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
	18°	15 mph

Sunday
	19°	8 mph

Monday
	18°	6 mph

Lights needed: 21:48

Regular weekly rides

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Other organised rides

Sunday 1st August 2010 : 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. Today's ride should 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)

Thursday 5th August to Sunday 15th August : 500-Mile Mountain Bike Ride
A challenging 10-day ride along Scotland's "longest continuous mountain bike route", raising money to help amputees in Malawi and Zambia. The ride is from Portpatrick to Inverness (passing through Edinburgh), with an average distance of 55 miles per day and a total ascent of 13,000 metres; 80 percent of the route is off-road. The cost is £800 plus sponsorship per rider, which includes ten nights accommodation with breakfast, transfers, a support vehicle and the services of a qualified guide. Further information: Peter Corson (07922 653327, ) or see the organiser's website.

Saturday 14th August : Mellow Velo
An easy-paced 25-mile ride on bike paths and quiet roads in the north and west of the city, including a coffee stop at Craigie Farm and a picnic lunch (bring your own food) by the canal at Ratho. Time and place: Meet 09.30 at the north end of the Rodney Street tunnel (by the Tesco in Broughton Road). Cost and booking: Free; just turn up. Further information: , or see the Mellow Velo webstite.

Saturday 14th August : 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. Today's ride will head out to Balerno (pub lunch, or bring a picnic), returning via the Pentland reservoirs. There will be a moderate climb just after lunch, and a few stretches of rough path, but the route will otherwise be straightforward. Total distance: 20 miles. 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 Livia Dyckhoff (0131 554 0577), or email See also the 20-Milers Blog, which has details and photos of previous rides.

Saturday 14th August : East Midlothian Ride
A gentle ride from Dalkeith, taking in the Pencaitland railway path, Pathhead, Vogrie Country Park and Cousland. The ride, which is part of the Midlothian Walking Festival, is suitable for all ages. The planned distance is 20 miles (but note the start and end point is Dalkeith; for riders coming from Edinburgh, the total distance will be about 45 miles). Meet:  10.00, at Dalkeith High School campus. Cost and booking: The ride is free, but advanced booking is required. Contact Midlothian Ranger Service (0875 821990) by 6th August.

Sunday 15th August : 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: 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 August : Spokes Extra
The second of three additional Spokes runs this summer. At 60 - 80 miles, these extra rides are longer than the usual first-Sunday outings, with an earlier start and shorter lunch break, but at about the same overall speed. They should appeal to a reasonably fit cyclist who enjoys a long day in the saddle. Today's ride will head south, into the Borders. Picnic lunch recommended. Meet: 09.30 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 21st August to Sunday 22nd August : Mellow Velo Trossachs Weekend
A weekend of moderate cycling with a flexible itinerary. Travel by train on the Saturday morning to Bridge of Allen, then pedal to the Callandar area, with a choice of routes. Sunday's ride will take in Thornhill, Kippen, the edge of the Fintry Hills and the Carron Valley. Train home from Croy, Falkirk, Polmont or Linlithgow, depending on how far you want to ride. Plenty of stops and places of interest en route. B&B accommodation in Callandar on the Saturday night. Details and booking: See also the Mellow Velo website.

Tuesday 31st August : CTC Evening Ride
The last of this summer's Tuesday evening runs. These rides are between 20 and 30 miles, and will go at a moderately fast pace, with the possibility of a pub stop on the way back. Please be sure to bring lights as the ride will end after dark. The rides will resume in May 2011. Meet: 19.00, at the Royal Commonwealth Pool, Dalkeith Road. Cost and booking: Free; just turn up. Further information: Neil Robertson (0131 664 2131 or 07884 488682), or see the CTC Lothians website. 

Saturday 4th September : 20-Milers Extra
An additional 20-Milers ride. At about 30 miles, this will be a longer run than the group's usual outings, and at a slightly faster pace. It should appeal to those who are comfortable with the usual 20-Milers slow-to-moderate speed, and now want to try something a little more challenging. The destination will be West Lothian, via South Queensferry and the Hopetoun Estate. The route will be mainly on bike paths, canal towpath and quiet roads. Lunch will be at a cafe or pub, or bring a picnic if you prefer. The ride is likely to end around 16.00. Meet: 10.00 (note the earlier-than-usual start time), 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 Livia Dyckhoff (0131 554 0577), or email See also the 20-Milers Blog, which has details and photos of previous rides.

Sunday 5th September : 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. Today's ride should 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)

Sunday 5th September : Fife Coastal Challenge 2010
A charity ride, starting and finishing at Leuchars, organised by (and in aid of) FOE Scotland. A choice of routes (30 or 50 miles), both of which are mainly on quiet roads and are fairly flat. There will be an optional lunch stop at Anstruther. Transport from Edinburgh might be available for bikes, with riders travelling by train (details not yet finalised). Cost: £15 (concessions £10), plus sponsorship money (minimum £150 requested). Information and registration: FOE Scotland, or phone 0131 243 2700.

Saturday 11th September : 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). 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.

Saturday 11th September to Sunday 12th September : Mellow Velo Fife Weekend
A weekend of cycling in Fife. Travel by train on the Saturday to either Markinch or Thornton, then ride through the East Neuk towns for an overnight stop at St. Andrews, returning by a different route on the Sunday. Details and booking: See also the Mellow Velo website.

Sunday 12th September : Pedal for Scotland (Glasgow to Edinbugh) 2010
Scotland's largest charity bike ride, which this year is in aid of Maggie's Cancer Caring Centre. The annual ride from Glasgow to Edinburgh attracts around 7,000 riders of all ages and abilities. The route is approximately 50 miles, mainly on quiet roads. You ride at your own pace, either on your own or in the company of others. Several rest and refreshment stops are provided along the way. This year, there will also be the option of a 100-mile "sportive" route - a more challenging ride, with the same start and end points and the same transport arrangements as the main event. Cost and booking: Advanced on-line registration required. £21.50 (£11.50 children and concessions) plus sponsorship money. Discounts for team entries. Transport from Edinburgh to the start in the morning (or back to Glasgow in the evening): £15 one way, for bike and rider. More information: Phone 0141 348 7998, email , or visit the Pedal for Scotland website.

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Other bike-related event

Sunday 22nd August 2010 : Glasgow Skyride
A day of bike rides, cycle-related events and entertainment on traffic-free streets in central Glasgow. More information: Glasgow Skyride web page

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