Organised bike rides in and around Edinburgh

Welcome. On this page you'll find details of all organised bike rides in or near the Scottish capital. These rides are run by local cycling clubs, groups and individuals, and are mostly free of charge and open to all.

If you like the idea of cycling in congenial company with a knowledgeable leader, you're sure to find a run here that's right for you. Choose an event that's appropriate for your experience and level of fitness, and enjoy a great day out.

 

Friday
	2°	10 mph

Saturday
	7°	9 mph

Sunday
	10°	16 mph

Forthcoming rides

Sunday 8th December 2013 : CTC 40
A ride of about 40 miles, taken at a steady pace. These rides are aimed at cyclists who want something a little more demanding than the group's short rides but are not yet ready for their very long Wednesday or Saturday runs. There might be a café stop at some point during the day, but riders should bring food for a picnic lunch. Meet: For these rides, the meeting point is only decided a day or two in advance, and is announced on the group's message board. Cost and booking: Free; just turn up. Further information: CTC Lothians, or contact Maureen Young (0131 661 3325).

Saturday 14th December : Edinburgh 20-Milers
An easy-to-moderate ride, suitable both for occasional cyclists and those with a little more experience. These runs are a good choice for riders who are comfortable pedalling 15 miles or so in a day, but might not feel ready for a long strenuous day in the saddle. (If you haven't cycled for a while, or are unsure of your abilities, consider starting with EasyCycle instead; their runs are listed elsewhere on this page.) Most rides are 20 - 24 miles, which is taken at a "sociable" pace (8 - 9 mph over the day, which is not so fast that you can't keep up a conversation). The routes favour bike paths and quiet roads where possible. Lunch is usually at a café or pub, or bring a picnic if you prefer. Most rides end mid afternoon. Route and destination: Today's ride will explore bike routes in the west and north of the city, with a lunch stop in the Cramond area. The ride might end after dark, so be sure to bring lights. Meet: 10.30, at the north end of Middle Meadow Walk (junction of Lauriston Place) [map]. Cost and booking: Free; just turn up. Further information: Mike Lewis (0131 343 2520) or Livia Dyckhoff (0131 337 1315), or email See also the 20-Milers Blog.

Sunday 22nd December : CTC 40
A ride of about 40 miles, taken at a steady pace. These rides are aimed at cyclists who want something a little more demanding than the group's short rides but are not yet ready for their very long Wednesday or Saturday runs. There might be a café stop at some point during the day, but riders should bring food for a picnic lunch. Meet: For these rides, the meeting point is only decided a day or two in advance, and is announced on the group's message board. Cost and booking: Free; just turn up. Further information: CTC Lothians, or contact Maureen Young (0131 661 3325).

Sunday 22nd December : Short CTC Ride
A moderate ride of 15 to 20 miles, lasting two to three hours, mainly on cycle paths and tracks. The group maintains a steady speed, with occasional short breaks. The ride should appeal to cyclists of average fitness. Meet: 09.50 for a 10.00 start, at the Royal Commonwealth Pool, Dalkeith Road [map]. Cost and booking: Free; just turn up. Further information: CTC Lothian

Wednesday 25th December : 20-Milers Half-Day Ride
A short ride for Christmas morning. This ride will be taken at the group's usual relaxed pace, but at about twelve miles, will be only half the usual distance. The route will include bike paths and quiet roads in the city centre and nearby districts. The ride will finish by 13.00 at the latest. Note that there will be no lunch break. Meet: 10.30, at the north end of Middle Meadow Walk (junction of Lauriston Place) [map]. Cost and booking: Free; just turn up. Further information: Mike Lewis (0131 343 2520) or Livia Dyckhoff (0131 554 0577), or email See also the 20-Milers Blog.

Saturday 28th December : EasyCycle Short Ride
A short informal ride of 12 - 15 miles, which will be taken at a gentle pace with plenty of stops. These rides are especially suitable for less experienced riders and those who haven't cycled for a while. The route will mainly be on bike paths and quiet roads, and will try to avoid steep hills. There will be a pub or café stop at lunchtime, or bring a picnic if you prefer. Meet: 10.30, in front of Peter's Yard café, Middle Meadow Walk. Although the ride is planned to end before dark, you are advised to bring lights in case of delay. Cost and booking: Free. No need to book; just turn up. Further information: Logan Strang (0131 346 7786, ), or see the EasyCycle website.

Saturday 4th January 2014 : EasyCycle Bonus Ride
An additional EasyCycle ride for the new year. These are short informal rides of 12 - 15 miles, taken at a gentle pace with plenty of stops. They are especially suitable for less experienced riders and those who haven't cycled for a while. The route will mainly be on bike paths and quiet roads, and will try to avoid steep hills. There will be a pub or café stop at lunchtime, or bring a picnic if you prefer. Meet: Details of today's meeting place will appear here nearer the time. Although the ride will probably end before dark, you are strongly advised to bring lights. Cost and booking: Free. No need to book; just turn up. Further information: Logan Strang (0131 346 7786, ), or see the EasyCycle website.

