Turf Zone – HiHoooSilver
A very good day yesterday, 93 zones taken along the Roslin to Shawfair loop, adding almost 18,000 points and a bunch of Round uniques as well. And best of all, no blocking or ghosting, at least that I noticed while riding. Weather was typical of early Autumn, a chilly east wind and low temperatures had me wrapping up well to start, then the sun breaks through and you soon get too hot and sweaty, especially after that punishing climb from Roslin Glen to Roslin, after which you wish you’d brought along some lighter clothing to change into. Perhaps the biggest pain in the butt today was dog walkers, seemed like there was a dog walking convention going on along the first half of the route.
I was riding my ultimate turfing bicycle today, the Ribble CGR SL, and I must admit that my previous scepticism about gravel bikes being a marketing ploy to get you to purchase another style of bike and that drop handlebars being used off-road was daft, was quite wrong. I’m actually quite astonished how good the Ribble is on rough gravel tracks. I even rode across a stubble field without any bother to reach zone NewtonChurch. So, pleased I bought it.
Turf Zone – HelloBypasser
One change I’m making is to increase the carrying capacity. The handlebar bag and small top tube bag are just not enough, particularly at this time of year when you get the entire spectrum of temperatures in a single day, even within a few hours of the morning. So, I’ve got an Alpkit Stingray custom frame bag on order. It will fill most of the main triangle and replace the existing top tube bag. Both bottle cages will also be removed. Should give me enough capacity for my requirements.
My route yesterday took me from home in Bonnyrigg up and along the Penicuik to Musselburgh cycleway as far as the turn off for the old gunpowder mill, then up that bloody steep and dodgy climb to Roslin. I was surprised to see how busy the cycleway was as I thought it was closed for resurfacing. However, a message from turfer Hodge revealed it was open for the weekend. So that explained that mystery.
Turf Zone – DougalHaston
After clearing all the zones in Roslin, including zone NoMoreStripes, which has been relocated further west due to previous building and resurfacing works on the track. It’s now one of those annoying zones that are off any easy loop and require you to double back after taking it. Perhaps it could be moved back to its original home now that the track is open again? Hint, hint.
Next the cycle way to Shawfair and, as always, the temptation is there to try to better your Eager Ferret time, along the Loanhead Ferret Run. However, this time on a Saturday means loads of runners, dithery dog walkers, gangs of Hells Grannies pushing prams and more horses than the Dothraki had in Game of Thrones. Better left for another day.
Turf Zone – CurriehillStn
Today was a day of uniques, both for myself towards my 2500 Unique medal and for Team Scotland in the Turf Ultimate Region Fight 2024. My hunting ground the villages of Currie and Balerno, two areas I’ve only even passed through before never mind turfed. Starting at Wester Hailes, my plan was to make my way through Curries, then Balerno, returning downstream along the Water of Lieth path, there to pick off a few zones I missed on a previous visit due to resurfacing work. Initial thoughts included an option to grab some of the countryside zones towards the Pentland Hill but I’ve left those for a separate visit. Managed to get around 70 uniques, bringing my total to 2367, though a lot of too and froing meant for a tiring day in the saddle.
Had an interesting wee encounter with a lovely lady in Currie. As I was cycling from zone to zone I met her the first time and we exchanged hello’s. Then I came across her a second time and this time, a smile and a hello. Then not long after our paths crossed again and we stopped to chat for a while. And yes, I ran into her again soon after. It’s a small world when you are out turfing.
Turf Zone – CrossQuickly
That separate visit will be for the 30 or so zones between the Water of Leith and the Pentland Hills, the zones on the lower slopes before climbing gets too serious. That will be on the new bike when it arrives, the Sonder Broken Road. I did check out some of the tracks but they were pretty rough farm tracks, full of golf ball sized cobbles and the like. Hopefully, the larger tyres of the new bike will make things that little bit easier and quicker. Back soon.
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