I need to get out. If i make it to the shop by 7 i'll see you there but don't wait. Any ideas of the route? I can always head the same way or intercept you somewhere?

cheers
Mark (or Random Integrale Bloke)

Hi Squad **waves**

Just back from Orkney, & too much to do ahead of work tomorrow to make it tonight… Shame, desperate to regale everyone with tales of Balblair & Golspie. So think yourselves lucky! Enjoy.

Only saw a couple of other mountain bikers up there this evening, although the Harlaw car-park was just about the busiest I've seen it mid-week as there was some open water swimming going on in the reservoir, plus quite a lot of runners.

I decided to stay low and in the trees and out of the wind as it was pretty blowy, and quite muddy in places as well.

I want more of our rides to involve people riding into seemingly innocent puddles that turn out to be about 3 feet deep. As long as it's not me. Another fine ride, cheers!

(Rigid forks are the new nichecore you know.)

i slept well last night and I can still feel it in my legs this morning. A great ride out and it didn't rain too- bonus. I must say I was made up by the huge response at the suggestion of a bivvy trip…. 😉 I think the concept needs to sink in with some people or pehaps the idea of BBQs and beer are alien to a bunch of honed athletes with only thoughts on the next training block and racing?

Chocolate Chute is just off the water of leith footpath, it's easiest to find from the bottom, out near Balerno. It's right before the last proper bridge, where the footpath/railway line crosses over the river for the last time before you reach the end of the main path, at Balerno. Ride out to that bridge and look left, ie south, and you'll see a sort of muddy flight of steps leading up, which turns into a load of roots.

If you bash this into google maps this is more or less where it starts. 55.891815, -3.320793 It's a short push up or heroically ridden climb, then the rest is easily rideable as a climb, but it's definately a descent.