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 today
Sunday 1st March 2020 : 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 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 - 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 29th 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.
Sunday 5th April : 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. With the return of British Summer Time, today's ride will be a little longer than of late, ending around 17:00. 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 11th April : 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.
Saturday 13th June : Edinburgh to St Andrews (Lepra) Ride 2020
The annual charity run to St Andrews in aid of leprosy relief returns this year after a break in 2019. 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. £30 per person (£25 for students; no charge for children). Transport back to Edinburgh is £17 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.
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, £30 per family (up to two adults and four under-16s), £12 concessions, £8 under-16s, free for under-10s. Slightly lower prices apply to on-line advance bookings. More information: See the event's website.
Sunday 1st March to Tuesday 31st March : Scottish Workplace Journey Challenge
A national competition to encourage people to cycle, or use other sustainable transport, for their daily commute. Enter as an individual or as part of a workplace team. Log your journeys and move up the leaderboard. Lots of prizes. More information: scotland.getmeactive.org.uk.
Monday 23rd March : Spokes Public Meeting - Local Bike Campaigning
A chance to find out about some of the many actions and campaigns in favour of better cycling conditions taking place in and around Edinburgh, with short talks by the individuals and organisations involved, followed by an open discussion. The meeting is free and open to all. There is also a factsheet to accompany the meeting. Time: Doors open 18:45 for coffee, stalls and informal chat. The meeting starts at 19:30 and ends at 21:30. Place: Augustine United Church, George IV Bridge. Further information: Email , phone 0131 313 2114 (answering machine) or see the Spokes website.
Sunday 5th April : Edinburgh Open Streets
An afternoon during which many Old Town streets are closed to motor vehicles but open to cyclists and pedestrians. This is a good opportunity to cycle around the city centre without having to dodge the traffic. There will be a range of open-air entertainments including several cycling related events. Location: The streets affected include almost the entire length of the Royal Mile as well Cockburn Street, Victoria Street, part of the Grassmarket and several adjoining streets. Events take place between 12:00 and 17:00. Cost and booking: Entirely free; no booking needed.
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.
Blackness Castle
Photo: ML
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“Cycling is like church. Many attend, but few understand.”
Jim Burlant
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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.
Threipmuir Reservoir
Photo: ML
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