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.
Every Wednesday:
CTC
These runs are usually 50 to 60 miles. The pace varies to suit those
attending, but all rides should be within the capabilities of a
fairly fit cyclist. Bring food for a picnic lunch. The starting
times and contact details are the same each week, but the meeting
points and destinations vary. For details, please refer to
the current
rides list on the CTC web site.
Meet: 10.00. Cost and booking: Free; just turn up. Further
information: CTC
Lothians, or contact Peter Martin (0131 229 8615).
Every Saturday:
CTC
These are moderately-paced runs of up to 50 miles in winter, 70
miles in summer. The destination is chosen on the day according to
the weather and who turns up. They aim to stop at a cafe for tea in
the afternoon but you should take your own food for lunch. Meet: 10.00, at the Royal Commonwealth Pool, Dalkeith Road.
Cost and booking: Free; just turn up. Further
information: CTC
Lothians, or contact Neil Brearley (01968 677117).
Every
Saturday: Edinburgh RC
These rides are intended for serious cyclists interested in
riding at speed in a group. Each ride is split into five to six
groups, departing in stages between 9.30 and 9.50. The fastest
group (average speeds around 24 mph) starts at 9.30, with each
subsequent departure being progressively slower. The 9.50 group
has a designated leader and especially welcomes newcomers. There
is also a 10.00 departure, which is aimed at riders with serious
racing ambitions. The faster groups don't wait for stragglers. Most runs end
with a cafe stop in Marchmont. If you are
in doubt about whether these rides are suitable for you, please
consult the FAQ
on their website.
Meet: 09.30 to 10.00, at the Royal Commonwealth Pool, Dalkeith
Road. Cost and booking: Free. Non-members welcome, but
those who ride with the club regularly are requested to join. Further
information: Edinburgh
RC (email: erc@edinburghrc.co.uk).
Every
Sunday: Edinburgh RC
These are fast rides for serious cyclists interested in training to race. They
are suitable for cyclists who can sustain an average speed of 20
mph over reasonably long distances. They cover 60 - 80 miles
(slightly less in winter), and those unable to keep up should be prepared to find their own way
home. A slightly slower group averages 17 mph, covering a similar
distance. Most (not all) rides include a cafe stop in the afternoon. If you are
in doubt about whether these rides are suitable for you, please
consult the FAQ
on their website. Meet: 10.00, at the Tusitala Pavilion, Buckstone
Terrace.
Cost and booking: Free. Non-members welcome, but those who
ride with the club regularly are requested to join. Further
information: Edinburgh
RC (email: erc@edinburghrc.co.uk).
Saturday 10th
May 2008: 20-Milers An easy-to-moderate ride,
suitable both for occasional cyclists and those with a little more
experience. These rides are a
good choice for people who have been on TryCycling
runs and now want to step up to something slightly longer and faster. They favour easy paths and gentle
gradients where possible, and aim to avoid heavy traffic. Today's ride
will explore some especially attractive cycle routes in the south of the
city. The 19-mile route mainly follows bike paths and quiet roads, with
two short stretches on grass tracks. Lunch will be at the cafe at the
Mortonhall Garden Centre, or bring a picnic if you prefer. 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 Chris Pearson
(0131 343 2685), or see the 20-Milers
Blog.
Sunday 18th
May: 20-Milers Extra An additional ride, aimed at cyclists who want a slightly
longer run than the usual 20-Milers outings. Today's route will follow
bike paths and quiet roads to Dalkeith, returning via Musselburgh. Lunch
will be at the cafe in Dalkeith Country Park (hot drinks and snacks
available, or bring a picnic if you prefer), and there will also be a
short refreshment or ice cream break in Musselburgh on the way home.
Total distance will be about 28 miles, which will be taken at the usual
gentle pace. The ride will end around 16.00. Meet: 10.00, outside the Tourist Information Centre at the east
end of Princes Street. Note that this is different from the usual
meeting place, time and day.Cost and booking: Free; just turn up. Further
information: Mike Lewis (0131 343 2520).
