[Closed] The official 'Edinburgh-to-Glasgow along the Canal' thread

😆

Im interrested as mentioned on old thread, i've just seen though it took you 6 hours the last time ?? It's only 67 miles...

Well, the average speed was down at 10.8mph as you're negotiating walkers and dogs, and having to get round the gates. Me being on a SS probably slowed Bob down a bit too!

I was gonna comment on the speed/distance thing, because I thought there would be some incredulity.

Normally, I'd think nothing of a 60-mile run on the roads, but the canal towpath is narrow and can be busy. The surface is also quite soft in places and there's definitely a [i]lot[/i] more effort involved that required on a fast road. Add in a bit of socialisng en route...

Anyone fancy a Race along it ? I reckon i could do it in 4 hours.

From the British Waterways website...

Never race one another or perform speed trials. If you need to get somewhere quickly, use a road.

I use it to commute and quite happily sit at 16-17mph down it, slowing a little for peds and dogs on long leads 😀

I'll have to check my diary - I may be repairing a car that weekend.

It was probably closer to 5 hours

Set off from Haymarket at 9:30am

Arrived at Linlithgow at 12pm

Left Linlithgow just before 1:30pm after lunch and a stop in Tesco for some jelly babies

1/2 hour stop at the Falkirk Wheel

Arrived at the pub in Glasgow circa 4:30pm (just checked my phone and I sent a text from the pub not long after that)

So somewhere between 5 and 5.5 hours in the saddle

so all you glasgow lads get train to ed and ride home? is that the best way to ride it? I would as said before like to tag along on SS, do you need to book trains givn your taking bikes? and is there any other ed people up for it?

You can't book trains on the Edin-Gla service. Just turn up and hope for the best.

I'd be up for it but would have to be out and back for me as we can't easily get the tandem on a train. Glasgow to Edinburgh is usally best as thats the prevailing wind

I struggle to get my bike on a train, especially the new vigin trains, would hate to try with a tandem! tho there and back seems a bit harcore to me!

TandemJeremy - Member

I'd be up for it but would have to be out and back for me as we can't easily get the tandem on a train. Glasgow to Edinburgh is usally best as thats the prevailing wind

Deffo an option in June/July TJ. Lighter nights and all that....

Yeah it's always a joy getting on the Scumrail service for Edin-Glasg with a bike. You can't do anything though just show up and hope there is space - there are signs saying its reserved for bikes and can only be used if not needed so dont take any crap from people about it 😉

Are you actually not "allowed" to Race along it ? How would they determine your racing ?

slightly off topic... but is scotrail bad for that on all routes? was planning to tour a bit via train...

You can book on most routes. The Edin-Gla thing is on account of it really being a commuter route. As the trains are so regular, it makes little difference. Just turn up for the one before you [i]really[/i] need. On services like Gla-Oban/Fort Bill, or Edin-Inverness, you can book up to 6 weeks in advance.

I wouldn't be doing the whole way there and back 🙂 to the lunch stop and back more likely

In theory the tandem can go on the trains that run to Central - but its at the guards discretion and we have been refused.

Did it in december on a loaded touring bike ... muddy as ****, and hurt.

If you do half Jeremy, i might join you on that one, if thats ok? is it likely to be th 2nd?

[i]but is scotrail bad for that on all routes? was planning to tour a bit via train...[/i]
generally pretty good. i commute in on the fife line in the mornings with a bike most days and haven't had a problem with Scotrail in 2.5 years. Scotrail's customers on the other hand...

Dr Adams - that would be cool

So plans for Saturday?? Who is all going to be there??

Unfortunatley Weather not looking good Rai, rain and more rain for the rest of the week.) and looks like it might be a westerly wind so sounds like a Edinburgh start.

Is that this Saturday? As in this one coming, I'd be up for it if it's an edinburgh start...I will be riding my CX bike tho, is that ok?

Yes Saturday the 2nd. Depends what tyres you are going to be running. Its probably going to be muddy after all the rain so not sure how slicks would be. Can get a bit boggy at bits.

It's ok...I'm using the CX version of the venerable Continental Twisters.

TBH not sure what they are so cant comment lol.

This looks like a good thread to punt [url= http://gentlemencyclists.org/clubhouse/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=1963 ]The Dumb Run[/url], an overnighter from Dumbarton to St. Andrews. 🙂

Rev Will - Linky thing not working.

I am interested in a night ride, but I have yet to dig deep and buy some good lights. Just cant justify £200 odd quid for the amount of riding I will do.

If the bulk of folk are going Glasgow - Edinburgh I will probably ride out to their lunch point ( from Edinburgh) and back again if any Edinburgh residents want to join me.

I've fixed the link. You don't really need good lights. I do it with a pair of Cateye road LEDs. A couple of people on the ride bring halogens, but it isn't really dark for that long on the ride.

Think it might be Edinburgh to Glasgow with a Westerly wild. Wont know for definate till Thursday I would think the way the weather can change in Scotland.

Might be fun on a tandem if it gets boggy. Don't imagine it is easy to manouver around the really bad bits in that.

I'm afraid I won't be able to make it this weekend after all...

Xan - its no problem. We have ridden the tow path many times.

I'll be there, either direction.

lee thats a pitty you can't make it mate. TJ good stuff glad you'll be able to join us. Just need to hope the weather clears up.

Forecast for Sunday looks slightly better but it could change on an hourly basis between now and the weekend.

well know looks like i'll be out for this as well. Sorry guys change of plans that i won.t be able to go out to 12 which is too late to start i'm afraid.

TJ? Liked your idea of 'half way there and back again' if you're still planning on doing that?

Roadie - basically yes assuming I am not called into work

Bumpo

Are we still on for this?

Any more info??

Assume this is not happening.... I think i will have a ride down the WoL...