35-85 PSI or 3-6 Bar.

To let us know how many to expect add some details to our Contact Us form. It does not commit you to attending. 

Post Ride


Despite a wet breezy day 19 turned up

July news 

Consider joining your local campaign group SPOKES

Next ride - Saturday 6th of August.

Thursday 19 May 2016

Saturday 4th June. Kirkliston

A casual ride using a mix of the Livingston path network, National Cycle Network route 75, canal tow path, quiet country road and surfaced cycle track. Smooth narrow tyres may find some of it a bit bumpy.

Route Map

We will start at 1030am from Howden Park Centre, Livingston and go along route 75 of Sustrans National Cycle Network through Almondell Country Park, route 754 on the Union Canal tow path through Broxburn, and minor road from Niddry Castle to Kirkliston. Stopping at Kirkliston Leisure Centre for refreshments. There is no cafe, so bring something to eat and drink.

The return route will be along an off road cycle path from Kirkliston to Newbridge then minor roads to East Calder and back through Almondell Park to HPC.
  • The distance is about 19 miles. You can also drop off at any part of the route and cycle as far as you feel comfortable with. 
  • There is no need to wear special cycle clothing something comfy. We don't ask you to wear a helmet, it is not a lawful requirement, it is a matter of personal choice.
  • Bring waterproof jacket & trousers, snacks and bottle of water, small tool kit for your bike, spare inner-tube, ensure the valve is the same as the existing one.
  • Check your bike is safe to ride. Recommend checking it over the day before the ride, checking brakes work, the chain is lubricated and the tyres set to the correct pressure, it makes cycling easier. The recommended pressure can be found on the side of the tyre, typically 35-85 PSI or 3-6 Bar. For other help, see Bike Maintenance Tips

To let us know how many to expect add some details to our CONTACT US form, or just turn up on the day. It does not commit you to attending. 


Post Ride


12, including 3 newcomers came along on a warm sunny day.


Consider joining your local campaign group SPOKES

Next ride - Saturday 2nd July

Saturday 16 April 2016

Saturday 7th May. Bathgate, Seafield & River Almond

A casual ride using a mix of the Livingston path network, National Cycle Network route 75 and surfaced track. Smooth narrow tyres may find some of it a bit bumpy.

Route Map

We will start at 1030am from Howden Park Centre, Livingston and go along route 75 of Sustrans National Cycle Network to Livingston Village, NCN 75 to Starlaw Road cycle path stopping off for a short visit to Tailend Moss Nature Reserve
Continuing on the new link between Starlaw and Boghall roundabout, cycle path to rejoin the NCN 75 into Bathgate. 
Stopping at Xcite Bathgate for refreshments, either bring something to eat and drink or buy at the cafe.

Return along NCN 75 across Easter Inch Moss. Turning off at Seafield and dropping down to the river Almond and along the upgraded Easter Breich path beside the river, onto the Livington path network and back to HPC.

  • The distance is about 16 miles. You can also drop off at any part of the route and cycle as far as you feel comfortable with. 
  • There is no need to wear special cycle clothing something comfy. We don't ask you to wear a helmet, it is not a lawful requirement, it is a matter of personal choice.
  • Bring waterproof jacket & trousers, snacks and bottle of water, small tool kit for your bike, spare inner-tube, ensure the valve is the same as the existing one.
  • Check your bike is safe to ride. Recommend checking it over the day before the ride, checking brakes work, the chain is lubricated and the tyres set to the correct pressure, it makes cycling easier. The recommended pressure can be found on the side of the tyre, typically 35-85 PSI or 3-6 Bar. For other help, see Bike Maintenance Tips

To let us know how many to expect add some details to our CONTACT US form. It does not commit you to attending. 

Anyone coming from in or near Bathgate may wish to join us at the Xcite Sports Centre, Balbardie Park and return together from Livingston on the NCN and Starlaw path as above.
For those who are joining us at Bathgate we would be arriving no earlier than 12, probably a bit after and leaving 12:45 or shortly after. 

Post Ride

NCN 75 Wester Inch, Bathgate
Eater Breich Woodland path by river Almond

16, including 2 newcomers came along. There was an easterly wind behind us on the way to Bathgate. Due to the east wind the temperature was slightly cool but dry. Most of the return journey was sheltered from the wind with a bit of a head wind on the exposed bits.

