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