Welcome. On this page, you'll find 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.
Updated yesterday
Sunday 26th January 2020 : EasyCycle Half-Day 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. From now until February, these rides will be shorter than usual; they will end near a pub in the city centre at 13:00. Meet: 10:30, in front of Söderberg café (formerly Peter's Yard), Middle Meadow Walk. Cost and booking: Free. No need to book; just turn up. Further information: Jim Cameron (0131 466 6156, ), or see the EasyCycle website.
Sunday 2nd February : 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)
Friday 7th February : Moonlight Ride
An evening ride to take advantage of the (approximately) full moon. These are easy-paced runs of 15 - 20 miles, mainly on well-surfaced paths. As the whole ride takes place during the hours of darkness, strong lights are essential. Meet: 19:00, in Lister Square (which is behind the Starbucks in Middle Meadow Walk). The ride will finish around 21:00. Cost and booking: Free. No booking required; just turn up. More information: Contact Jim Cameron () or see this web page.
Saturday 8th 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 - 20 miles 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 around 20 miles, and are 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. There is usually a lunch stop at a café or pub, or bring a picnic if you prefer. Most rides end mid afternoon. Route and destination: Details of today's route and lunch stop will be posted 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 23rd February : EasyCycle Half-Day 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. The ride will end near a pub in the city centre at 13:00. This is the last of EasyCycle's half-day rides for this winter. From next month, the runs will be a little longer and will include a lunch stop in a pub or café. Meet: 10:30, in front of Söderberg café (formerly Peter's Yard), Middle Meadow Walk. Cost and booking: Free. No need to book; just turn up. Further information: Jim Cameron (07760 455 819, ), or see the EasyCycle website.
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)
Monday 9th March : Moonlight Ride
An evening ride to take advantage of the (approximately) full moon. These are easy-paced runs of 15 - 20 miles, mainly on well-surfaced paths. As the whole ride takes place during the hours of darkness, strong lights are essential. Meet: 19:00, in Lister Square (which is behind the Starbucks in Middle Meadow Walk). The ride will finish around 21:00. Cost and booking: Free. No booking required; just turn up. More information: Contact Jim Cameron () or see this web page.
Saturday 13th June : Edinburgh to St Andrews (Lepra) Ride 2020
After cancelling the 2019 St. Andrews ride, Lepra have announced that this popular event will return in 2020. The date has now been confirmed. Further information will be posted here as it becomes available. In the meantime, see this article.
CTC Edinburgh, Lothians and Borders have a ride every Wednesday throughout the year. These are moderate-to-fast rides of 50 to 70 miles (40 to 50 miles in the winter), aimed at reasonably fit cyclists. The rides occasionally include a café stop, but in most cases riders should bring a packed lunch. All rides start at 10:00, but the meeting points vary, so please check the current rides list on the the group's web site, or email . CTC Edinburgh, Lothians and Borders is part of Cycling UK.
CTC Edinburgh, Lothians and Borders also have a ride every Sunday throughout the year. These are usually about 40 miles, but might occasionally be longer. The rides occasionally include a café stop, but in most cases riders should bring a packed lunch. All rides start at 10:00, but the meeting points vary, so please check the current rides list on the the group's web site, or email .
This group has rides every Saturday and Sunday. These are fast rides, aimed at serious cyclists who are interested in cycling at speed in a group and those training to race. Further information: Edinburgh RC (email: ).
Note: The above groups welcome non-members on their rides, but those who cycle with them regularly will be asked to join.
Saturday 29th February 2020 to Sunday 1st March 2020 : Cycling, Running and Outdoor Pursuits Show
A trade show and exhibition dedicated to cycling, running and other outdoor activities. Attractions include a track where you can test various road bikes, an indoor mountain-bike track, an under-16s activity zone, a climbing wall and a chance to try out a range of accessories and equipment. Venue: SEC, Glasgow. Cost: £15 per person, £32 per family (up to two adults and four under-16s), £12 concessions, £6 under-16s, free for under-10s. More information: See the event's website.
Friday 1st May to Sunday 3rd May : Pedal on Parliament 2020
For this year's Pedal On Parliament, the usual mass ride to Holyrood will again be replaced by a weekend of smaller events throughout the country, with a focus on places where there are significant barriers to cycling. Details of Edinburgh events will be posted here as they become available. Meanwhile, for further information about Pedal on Parlimaent, see the PoP website.
The Forth Bridges from the Dalmeny Estate
Photo: ML
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“Modern technology / Owes ecology / An apology.”
Alan M. Eddison
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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 Edinburgh, Lothians and Borders
The local branch of Cycling UK. They organise several rides each week and support cycle campaigning activities.
Spokes
A non-party political campaigning group, pressing for better conditions for cyclists, especially in Edinburgh and the Lothians.
Kelpies at QMC, Musselburgh
Photo: Jim Cameron
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