Endorsement from one participant
Great Livi 20 Milers ride yesterday. All cycling together at an easy pace. Highly recommended



Consider joining your local campaign group SPOKES

Next ride - Saturday 4th of June

Wednesday 6 April 2016

Saturday 16th April. Bike Maintenance Workshop

Now that spring is here it's time to get your bike out, give it a clean, check it is in working order, brakes working, chain lubricated, tyres pumped up to the correct pressure and if you are not sure how to do it or you may wish to learn more. 

Assistance and advice on maintaining and servicing your bike made possible with the generous support of Put Your West Foot Forward Early booking advised.

When - Saturday 16th April 1030am to 330pm. It is OK to be there for any part of the day.

Where - Dechmont Hall, 71 Main Sreet, Dechmont (next to infant school) We have access to hall from 10am. It is easy to find by bike, from the Livingston path network or if traveling further, by car or train.

Cost - FREE

By bike - Cycle Streets Map

By train or car -  Nearest station is Uphall Station (2 miles by cycle path). For those out with Livingston. Use the above map, Select the "Open Street Map default style" at the top RHS of the map. 

What will be covered 
  • Bike components
  • Bike safety check and fitting
  • Puncture repair
  • Brake replacement / adjustment
  • Gear indexing etc
  • Chain maintenance / replacing / repair 
  • Key learning points

If anyone has something they particularly want covered let us know in advance.

Bring - Bike, preferably clean, it makes it easier to work on. Suitable clothing that may get marked. You may wish to bring something to eat. There is a shop a few minutes walk away. Tea, coffee, milk, sugar will be provided.

In order to deal with those that come numbers will be limited and on a first come first served basis. BOOK HERE

Cancelling - If you have to cancel please let us know so that the place can be offered to someone 

Saturday 19 March 2016

Saturday 2nd April Ride. Bangour, Union Canal, Almondell

A casual ride using a mix of the Livingston path network, quiet country road, canal tow path and surfaced track. 
Smooth narrow tyres may find some of it a bit bumpy.

Route Map

We will start at 1030am from Howden Park Centre, Livingston and take the Loan Path on the Livingston path network through Ladywell and Knightsridge, out onto the cycle path by the A89 and cross the road and into the grounds of the former historic WW 1 Bangour Village HospitalCome out at Dechmont and along the road to Uphall and the Open Door Cafe. The cafe is run by The Busy Project charity, menu is mainly toasties & filled rolls, with nice looking cake. 

Take the path from Uphall towards Uphall Station and turn onto the cycle path next to the A89.When it meets the Union Canal we will follow it out of Broxburn to Muirend where we join a quiet road to the north gate of Almondell Park. Continue through the park on route 75 of Sustrans National Cycle Network and Almond Park, Craigshill and back to HPC.
  • The distance is about 15 miles. You can also drop off at any part of the route and cycle as far as you feel comfortable with. 
  • There is no need to wear special cycle clothing something comfy. We don't ask you to wear a helmet, it is not a lawful requirement, it is a matter of personal choice.
  • Bring waterproof jacket & trousers, snacks and bottle of water, small tool kit for your bike, spare inner-tube, ensure the valve is the same as the existing one.
  • Check your bike is safe to ride. Recommend checking it over the day before the ride, checking brakes work, the chain is lubricated and the tyres set to the correct pressure, it makes cycling easier. The recommended pressure can be found on the side of the tyre, typically 35-85 PSI or 3-6 Bar. For other help, see Bike Maintenance Tips

To let us know how many to expect add some details to our CONTACT US form. It does not commit you to attending. 

Post Ride




15, including 2 newcomers came along. The early forecast was for overcast with a slight cool breeze with rain in the afternoon which may have put some off, the reality was a mild and sunny day with no rain until well after our return. Some folk were even in tee shirts!

March News

Consider joining your local campaign group SPOKES

Next ride - Saturday 7th May 

Sunday 6 March 2016

Saturday 19th March. Bike Maintenance Workshop

For anyone that could not make it to the last one and those that did but may wish to learn more. Assistance and advice on maintaining and servicing your bike made possible with the generous support of Put Your West Foot Forward Early booking advised.

When - Saturday 19th March 1030am to 330pm. It is OK to be there for any part of the day.

