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
	3°	4 mph

Sunday
	4°	4 mph

Monday
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Regular weekly rides

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Other organised rides

Sunday 5th February 2012 : 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. Today's ride should end around 16.30, but you are advised to bring lights in case of delay. 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 February : 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 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 café or pub, or bring a picnic if you prefer. Details of today's route and destination will appear 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 554 0577), or email See also the 20-Milers Blog, which has details and photos of previous rides.

Sunday 19th February : 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 Lothians.

Sunday 19th February to Saturday 25th February : Storybikes Snowdrop Tour of the Scottish Borders
A seven-day (six nights) guided tour from Berwick upon Tweed to Edinburgh, with stories along the way. Led by professional story-teller Andy Hunter, the stories will include tales of the Borders such as those of Tam Lin, Thomas the Rhymer, tragedies and kings. Accommodation is in hotels and guest houses, with overnight stops at Berwick, Newbattle, Peebles, Selkirk, Kelso and Edinburgh. Evening meals and some sightseeing included. The ride will be at an easy pace of 20 to 30 miles per day. Bike hire (including electric bikes) also available. Cost: £675 per person, based on two people sharing, or £710 for single accommodation. Further information: Andy Hunter (, 07762 000039), or see the Storybikes web site.

Sunday 26th February : CTC
A ride of about 40 miles, taken at a gentle pace. These rides are aimed at cyclists who want something a little more challenging than the group's short rides but are not yet ready for their 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, by the entrance to Scottish Widows in Holyrood Park Road (opposite the Royal Commonwealth Pool [map]). Cost and booking: Free; just turn up. Further information: CTC Lothians, or contact Maureen Young (0131 661 3325).

Sunday 26th February : EasyCycle Short Ride
A short informal ride of about 12 miles, which will be taken at a gentle pace with plenty of stops. These rides are especially suitable for less experienced adult riders and those who haven't cycled for a while (16- and 17-year olds are also welcome if accompanied by a responsible adult, but no under-16s please). The route will mainly be on bike paths and quiet roads, and will avoid steep hills. There will be a café stop at lunchtime, or bring a picnic if you prefer. The ride should end about 3 pm. 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, ).

Sunday 4th March : 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. Today's ride should end around 16.30. 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 10th March : 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 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 café or pub, or bring a picnic if you prefer. Details of today's route and destination will appear 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 554 0577), or email See also the 20-Milers Blog, which has details and photos of previous rides.

Sunday 6th May to Friday 11th May : Big Green Bike Ride
A 500-mile, six-day sponsored ride from London to Edinburgh, in aid of Friends of the Earth. You can do either the entire ride, or join it for a single day (the last day of the ride is 85 miles, from Alnwick to Edinburgh). The ride is fully marshalled, with medical and mechanical support. Tented accommodation and organic food are provided. Riders must make their own arrangements for transport to and from the start and end points. Further information and registration: www.biggreenbikeride.co.uk, email or phone 0800 581051.

Saturday 16th June : Edinburgh to St Andrews (Lepra) Ride 2012
The date of this year's St. Andrews ride has been provisionally fixed for 16th June. Full details of the ride will appear here as soon as the date has been confirmed.

Thursday 12th July to Sunday 15th July : Edinburgh to Dublin Cycle Challenge
A challenging 220-mile ride through Scotland and Ireland, in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care. This is a demanding ride, with up to 82 miles of cycling in a day, mainly on roads, and including some hilly sections. About 40 - 60 riders are expected to take part. Accommodation, meals, transport of luggage while cycling, return flights to Edinburgh, and return transport for bikes are all provided, as are medical and mechanical support and the services of a tour guide. Cost: £150 registration fee (non-refundable); £1,250 minimum sponsorship. Further information and registration: Phone 08700 340 040, email , or visit the event's website. Prospective riders are advised to register early so as to allow plenty of time to get fit and for raising sponsorship money.

Sunday 9th September : Pedal for Scotland (Glasgow to Edinbugh) 2012
The date of this year's Pedal for Scotland has been fixed for 9th September. Full details of the ride will appear here as soon as they are available.

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Other bike-related events

Friday 13th April 2012 to Sunday 15th April 2012 : The Sottish Bike Show 2012
A large exhibition of bikes, accessories and cycling-related products and services, with competitions, presentations and a bike test track. Exhibitors will include bike manufacturers, retailers, training organisations and holiday companies. Cost: £10 at the door, with discounts for children and families. Venue: SECC, Glasgow. Further information: Scottish Bike Show website, email , or phone 07990 686 940.

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