In an effort to get myself back into the turf groove, I set off into Edinburgh with Mr Bumble, the single speed Brompton with the aim of taking at least 10 zones towards the Edinburgh Rood mission. Ideally, I’d like to get another 20 zones but 10 always looks more manageable. However, I got nowhere near 10 zones for that mission and my efforts went into something entirely different.
Started off as usual out by Blackford hill, where free parking can still be found. But for how long that will remain, I dread to wonder. For first target zone was MiddleMeadow, that very same zone where I managed to block myself last time. The next was MiniGarden, not so far away on Clerk Street. So good so far. The next zone in the sequence, I should point out that the Edinburgh Rood must be taken in strict alphabetical order, or your basically
Turf Zone – PenielZone
Actually, getting there was not too bad, being mostly downhill, just the usual busy traffic, herds of buses, stop-anywhere taxi cabs, traffic light ignoring cyclists, crazy don’t bother looking pedestrians and even some kamikaze feral pigeons to avoid, as is normal for Edinburgh. Yes, and there loads of bloody granite cobbles down there as well. I hate cobbles! Of course, what goes downhill will likely need to go back uphill again for the next zone. Must have some words with the mission creator next time I see her.
So, didn’t even try to cycle the single speed Brompton up the steep Dublin Street. Just walked instead which is probably just as quick. Then there’s Princess Street to deal with and that’s not for the faint hearted. First there’s the herds of buses hunting for passengers and the snake-like trams doing much the same. You feel like a very small fish suddenly finding yourself in a shoal of very large fish. And there’s also those wheel-trapping tram lines to be aware of. The trick is always to cross them at an angle, never cross them while riding in the same direction. Why the powers that be didn’t install tram lines that are bicycle safe is beyond me. Other countries manage, so why not Scotland?
Turf Zone – CliftonHall
My next target zone was NCR754, located on the Union Canal near Fountain bridge. And this is where I strayed from my original path. Zone NCR754 is also on another turf mission, Canal Quest 754 Westbound (and the Eastbound one as well). So, this got me thinking. I already have the first zone, the starting off zone, LochrinBasin, so might as well grab the next one, RopeWalk. Taking zone NCR754 would give me three towards Canal Quest 754 Westbound.
Then that thing you get with turf pops up. You know the one, goes something like, I’ll just get one more zone. Then you just get another, and another, and another. Well, that’s what happened to me. Thought, I’ll just grab a few more, maybe up to 10, that’s a nice round number to start the mission. Then, Wester Hailes isn’t that far, I’ll stop there and turn back. Hmm, what about continuing to Hermiston. You get the picture? To cut a long story short I ended up in Winchburgh with 50 zones taken today, bringing my Canal Quest 754 Westbound total to 51 zones. Dead chuffed with that.
Turf Zone – ChickenCurry
I’ve done a bit of canal path cycling but not all that much, just a few zones taken while unique hunting in the city. Perhaps the best thing about canal paths is that they are flat, cannot be anything else really or the water would escape. Ideal for single speed cycling though heading westwards meant a strong headwind in places, particularly out by Ratho and approaching Broxburn. Surfaces vary widely, from smooth tarmac to rough cobbles under bridges. Add to the mix tree roots breaking through the path surface and stretches overgrown with stinging nettles, thistles, rasp canes and brambles, all making for some interesting times.
Then there’s the denizens of the canal path. The male cyclists who think its their personal Strava race track. The walkers and joggers listening to music and oblivious to anything around them, especially cyclists approaching from the rear. Serves them right if they get a fright when I pass. I always ring the bell, even shout at times, but tough titty if they cannot hear me. However, most canal denizens are sensible and courteous, it’s the minority that stands out. Like the woman on a bike that couldn’t work out that there’s not enough room to pass if you stay in the middle of the path. I had to dive for the bushes when her single brain cell stopped working.
Turf Zone – BroxCanal
Anyway, my session on the Canal Quest 754 Westbound was informative. It showed that a batch of 50 or so zones was fairly easy to achieve, baring in mind that you need to cycle back afterwards. Thinking my next session will start in Winchburgh, heading out as far as zone 100 Bantaskine at Falkirk, though I see the Falkirk Wheel (zone 106) is only a few zones further on, so will likely finish the session there Looking forwards to that. One tip, start your ride into the prevailing head wind while you are still fresh and return with an assisting tailwind on the return cycle when you are knackered! Of course, jumping on a train is always another option.
Navigating the zones along these lineal canal routes is fairly easy but don’t get too complacent. One missed zone will mean those that follow don’t count and you will need to return to the zone your didn’t take and that might be 20 or more zones ago! So, be 100% certain the zone is yours before continuing to the next zone and occasionally double check by looking at the official mission listings. Back soon.
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