Sunday 18th
May:
Short CTC Ride
An easy ride, lasting about two hours, mainly on cycle
paths and tracks. This ride is suitable for new and returning
cyclists and those who want to try cycling with a group. 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 25th May: TryCycling
TryCycling rides are suitable for novice cyclists and those who
are unsure of their abilities. Children under 16 are welcome if accompanied by a responsible
adult. At 16 miles, today's run will longer than usual, but will be taken at
a gentle
pace, with plenty of rest stops. This will be a particularly scenic
route through the south of the city to the edge of the Pentlands.
There'll be a lunch break at the cafe in the
Mortonhall Garden Centre, where light snacks are available, or bring a
picnic if you prefer. The ride should end around 15.00. Meet: 10.00, on the Meadows (junction of Middle Meadow Walk and
North Meadow Walk). Cost and booking: Free, but advanced booking
requested. Further information: TryCycling
in Edinburgh.
Saturday 31st May to Sunday 1st June: Mellow
Velo A two-day ride from Edinburgh
to New Lanark and back, with an overnight stay at New Lanark Hostel. Further information:Fiona@mellowvelo.org.uk,
or see the Mellow
Velo website.
Sunday 1st June: Spokes A moderately-paced ride of about
45 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. Rides usually end around 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)
Monday 9th June to
Friday 13th June: Sustrans Celebration Ride A week-long ride from Glasgow
to Edinburgh, with overnight stops at Aberfoyle, Killin, Dunkeld and Kinross.
Approximately 40 miles per day, some of it on rough terrain. You can do
either the whole ride or just odd days. Campsite accommodation will be
arranged, but you must bring your own camping equipment, or arrange your
own accommodation if you prefer. A support vehicle will carry your
luggage. Cost: £30 per day, including campsite and breakfast;
£10 per day for day-riders. Further
information and booking: Vickie Robertson (vickie.robertson@sustrans.org.uk).
Saturday 14th June: 20-Milers An easy-to-moderate ride,
suitable both for occasional cyclists and those with a little more
experience. These rides are a
good choice for people who have been on TryCycling
runs and now want to step up to something slightly longer and faster. They favour easy paths and gentle
gradients where possible, and aim to avoid heavy traffic. Today's ride
will be to Balerno and Red Moss, with
a picnic lunch at the Riccarton Garden Centre (hot drinks available, but
bring your own food). Total distance will be about 22 miles. The ride
will end around 16.00. 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 Chris Pearson
(0131 343 2685), or see the 20-Milers
Blog.
Sunday 15th June:
Short CTC Ride
An easy ride, lasting about two hours, mainly on cycle
paths and tracks. This ride is suitable for new and returning
cyclists and those who want to try cycling with a group. 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 15th June:
Mellow Velo
A 40-mile ride to the Falkirk Wheel, starting at Linlithgow, with travel
from Edinburgh to Linlithgow by train. The outward journey will be via
the Union Canal towpath (bring lights for the long tunnel section),
returning to Edinburgh via Muiravonside Country Park and Torphichen.
Lunch will be at the Falkirk Wheel cafe.
Travel: There are four departures from Waverley to Linlithgow
between 08.45 and 09.33; each train can carry six bikes (non-bookable),
so there should be plenty of space. Or meet at Linlithgow Station at
10.00. Cost and booking: Free, apart from train fare. No need to
book, but you are advised to contact the leader in advance so he can
look out for you. Further
information:Bill@mellowvelo.org.uk,
or see the Mellow
Velo website.
