Organised bike rides in and around Edinburgh

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.

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Forthcoming rides

Sunday 17th February 2019 : CTC Long
A full-day ride of 40 - 60 miles, taken at a reasonably fast pace. Most rides include a café stop for lunch. These rides are organised by CTC Lothians and Borders, which is part of Cycling UK. 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 Marian Rogers ().

Sunday 24th 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 3rd 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)

Saturday 9th 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 - 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 17th March : CTC Long
A full-day ride of 40 - 60 miles, taken at a reasonably fast pace. Most rides include a café stop for lunch. These rides are organised by CTC Lothians and Borders, which is part of Cycling UK. 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 Marian Rogers ().

Thursday 21st March : Moonlight Ride
The last of this winter's moonlight rides. These evening rides take advantage of the (approximately) full moon. They 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 (07760 455 819, ) or see this web page.

Sunday 31st March : 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. With the return of British Summer Time, this ride will be slightly longer than of late, ending mid aftenoon and with a pub or café stop at lunchtime (or bring a picnic if you prefer). Meet: 10:30, in front of Söderberg café, 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.

Saturday 15th June : Edinburgh to St Andrews (Lepra) Ride 2019
The date of this year's annual charity run to St Andrews has now been fixed. Full details of the event will appear here in due course. In the meantime, see here for further information.

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Other bike-related events

Saturday 2nd March 2019 to Sunday 3rd March 2019 : Cycling, Running and Outdoor Pursuits Show
A trade show and exhibition dedicated to cycling, running and other outdoor activities. Attractions include a mini veledrome, an indoor mountain bike track, an under-16s activity zone, a "mystery marathon challenge", a zip line, a climbing wall and a chance to try out a range of accessories and equipment. Venue: SEC, Glasgow. More information: See the event's website.

Wednesday 20th March : Spokes Public Meeting
With road transport and aviation accounting for nearly 37% of Scotland's carbon emissions, and with urgent action needed to tackle climate change, the theme of this meeting will be "Climate, Transport and Cycling". Speakers: Claudia Beamish MSP (co-convener of Scottish Parliament cross-party group on cycling, walking and buses), Alex Luetchford (2050 Climate Group), Dave Gorman (Edinburgh University) and Caroline Rance (Friends of the Earth Scotland). The discussion will be chaired by Elizabeth Bomberg (Professor of Environmental Politics, University of Edinburgh). The meeting is free and open to all. Time: Doors open 18:45 for coffee, stalls and informal chat. The meeting starts at 19:30 and ends at 21:30. Place: Edinburgh University Appleton Tower, Crichton Street. Further information: Email ,  phone 0131 313 2114 (answering machine) or see the Spokes website.

Thursday 6th June to Sunday 16th June : Edinburgh Festival of Cycling 2019
The dates have been announced for the seventh annual Edinburgh Festival of Cycling. Details of individual events will appear here nearer the time. For now, note the dates.

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