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 ÂŁ400 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 you can donate straight to our bank account:
Account name: BELLES ON BIKES EDINBURGH
Sort Code: 83-18-25
Account Number: 18849509
Or through this link -
ko-fi.com/bellesonbikes
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- Ride around The Braids and Little FranceIn front of the Commonwealth Pool (corner Dalkeith Road/Holyrood Park Road), Edinburgh
Join Stella and Emma on a scenic and varied ride around some leafy and green parts of south Edinburgh.
Route
We'll visit the following places in an anti-clockwise loop: Inch Park, Hermitage of Braid, Seven Acre Park, Liberton Park, Little France Park, Hunters Hall Park and ride back to the start at the Commie Pool using the Innocent Cycle Path.
There are toilets at the start/end and in the Hermitage of Braid. Please bring something to drink and eat at our break - we'll decide where to stop on the day.Please read these key details👇
Difficulty/Distance
This ride will suit intermediate cyclists who are comfortable cycling over some rough surfaces including a few tree roots, muddy puddles and gravel. There's one steady climb up Braid Road but it's worth it! Approx. 14 miles with stops to enjoy the views. As always, no one will be left behind ❤️
Suitable Bike Types
Gravel, hybrid, road with wider tyres.
Surface
Mostly quiet roads, tarmac paths, some gravelly bits (see photo) and potentially muddy bits through the woods.
What to Bring
• Two spare inner tubes (right size for your tyres) and tools to remove your wheels if they are not quick-release
• Water and snacks
RSVPs
Please update your RSVP if you can't come, even if you're on the waitlist.
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.
Donations
Belles is a completely volunteer run group, but we do have running costs of approximately ÂŁ400 a year. Please consider donating either directly to our bank account.
Account name: BELLES ON BIKES EDINBURGH
Sort Code: 83-18-25
Account Number: 18849509
Or through this link - ko-fi.com/bellesonbikes
By chipping in, you’ll be able to help us power future rides across Edinburgh and the Lothians. Thank you! - PLACEHOLDER - Loch Fitty & the Fife Earth ProjectNeeds location
Join Aba-Sah on a loop to visit Loch Fitty and explore the Fife Earth Project at St. Ninian's. A bit more detail to follow closer to the date👇
DIFFICULTY/DISTANCE This ride is for confident cyclists with good handling skills, able to sustain on average 10-12mph on flats and mixed surfaces. Distance ~ 50- mi.
There is the option to shorten the ride by about 15mi on the return by catching a train from Dalgety Bay. Please note you MUST still be able to maintain the same speed even if you opt for this.ROUTE - TBD
WIND WARNING Crossing the Forth Road Bridge may be uncomfortable in even moderate wind. Please check the event page the day before for contingency plans if wind gusts exceed 20mph. Monitor wind speeds on the Forth Road Bridge.
TYPE OF BIKE NEEDED Gravel or hybrid. No big bulky bikes like Dutch bikes, and no road/ skinny tyres.
SURFACE There will be a mixture of packed dirt, gravel, mud if recent rain and tarmac paths - which is why skinny tyres will not be suitable.
OTHER STUFF We recommend not having anything on directly afterwards, just in case we’re held up for any reason.
RSVPs will open on Sun, 22nd Jun. 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 do update your RSVP to let us know if you can no longer make it, and so 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, gloves and layers
• Sun screen/sunglasses
• Any medication you might need (e.g. an inhaler or epi-pen), if you wish to let the ride leaders know by DM or on the day See you there 👋DONATIONS

Belles is a completely volunteer-run group, but we do have running costs of approximately £400 a year. Please consider donating either directly to our bank account:

Account name: BELLES ON BIKES EDINBURGH

Sort Code: 83-18-25

Account Number: 18849509Or through this link -
ko-fi.com/bellesonbikes
By chipping in, you’ll be able to help us power future rides across Edinburgh and the Lothians.
- Drop in - Loopy Ladies Looping Arthur Seat (Not a Led Ride)Holyrood Park, Edinburgh
Loopy Loops are back!
Description:
Meet at Holyrood Park and do one or more loops around Arthur's Seat Radical Road.
Distance: Each loop is approx. 5 km
Difficulty: Go at your own pace so you can make it as easy or hard as you want - if you need to pause/stop or walk part way, then do that. You will be amazed how quickly this changes if you do this even semi regularly!
Bike: Any bike, as long as it's in good working order and you feel happy to climb hills with it.This is not a led ride! One of our ride leaders may come along to join in, but we are not formally leading these rides, and do not expect attendees to stay for the full two hours.
Rather, this is a 2 hour drop in time for members to do an activity around the same time and meet people between loops or have company going around.
If you plan to be there at a specific time, and would like to ride with other members, then
please leave a comment saying when you will be there for others to respond to.Most of the loop is closed off to traffic at weekends, making it an ideal place for cyclists. However it can also get quite busy, so please ensure you give other cyclists/pedestrians sufficient space as you go around. Please observe the one way system that is in place, and do not cycle the 'wrong' way round!
This is a great way to hill train and improve your fitness with some spectacular views to boot, and will definitely help to destroy future hills you come across.
Please remember to bring: Snacks, Water, Layers, a spare inner tube of the right size for your bike, something to sit on at the rest point if the grass is damp.
Historic Environment Scotland advice on using Holyrood park can be found here - Visit Holyrood Park | Lead Public Body for Scotland's Historic Environment
Donations: Belles is a completely volunteer run group, but we do have running costs of approximately ÂŁ400-ÂŁ450 a year. Please consider donating either directly to our bank account:
Account name: BELLES ON BIKES EDINBURGH
Sort Code: 83-18-25
Account Number: 18849509Or through this link -
ko-fi.com/bellesonbikes
By chipping in, you’ll be able to help us power future rides across Edinburgh and the Lothians.
