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

April news 

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Next ride - Saturday 4th of June

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