Saturday 21st
June: Edinburgh to St. Andrews Bike Ride
A highlight of the cycling calendar. This is a fairly challenging event,
covering 68 miles with several serious hills. But don't let that put you
off. Every year, hundreds of ordinary cyclists complete this very
enjoyable ride, which is in aid of leprosy relief. You ride at your own
pace, either individually or in a group. A support van is available to
help with roadside repairs, and there are several excellent ice cream,
lunch and tea stops along the route. Transport back to Edinburgh is
available after the ride and also on the following morning (£12 for you
and your bike). Start: 8.45, East Market Street. Cost and
booking: Advanced registration essential; this is free before 1st
June, £8 (£5 concession) after that date. Further information:
Ros Kerry (01968 682369; Ros_Kerry@lepra.org.uk),
or register on-line on the Lepra
website.
Sunday 29th June: TryCycling
TryCycling rides are suitable for novice cyclists and those who
are unsure of their abilities. Children under 16 are welcome if accompanied by a responsible
adult. The ride is usually about ten miles, which is taken at a gentle
pace, with plenty of rest stops, including at least one longer break for
refreshments and toilets. Today's run will be to Spylaw Park, and will
mainly use bike paths and quiet roads The ride should end around 13.30. Meet: 10.00, at the Bicycle Works, Argyle Place. Cost and booking: Free, but advanced booking
requested. Further information: TryCycling
in Edinburgh.
Sunday 14th
September: Pedal for Scotland (Glasgow to Edinburgh) Advance notice of the annual Glasgow to Edinburgh charity ride.
The date is fixed; other details
will be posted here later.
Saturday
14th June to Sunday 22nd June: Bike Week
The annual week-long programme of bike rides and other
cycling-related events, including the traditional Spokes Bike
Breakfast on the morning of the 18th (date provisional). Full
details will be posted here nearer the time.
Saturday 14th
June: MoonWalk Edinburgh An overnight "power
walking" marathon in which 12,000 women (and a few men) pound
the streets of Edinburgh wearing decorated bras, with the aim of
raising £2 million towards breast cancer charities. Although not
itself a cycling-related event, the organisers are planning to
recruit a team of volunteer cyclists to patrol the route and give
aid and support to the participants. Prospective volunteers are
asked to complete
the registration form. Further information: Jenn DeBernardo
(volunteers@walkthewalk.org,
01483 741430), or visit www.walkthewalk.org.
Bike-Friendly
Arizona
Notes and photos from a recent trip to the Phoenix / Tempe area.
Other local cycling-related web sites:
Bike
Portal
A comprehensive cycling directory, with links to magazines, forums, clubs,
bike shops and more.
Bike
Station
A community project that accepts
donated bikes from members of the public and recycles them for use by
priority groups such as the long term unemployed and the homeless.
CTC
Lothians
The local branch of the UK-wide cyclists organisation. They organise two
to three rides every week and support cycle campaigning activities.
Cycling
Edinburgh Info
A site containing comprehensive information and advice for local cyclists.
Lots of practical advice, plus some great photos.
Cycling
Scotland
A Scottish Executive-funded project
to "bring cycling out from the fringes of everyday life and into the
mainstream."
Spokes
A non-party political campaigning group, pressing for better conditions
for cyclists, especially in Edinburgh and the Lothians.
TryCycling
in Edinburgh
An active campaign to encourage and support more people to ride bicycles
in Edinburgh.
This latest edition of the definitive
guide to local cycling routes is now available. Price £4.95 from local
bike shops and some bookshops, or click on the picture to order from
Amazon.
Cycling
Edinburgh is maintained by Mike Lewis.
Please contact me with your feedback, suggestions or details of events
you would like me to include on this page. You can email me at:
Site policies.
To be eligible for listing on this site, an event must (i) be open to
cyclists regardless of their nationality, religion, ethnic group, sex or
sexual orientation; (ii) not require the use of a car.
Copyright
Mike Lewis Consultants Ltd and
contributors, 2006 - 2008. Feel free to reproduce extracts from this site for
non-commercial use, but I would appreciate an acknowledgement and link
back to the original page.
Cycling Edinburgh