Sunday 5th January : Spokes
A moderately-paced ride of 40 to 45 miles. These rides are aimed at the averagely-fit cyclist who rides regularly and is comfortable cycling for a reasonable period at 10 to 12 mph. Most rides include a longish lunch stop at a pub or café, or bring a picnic if you prefer. The ride will probably end around dark, so be sure to brings lights.  Meet: 10.00, at the Usher Hall, Lothian Road [map]. Cost and booking: Free, no need to book. Further information: Spokes, or contact Stuart Threlfall (0131 445 7073)

Saturday 11th January : Edinburgh 20-Milers
An easy-to-moderate ride, suitable both for occasional cyclists and those with a little more experience. These runs are a good choice for riders who are comfortable pedalling 15 miles or so in a day, but might not feel ready for a long strenuous day in the saddle. (If you haven't cycled for a while, or are unsure of your abilities, consider starting with EasyCycle instead; their runs are listed elsewhere on this page.) Most rides are 20 - 24 miles, which is taken at a "sociable" pace (8 - 9 mph over the day, which is not so fast that you can't keep up a conversation). The routes favour bike paths and quiet roads where possible. Lunch is usually at a café or pub, or bring a picnic if you prefer. Most rides end mid afternoon. Route and destination: Details of today's route will be posted here nearer the time. Meet: 10.30, at the north end of Middle Meadow Walk (junction of Lauriston Place) [map]. Cost and booking: Free; just turn up. Further information: Mike Lewis (0131 343 2520) or Livia Dyckhoff (0131 337 1315), or email See also the 20-Milers Blog.

Sunday 12th January : CTC 40
A ride of about 40 miles, taken at a steady pace. These rides are aimed at cyclists who want something a little more demanding than the group's short rides but are not yet ready for their very long Wednesday or Saturday runs. There might be a café stop at some point during the day, but riders should bring food for a picnic lunch. Meet: 10.00, at the Royal Commonwealth Pool, Dalkeith Road [map]. Cost and booking: Free; just turn up. Further information: CTC Lothians.

Monday 13th January : Lothian Cyclists Monday Madness
A sociable group who cycle at a moderate pace, cheerfully waiting for stragglers, and usually with a lunch stop at a café or pub. Today's run will be a short (about 25 miles) ride through the city, taking in the Union Canal, Innocent Railway and Silverknowes Esplanade, with short refreshment stops in Portobello and Cramond. The ride should end mid afternoon. Meet: 10.30, at the Meggetland sports complex (near the North Meggetland Bridge over the canal). Further information and booking: You are asked to book in advance on the group's Meetup page (registration required); this also has further information about the group, including contact details.

Sunday 19th January : Short CTC Ride
A moderate ride of 15 to 20 miles, lasting two to three hours, mainly on cycle paths and tracks. The group maintains a steady speed, with occasional short breaks. The ride should appeal to cyclists of average fitness. Meet: 09.50 for a 10.00 start, at the Royal Commonwealth Pool, Dalkeith Road [map]. Cost and booking: Free; just turn up. Further information: CTC Lothian

Wednesday 28th May to Sunday 1st June : St. Columba's Celtic Challenge
A 200-mile charity ride from Edinburgh to Iona, in aid of St. Columba's Hospice. The registration fee includes four nights accommodation, all meals and refreshments, all ferry fares, the services of tour guides and support vehicles, and return transport to Edinburgh at the end of the ride. Cost: £150 per person, plus a suggested sponsorship target of £1,200. Registration and further information: Download a registration form or contact the organisers by email () or phone (0131 551 1318). Note that the registration deadline is 25 April 2014.

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Other bike-related events

Wednesday 1st January 2014 : Edinburgh Triathlon 2014
The Edinburgh Triathlon is a competitive event, but one that's open to everyone: serious triathletes and fun-runners alike (about a third of all participants are running a triathlon for the first time). Relay team entries are welcome. Those taking part will face a 400-metre swim (eight lengths of the Commonwealth Pool), an 11-mile cycle ride (three times round Arthur’s Seat), and a 3½-mile run (once round Arthur’s Seat). There is a separate duathlon for 8 – 15 year-olds; this involves two short runs and a two-kilometre bike ride, all on closed roads. The event is open to spectators. Time and place: The event starts and finishes at the Royal Commonwealth Pool, Dalkeith Road [map], the kids' race at 11.30, the main event at 12.30. More information: John Whittaker (0131 454 0900), or see the event's web page.

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