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:First Saturday of the month: 10.00, at the Water of Leith Visitors Centre,
Slateford Road. All other Saturdays: 10.00, at the Royal Commonwealth Pool, Dalkeith
Road.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 or six groups of varying speeds, with staged
departures. The faster groups don't wait for stragglers. 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. 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 13th September 2008 : 20-Milers
Today's ride will be to Cousland in Midlothian, and will include a rare chance to visit the restored 18th Century smiddy and adjoining smith's cottage (suggested entry donation: £2). This is an easy-to-moderate ride, suitable both for occasional cyclists and those with a little more experience. The total distance will be about 24 miles, mainly on easy paths and quiet roads with gentle gradients. Hot drinks and home baking will be available at the smiddy; those wanting a more substantial lunch should bring a sandwich. 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 14th September : Pedal for Scotland
A 48-mile run from Glasgow to Edinburgh, via quiet roads and cycle paths. This is Scotland's largest charity bike ride, and usually attracts around 4,000 cyclists of all ages and abilities. Participants raise funds through sponsorship for leukaemia research. Transport for you and your bike is available from Edinburgh to the start point (or back to Glasgow after the ride). You start the ride between 08.00 and 09.00, pedalling at your own pace along the designated route. There are refreshment stops along the way, and entertainment at the finish point. Most riders arrive in Edinburgh mid to late afternoon. Cost and booking: Pre-registration is required. Registration fee £17.50 (£10.50 for child or concession); transport £12 (one way). Further information (including on-line booking):Pedal for Scotland, or phone Cycling Scotland (0141 229 5359).
Sunday 21st September : Spokes Extra
The last of three additional Spokes rides this summer. At 60 - 70 miles, these extra rides will be longer than the usual first-Sunday outings, with an earlier start and without the leisurely lunch break, but the overall speed will be about the same. They should appeal to a reasonably fit cyclist who enjoys a long day in the saddle. It is recommended that you bring a picnic. Meet: 09.30 for a 09.45 start, at the Usher Hall, Lothian Road. Cost and booking: Free, no need to book. Further information: Spokes, or contact Stuart Threlfall (0131 445 7073).
Sunday 21st September : 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 28th September : 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 Craigmillar Castle, and will mainly use bike paths and quiet roads The ride should end around 13.30. Meet: 10.00, at the junction of Middle Meadow Walk and North Meadow Walk. Cost and booking: Free, but advanced booking requested. Further information: TryCycling in Edinburgh.
Sunday 5th October : Spokes
Today's ride will be a moderate 40-mile round-trip to Linlithgow, and will include a picnic lunch at a member's home. Hot drinks will be available, but you should bring your own food. 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. Today's ride will return to town 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)
Saturday 11st October : 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 run will be to Prestonpans, with the option of a bar lunch in the historic Gothenburg pub, or bring a picnic if you prefer. Total distance: about 22 miles. The ride should end around 15.30. 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 19th October : 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).
Saturday 13th September 2008 : Cycling Action Plan for Scotland Roadshow
A chance to meet the people behind this cycling initiative and to have your say about cycling facilities in Edinburgh. The event will include entertainment and prizes. When and where: St. James Centre, 11.00 to 17.30. More information:Cycling Action Plan for Scotland website.
Saturday 20th September : Green Passport Day
Walk or cycle all or part of the north Edinburgh bike network between Roseburn and Leith. Get your "passport" stamped at the checkpoints between 11.00 and 14.00 for a chance to win a prize. Or enjoy the family games session at Victoria Park between 12.00 and 15.00. Although mainly intended for families with young children, the day is open to all, free of charge. Further information:www.cleanairforall.info.
Saturday 27th September : Doors Open Day
Although not directly cycling-related, this annual event provides a unique opportunity to explore some of Edinburgh's most interesting and unusual buildings, and a bike is an excellent way of travelling between them. These are sites that are not normally open to the public, or which usually charge for admission. Most venues include behind-the-scenes tours, exhibitions or talks. Cost: Free. Further information: Brochures available from public libraries, council offices and some public buildings, or visit the Doors Open Day website.
Bike-Friendly
Arizona
Notes and photos from a recent trip to the Phoenix / Tempe area.
Other local cycling-related web sites:
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.
Cyclists on a recent TryCycling run to Cramond pause at the waterfall on the River Almond. More
photos from recent rides
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.
