Organised bike rides in and around Edinburgh

Now in its tenth year, this page gives 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 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 your experience and level of fitness.

Thank you to everyone who has supported this site over the last decade - and especially those who have organised and led the rides, and everyone else who has helped make Edinburgh a first-class cycling community.

 

Thursday
	9°	21 mph

Friday
	9°	20 mph

Saturday
	11°	25 mph

Sunset: 17:55

Last updated: 2nd March

Forthcoming rides

Sunday 8th March 2015 : 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: The meeting point for these rides varies, and is only confirmed a few days in advance, 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 March : 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: For details of today's route and lunch stop, please check back 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: Email See also the 20-Milers Blog.

Sunday 15th March : CTC Short 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: The meeting point for these rides varies, and is only confirmed a few days in advance, on the group's message board. Cost and booking: Free; just turn up. Further information: CTC Lothian

Sunday 22nd March : 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: The meeting point for these rides varies, and is only confirmed a few days in advance, on the group's message board. Cost and booking: Free; just turn up. Further information: CTC Lothians, or contact Maureen Young (0131 661 3325).

Friday 27th March : Critical Mass
An informal evening ride around the streets of the city. Critical Mass is aimed at riders who enjoy the safety and freedom of riding in a group and those who like being part of a community of cyclists. It also aims to promote the visibility of cyclists within the city (but it's not a confrontational demo). There is no fixed route or distance. Rides go at a gentle pace, and generally last an hour or two, sometimes with the option of a drink, meal or movie afterwards. Families are welcome. Time and place: Meet at the Scottish National Gallery at the foot of the Mound, at 17.30 for an 18.00 start. Cost and booking: Free, with no need to book in advance. Just turn up. Further information: See the Critical Mass FAQ, or contact Harry Walton (email: ; phone: 07903 618515).

Sunday 29th March : 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. 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 April : Spokes
A moderately-paced ride of about 50 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. With the return of British Summer Time, today's ride will be a little longer than of late, ending around 17.00. 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 April : 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 - 20 miles in a day, but don't feel ready for a longer or more strenuous day out. (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: For details of today's route and lunch stop, please check back 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: Email See also the 20-Milers Blog.

Sunday 12th April : 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: The meeting point for these rides varies, and is only confirmed a few days in advance, on the group's message board. Cost and booking: Free; just turn up. Further information: CTC Lothians, or contact Maureen Young (0131 661 3325).

Wednesday 13th May to Sunday 17th May : 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:  See the event's web page, or contact the organisers by email () or phone (0131 551 1381).

Saturday 16th May to Sunday 17th May : 20-Milers Peebles Weekend
A two-day ride from Edinburgh, with an overnight stop in Peebles. On the Saturday, the group will cycle to Peebles via the Gladhouse Reservoir, Eddleston, the Meldons and Lyne Station. The return route on the Sunday will be by way of Innerleithen and Middleton. The distance will be about 40 miles each day, which will be taken at a moderate, unpressured pace. Accommodation: Riders should arrange their own accommodation in Peebles (the group will meet up for an evening meal). Booking and further information: Please contact Glenn Brearley,

Saturday 13th June : Edinburgh to St Andrews (Lepra) Ride 2015
The annual charity run to St Andrews in aid of leprosy relief. This is a demanding 68-mile ride through the Fife countryside, with more than a few hills to climb en route. But there's a great atmosphere, and you'll get a wonderful sense of achievement when you finish. You ride at your own pace, either alone or in the company of others, enjoying excellent scenery and superb refreshment stops along the way. A repair van and first-aiders accompany the ride. Time and place: The ride starts at 08.45 from the west gate of Inverleith Park. Cost and booking: Advanced registration required. £10 per person (£5 concessions). Transport back to Edinburgh is £15 for a rider and bike.  Further information: Click here for full details of the St. Andrews ride, including an overview of the route, how to register, and the organisers' contact details.

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Other bike-related events

Thursday 26th March 2015 : Spokes Public Meeting
A meeting on the future of Edinburgh city centre, particularly from the cyclist's point of view. Important decisions are to be taken soon on the future of central Edinburgh, including the possible cutting back of bus/cycle lanes, the extension of the 20 mph speed limit, and what will happen to the segregated George Street bike route. Will the city centre continue to be dominated by motor traffic, or can it become more pedestrian- and cycle-friendly? This is your chance to hear from council and business leaders, and to give your views. Time and place: Augustine United Church, George IV Bridge. Coffee, stall and chat from 18.45; meeting starts at 19.30. The meeting is free and open to all. Further information: email , phone 07501 381018, or see this page on the Spokes site.

Saturday 25th April : Pedal on Parliament 2015
The date has now been fixed for this very popular - and important - event. Full details will be posted here as they become available. For now, note the date in your diary.

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