Where - Murieston Village hall, Livingston. We have access to hall from 10am. Please arrive in time for a 1030am start

By bike - Cycle Streets Map

By train or car - For those out with Livingston. Use the above map, Select the "Open Street Map default style" at the top RHS of the map. Follow the directions for Livingston South (not North) railway station. There should be space in the car park. Walk under the tunnel for the Glasgow platform. You will see the hall in front of you.

What will be covered 
  • Bike components
  • Bike safety check and fitting
  • Puncture repair
  • Brake replacement / adjustment
  • Gear indexing etc
  • Chain maintenance / replacing / repair 
  • Key learning points

If anyone has something they particularly want covered let us know in advance.

Bring - Bike, preferably clean, it makes it easier to work on. Suitable clothing that may get marked. You may wish to bring something to eat. There is a Coop a few minutes walk away. Tea, coffee, milk, sugar will be provided.

In order to deal with those that come numbers will be limited and on a first come first served basis. BOOK HERE

Cancelling - If you have to cancel please let us know so that the place can be offered to someone 


Work to eat. Eat to live. Live to bike. Bike to work ~ Unknown

From 1 participant
Super morning of cycle maintenance Many Thanks!

March News

Sunday 14 February 2016

Saturday 5th March ride to West Calder & Breich water

Route Map

The route is mix of the Livingston path network, quiet country road and surfaced track. Smooth narrow tyres may find some of it a bit bumpy.

We will start at 1030am from Howden Park Centre, Livingston and take the Livingston path network to The Lanthorn and Dedridge Pond. Follow the Waverley Path through Dedridge and Adambrae to Bellsquarry. Path to Polbeth and join the recently completed Community Links path to West Calder

Toilets and refreshments at West Calder Community Centre. There is a machine serving hot and cold drinks. Bring something to eat or buy at a nearby shop.

Return along Main Street West Calder, down Cleuch Brae for a short distance, turning right for Easter Breich where we join the path by Breich water and follow it to the River Almond and through Kirkton Campus to Livingston Village and back to HPC. 

  • The distance is about 12 miles. You can also drop off at any part of the route and cycle as far as you feel comfortable with. 
  • There is no need to wear special cycle clothing something comfy. We don't ask you to wear a helmet, it is not a lawful requirement, it is a matter of personal choice.
  • Bring waterproof jacket & trousers, snacks and bottle of water, small tool kit for your bike, spare inner-tube, ensure the valve is the same as the existing one.
  • Check your bike is safe to ride. Recommend checking it over the day before the ride, checking brakes work, the chain is lubricated and the tyres set to the correct pressure, it makes cycling easier. The recommended pressure can be found on the side of the tyre, typically 35-85 PSI or 3-6 Bar. For other help, see Bike Maintenance Tips

To let us know how many to expect add some details to our Contact Us form. It does not commit you to attending. 

Post Ride

Easter Breich
11, including 2 newcomers came along. The weather was kind with no rain, a slightly chilly breeze.





Breich Water






















February News

Wednesday 20 January 2016

Saturday 6th February. Bike Maintenance Workshop

Now Full, waiting list operating. To register interest in a future event please 
add your name and E mail to our Contact Us Form

Introduction to Basic Bike Maintenance and Safety made possible with thre generous support of Put Your West Foot Forward

When - Saturday 6th February 1030am to 230pm.

Where - Murieston Village hall, Livingston. We have access to hall from 10am. Please arrive in time for a 1030am start

By bikeCycle Streets Map

By car & train - For those out with Livingston. Use the above map, Select the "Open Street Map default style" at the top RHS of the map. Follow the directions for Livingston South (not North) railway station. There should be space in the car park. Walk under the tunnel for the Glasgow platform. You will see the hall in front of you.

What will be covered 
  • Bike components
  • Bike safety check and fitting
  • Puncture repair
  • Brake replacement / adjustment
  • Gear indexing etc
  • Chain maintenance / replacing / repair 
  • Key learning points

If anyone has something they particularly want covered let us know in advance.

Bring - Bike (weather permitting), suitable clothing that may get marked.

You may wish to bring something to eat. There is a Coop a few minutes walk away.

In order to deal with those that come numbers will be limited to 8 on a first come first served basis. If there is demand we will try to organise another one.

To book your place add Email and name to our Contact Us Form

Cancelling - If you have to cancel please let us know so that the place can be offered to someone else.

Post Event

11 folk participated, some found out what tyre levers were for and tyres need inflated.




Next workshop - Saturday 19th March. Early booking advisedBook Here