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.

 

Sunday
	-2°	10 mph

Monday
	2°	9 mph

Tuesday
	3°	16 mph

Sunset: 16:46

NEWS: NCN1 near Dalmeny is closed until mid April for widening and resurfacing. There is a sign-posted diversion through the Dalmeny Estate.

Last updated: 30th January

Forthcoming rides

Sunday 1st February 2015 : 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)

Sunday 8th February : 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 February : 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 February : 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 February : 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 22nd February : 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).

Sunday 1st 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, 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)

Sunday 8th 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).

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

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
The theme of today's meeting is the future of Edinburgh city centre - from a cyclist's point of view. More details will appear here soon. For now, note the date.

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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