Organised bike rides in and around Edinburgh

This page provides an up-to-date listing of all organised cycle rides in or near the Scottish capital. These rides are run by local cycling clubs and groups, and are mostly free of charge and open to all.

If you like the idea of cycling in congenial company with a knowledgeable guide, 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 you'll have a great day out.

 

Saturday
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Sunday
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Monday
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Lights needed: 22:29

Regular weekly rides

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Other organised rides

Sunday 5th July 2009 : Spokes
A moderately-paced ride of about 50 miles. Spokes rides are longer and faster than 20-Milers and TryCycling runs but not as demanding as full-day CTC outings. They 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 should end at about 17.00. Meet: 10.00, at the Usher Hall, Lothian Road. Cost and booking: Free, no need to book. Further information: Spokes, or contact Stuart Threlfall (0131 445 7073)

Saturday 11th July : 20-Milers
An easy-to-moderate ride, suitable both for occasional cyclists and those with a little more experience. These runs are good choice for the "intermediate" rider - those who are comfortable cycling more than a few miles at a time but might not feel ready for a long day out. They favour easy paths and gentle gradients where possible, and aim to avoid heavy traffic. Today's route will explore some interesting bike paths in the Balerno, Ratho and Riccarton areas, with lunch at the Bridge Inn, Ratho, or a canal-side picnic spot. At 24 miles, this will be slightly longer than normal, but will be taken at the usual gentle pace. The 20-Milers Blog has details and photos of previous rides. Meet: 10.30, at the north end of Middle Meadow Walk (junction of Lauriston Place). Cost and booking: Free; just turn up. Further information: Mike Lewis (0131 343 2520) or Livia Dyckhoff (0131 554 0577), or email

Sunday 19th July : 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: 10.00, at the Royal Commonwealth Pool, Dalkeith Road. Cost and booking: Free; just turn up. Further information: CTC Lothians, or contact Anne Carter (0131 657 2189).

Sunday 19th July : Spokes Extra
The first of three additional Spokes runs this summer. At 60 - 80 miles, these extra rides are longer than the usual first-Sunday outings, with an earlier start and shorter lunch break, but at about the same overall speed. They should appeal to a reasonably fit cyclist who enjoys a long day in the saddle. Picnic lunch recommended. Cost and booking: Free, no need to book. Further information: Spokes, or contact Stuart Threlfall (0131 445 7073)

Sunday 2nd August : Spokes
A moderately-paced ride of about 50 miles. Spokes rides are longer and faster than 20-Milers and TryCycling runs but not as demanding as full-day CTC outings. They 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 should end at about 17.00. Meet: 10.00, at the Usher Hall, Lothian Road. Cost and booking: Free, no need to book. Further information: Spokes, or contact Stuart Threlfall (0131 445 7073)

Saturday 8th August : 20-Milers
An easy-to-moderate ride, suitable both for occasional cyclists and those with a little more experience. These runs are good choice for the "intermediate" rider - those who are comfortable cycling more than a few miles at a time but might not feel ready for a long day out. They favour easy paths and gentle gradients where possible, and aim to avoid heavy traffic. Lunch is usually at a cafe or pub, or bring a picnic if you prefer. Details of today's route and destination will be posted here nearer the time.The 20-Milers Blog has details and photos of previous rides. Meet: 10.30, at the north end of Middle Meadow Walk (junction of Lauriston Place). Cost and booking: Free; just turn up. Further information: Mike Lewis (0131 343 2520) or Livia Dyckhoff (0131 554 0577), or email

Sunday 16th August : 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: 10.00, at the Royal Commonwealth Pool, Dalkeith Road. Cost and booking: Free; just turn up. Further information: CTC Lothians, or contact Anne Carter (0131 657 2189).

Sunday 16th August : Spokes Extra
The second of three additional Spokes runs this summer. At 60 - 80 miles, these extra rides are longer than the usual first-Sunday outings, with an earlier start and shorter lunch break, but at about the same overall speed. They should appeal to a reasonably fit cyclist who enjoys a long day in the saddle. Picnic lunch recommended. Cost and booking: Free, no need to book. Further information: Spokes, or contact Stuart Threlfall (0131 445 7073)

Monday 17th August to Sunday 23rd August : Edinburgh to London Charity Ride
A six-day sponsored ride, from Edinburgh Castle to Buckingham Palace, in aid of Right To Play (a charity which "improves the lives of the the most disadvantaged children in the world"). With stages from 54 to 105 miles per day, this ride will appeal to fit, active riders. You can also sign up for individual days (the first day is 54 miles to Berwick on Tweed, with the possibility of returning to Edinburgh by train). Cost: £85 registration fee, plus £815 "sponsorship pledge", which includes seven nights accommodation, all meals, transport of luggage and the services of a support vehicle. Further information and registration: Students for Right to Play; phone: 0207 734 7946; email:

Saturday 22nd August : Mellow Velo Short Ride
A leisurely 25-mile circuit, taking in Davidson's Mains, Cramond Brig, Kirkliston and Ratho, with a refreshment stop at the Craigie Farm café. Meet: 10.00, at Canonmills Tesco, Broughton Road.  Further information: Sheelagh (), or see the Mellow Velo website.

Sunday 13th September : Pedal for Scotland
Scotland's largest charity bike ride. The annual ride from Glasgow to Edinburgh attracts around 5,000 riders of all ages and abilities. The route is approximately 50 miles, mainly on quiet roads, which you do at your own pace, with plenty of rest and refreshment stops along the way. This year's charity is Maggie's Cancer Caring Centre. Cost and booking: Advanced registration required. £19.50 (£11.50 children and concessions) plus sponsorship money. Discounts for team entries. Transport from Edinburgh to the start in the morning (or back to Glasgow in the evening): £13 one way, for bike and rider. Register on-line More information: Phone 01695 682 020, email , or visit the Pedal for Scotland website.

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Other bike-related event

Saturday 18th July 2009 to Sunday 19th July 2009 : Edinburgh Treefest
Mountain bike displays are one of the many events in this weekend-long family festival. The programme also includes interactive crafts, horse logging, axe throwing, tree climbing demos, various games, a skate ramp, entertainment, refreshments, information stalls and more. Time and place: 11.00 to 17.00 each day, at Inverleith Park. Cost: Free.

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