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.
Last updated: 18th November
Sunday 24th November 2019 : 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 1st December : 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. The ride will probably end around dark, so be sure to brings lights. 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 14th December : 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.
Wednesday 25th December : 20-Milers Christmas Morning Ride
A short ride of 12 - 15 miles, taken at a relaxed pace with plenty of stops. The route will include bike paths and quiet roads in and around the city centre (taking advantage of the reduced traffic that day). The ride will finish near the Meadows by 13:00 at the latest. Note that there will be no café stop. Meet: 10:30, at the north end of Middle Meadow Walk (junction of Lauriston Place) [map]. Cost and booking: Free and open to all. No need to book: just turn up. Further information: See the the 20-Milers Blog or email
Sunday 29th December : 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 5th January 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 dusk so be sure to bring lights 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 13th June : Edinburgh to St Andrews (Lepra) Ride 2020
After the ride's cancellation in 2019, Lepra have announced that this popular event will return in 2020. For now, the date should be regarded as provisional. Confirmation is expected early in 2020. For further information about the ride, 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.
Wednesday 1st January 2020 : Edinburgh Triathlon 2020
The Edinburgh New Years Day Triathlon is a competitive event, but one that's open to everyone: serious triathletes and fun-runners alike (in previous years, half of all participants were taking part in a triathlon for the first time). Relay teams are welcome. Those taking part will face a 400-metre swim (eight lengths of the Commonwealth Pool), an 11-mile cycle ride (three times round Arthur’s Seat), and a 3½-mile run (once round Arthur’s Seat). There is a separate duathlon for 8 – 15 year-olds; this involves two short runs and a two-kilometre bike ride, all on closed roads. The event is open to spectators. This year's event is in aid of mental health charity Support in Mind Scotland. Venue: The event starts and finishes at the Royal Commonwealth Pool, Dalkeith Road [map]. The kids' event starts at 11.00, the main race at 12.00. More information: John Whittaker (0131 454 0900), or see the event's web page.
Portobello Promenade
Photo: ML
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“Good morale in cycling comes from good legs.”
Sean Yates
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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.
The canal towpath near Broxburn
Photo: ML
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