What we’re about
Who we are
Belles on Bikes Edinburgh is an inclusive social cycling group for women, and anyone with female lived experience, over the age of 16, of varying cycling experience and abilities, from beginner cyclists to the more experienced. Belles on Bikes aims to support women to get cycling together in a friendly, inclusive and relaxed environment. All abilities are welcome (so long as you can pedal ;)). We cycle as a group and don't leave anyone behind.
Our volunteer ride leaders organise regular routes with plenty of cake stops, so come along for a ride! Whether you want to start commuting by bike, cycle with family and friends at the weekend, build up experience and confidence, or just meet like-minded people, Belles on Bikes is for you.
Who supports Belles?
Belles on Bikes Edinburgh is an affiliate group of Cycling UK, but we have also received support from Sustrans, Spokes Lothian and others, as well as donations from members. Our costs are generally quite low, but we do need around £300 a year to pay insurance and meetup fees, as well as occasional additional amounts for ride leader training, first aid, and basic mechanical training for our ride leaders. If you would like to make a donation, please get in touch!
How does Belles work?
Join the group, keep an eye on rides as they are posted, join the ones you are interested in. Simples :)
However.....
Please keep the following in mind before coming on ride:
- When you RSVP to a ride, put it in your diary and update your RSVP in good time if you can no longer attend. Our rides are often oversubscribed and as we are a completely volunteer-led group it's a real shame when folk do not turn up. If you no show or cancel at the last minute, we will consider removing you from the group after the 3rd occasion.
- Be respectful to both ride leaders and other members. Our ride leaders are volunteers, their time is valuable and they freely choose to give it so the Belles can enjoy cycling.
- Consider the route and the level of difficulty before attempting a ride. If you are unsure try one of the shorter, easier rides before coming on a longer, more difficult ride. You can also message the ride leaders to check details if you aren't sure - we are happy to discuss the level of difficulty and concerns you have to help you make a decision.
- It is our policy not to meet participants part-way through Belles rides. Please meet us at the start point - this is to ensure consistency, fairness and an easier logistical undertaking for our ride leader volunteers.
- Bring a snack and water with you and tell someone where you are going and who with. Bring your mobile phone and make sure you give an emergency contact number to ride leaders before setting off. You may also want to bring some money as there is often a much needed cake/lunch stop built in (this is optional).
- All rides are pre-planned by the leaders but you are responsible for your own safety at all times.
- Make sure your bike is in good working order (complete with spare inner tube) and you have proper clothing for cycling. If in doubt drop us a line and we'll do our best to help.
- If you don't visit the Meetup site for a long time we will remove you from the group. This is to keep our member numbers active and accurate. You're welcome to rejoin to attend rides.
We hope to see you on a ride soon!
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- East Lothian History FestFisherrow Harbour Car Park, Edinburgh
Join Rebs and Emma on a 19.5 mile ride out to East Lothian.
From Musselburgh we head out via the Ash Lagoons to Prestongrange Museum. Here, we’ll stop to explore the industrial history of the area and look around the outdoor museum exhibits and buildings.
We’ll then set off to Prestonpans (via a hill and short stretch of busy road) where we’ll go past the historic Preston Tower. Then it’s onto the Battle of Prestonpans site, before heading into Tranent via the historic 1722 Waggonway - one of the earliest ‘railways’ in the UK! We’ll then head down into Ormiston, where we’ll pick up the Pentcaitland Railway Path all the way back to Whitecraig. The River Esk path takes us all the way back to Musselburgh. Lovely!
If you feel that cycling from Edinburgh would be too much, you can get the train to Musselburgh Station from Waverley. The station is a 1.7 mile cycle from the start/end point.
TYPE OF BIKE NEEDED
No skinny tires due to varied surfaces. Please only bring an electric bike if you’re able to carry it unaided up five steps at Prestonpans Station.SURFACE
Mixed - tarmac, paths, gravel.OTHER STUFF
We recommend not having anything on directly afterwards, just in case we’re held up for any reason.RSVPS
RSVPs will open on Sunday 19th January. If there is a forecast for atrocious weather, the ride will be cancelled/postponed or amended. Please check the Meetup site before setting off in the morning! If you have a place or are on the waiting list, PLEASE update your RSVP to let us know if you can no longer make it, so that others on the waiting list get reasonable notice.WHAT TO BRING ON THE RIDE
• Two spare inner tubes (right size for your tyres)
• Water (plus extra)
• Snacks for the ride, a packed lunch and money / card
• Waterproofs and layers
• Any medication you might need (e.g. an inhaler or epi-pen), if you wish to let the ride leaders know, you can by DM or on the daySee you there 👋
- Ride to Lost Shore at Ratho - rescheduledRoseburn Park Sports Pavilion, Edinburgh
We've moved this ride from 4th January to 15th February due to freezing temperatures and high ice risk. Better safe than sorry. We hope you can all still make it!
Celebrate 2025 with Joan and Emma on a wee tootle out to the Lost Shore Surf Resort at Ratho!
We'll head out from Roseburn Park along the tram route to Edinburgh Park and on to Ratho on quiet roads. There'll be time at Lost Shore to have a look around, grab a takeaway drink/eat our snacks and visit the loo.
We'll come back on the canal and use the fantastic, newly opened, off-road cycle path from Fountain Park to reach our finish point at the Russell Road/Roseburn path 'zig zags'.Difficulty/Distance
Easy/Intermediate. 17.5 miles. Quite an easy route at a relaxed pace.
Suitable Bike Types
Gravel, hybrid, MTB or road - not skinny tyres! E-bikes welcome.
Surface
Tarmac paths and roads, canal path. Possibly some rough and muddy patches and certainly some tree roots to bump over on the canal!
What to Bring
• Two spare inner tubes (right size for your tyres) and tools to remove your wheels if they are not quick-release and/or a means of getting home if needed e.g. friend/taxi.
• Water and snacks
• Cash/card for any purchases at the Lost Shore cafe
• Bike lock and lights if it's a dark day
• Waterproofs, gloves and layers
RSVPs
Please update your RSVP as soon as possible if you can no longer make the ride, whether you have a place or are on the waitlist.
Given our very unpredictable and changeable weather, please check this page for any updates/comments before setting off in the morning and aim to arrive 10 minutes before the ride start time for the briefing.
