Saturday 3rd November. Uphall, Broxburn, Union Canal & Almondell Park.

Route map for L20M_20181103_XRA by Eric Ingram on plotaroute.com

A casual ride exploring a mix of the Livingston path network, quiet country road and surfaced track

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 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 along the cycle path by the A89  to where it meets the Union Canal where we will follow it out of Broxburn to Muirend and join a quiet road to the north gate of Almondell Park. Continue through the park on route 75 of Sustrans National Cycle Network stopping at the visitor centre and out of the west gate crossing Pumpherston Road to re join the Livingston Path Network through Almond Park, Craigshill on  and back to HPC.

The path through the park to the west entrance on Pumpherston Road had been temporarily closed for 6 weeks from 1st October due to general drainage maintenance. It is now open.

• 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.

Next Ride March 2019


Other

October News

SPOKES Bulletin 132 Winter 2018/19 

Saturday 6th October. Harburn, West Calder & Killandean Burn

Route map for Harburn & West Calder O by Livingston 20 Milers on plotaroute.com

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

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

Return along the cycle path between West Calder and Polbeth to Bellsquarry, down Adambrae and along by Alba Campus to Killandean Path, where a Kingfisher may be seen, passing the allotments then to Livingston Village and back to HPC with the option of coffee / tea and cake 🍰

• 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. 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.


Photographs will be taken and may be used for publicity by ourselves and Sutrans. If you do not wish any photos involving you to be used let me know.

October News

Next ride Saturday 3rd November

Saturday 1st September. Bathgate, Easter Inch Moss and River Almond

   

A social 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. 

We will be at the cafe at Howden Park Centre, Livingston from just after 10 and leave at 1030am and take route 75 of Sustrans National Cycle Network to Livingston Village, NCN 75 to Starlaw Road cycle path. 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 Easter Breich path beside the river, onto the Livington path network 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. 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. Or just turn up on the day.


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. 

September News

Next ride Saturday 6th October

Saturday 4th August. Kirkliston

 
A social ride using a mix of the Livingston path network, National Cycle Network route 754, 75, canal tow path, quiet country road and surfaced cycle track. Smooth narrow tyres may find some of it a bit bumpy.

We will meet at the cafe at Howden Park Centre, Livingston from after 10 and leave at 1030am and go along the Loan Path through Ladywell turning east onto the Harrysmuir Path to Pumpherston. A short section along Drumshoreland Road and onto the East Calder to Uphall Station Path, joining the cycle path by the A89 onto the Union Canal and NCN 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. There is a drinks machine.

The return route will be along an off road cycle path from Kirkliston to Newbridge then cycle path by the A89 and crossing at the railway arches onto the minor road for Birdsmill and Muirend and back through Almondell Country 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

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

Next Ride Saturday 1st September

Saturday 7th July. Ratho Climbing Centre, Union Canal and Almondell Park

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. 

We will meet at the cafe at Howden Park Centre, Livingston from just after 10 and leave at 1030am and go along route 75 of Sustrans National Cycle Network, through Almondell Country Park, look out for the Kingfisher that flies between the two weirs at the east end of the park. Leave the park at the East Calder entrance onto Clifton Road to and minor road to path beside Clifton Hall Road to the EICA, worlds biggest indoor climbing centre for a refreshment stop, bring something to eat or buy at the cafe. It can be busy and there can be a queue.

We will take a track from the car park, downhill to Wilkies Basin onto the newly surfaced mud free Union Canal tow path (NCN754) and across Linns Mill Aqueduct to Muirend, by quiet road to Roman Camps, 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.

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

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.

Map Download, for those with Garmin devices, they can use these public links...

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/19334221

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/19334428

June News

Next Ride Saturday 4th August

Saturday 2nd June. 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.

We will meet at the cafe at Howden Park Centre, Livingston from just after 10 and leave at 1030am
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.

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

May News

Next Ride Saturday 7th July

SPOKES Bulletin 131 Summer 2018

Saturday 5th May. Broxburn and Union Canal

A casual ride using a mix of the Livingston path network, quiet country road and surfaced track

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 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 along the cycle path by the A89  to where it meets the Union Canal where we will follow it out of Broxburn to Muirend and 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.

May News

Next Ride Saturday 2nd June

Spokes Bulletin 130 Spring 2018

The bicycle is just as good company as most husbands and, when it gets old and shabby, a woman can dispose of it and get a new one without shocking the entire community. 

Ann Strong Minneapolis Tribune, 1895.

Saturday 7th April. Bathgate & Easter Inch Moss

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

We will be at the cafe at Howden Park Centre, Livingston from just after 10 and leave at 1030am.

Take route 75 of Sustrans National Cycle Network to Livingston Village, NCN 75 to Starlaw Road cycle path and continuing across 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 to Bathgate Fire Station and the cycle path between Starlaw and Boghall roundabout. Cycle path by Starlaw Road to rejoin the NCN 75 in Livingston and onto the Livingston Path network, to Livingston North Station, Follyburn Path to Peel Park the site of  the place Livingston got its name from. Path and bridge across Cousland Road 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. 

March News

Next ride Saturday 5th May