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 £400 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
Commie to Cockenzie
In front of the Commonwealth Pool (corner Dalkeith Road/Holyrood Park Road), EH16 5BB, Edinburgh, GBJoin Barbara and Emma on a ride out to Cockenzie from the Commonwealth Pool. This ride is great for anyone who cycles short to medium distances on a semi regular basis, but would like to challenge themselves a little bit with a slightly longer distance/riding on the road, or any regular cyclist looking for a more relaxed ride that isn't too short. As we are leaving from the commonwealth pool it is mostly downhill on the way out, and uphill on the way back, the gradients are either short, or shallow inclines suitable for beginners, but the distance pushes it into intermediate. We will be taking it at a fairly relaxed pace.
We'll stop for our break at Cockenzie House where there's a toilet and cafe. We can go into the cafe or feel free to bring your own snacks/drink or get a takeaway and sit in the lovely gardens.
Please read these key details👇
DISTANCE: 25miles
DIFFICULTY: early intermediate
TYPE OF BIKE: Gravel, hybrid, road with wider tyres, e-bikes
SURFACE: Tarmac - Mix of shared paths and quiet roads, with one short gravelly bit.
WHAT TO BRING:
• Two spare inner tubes (right size for your tyres) and tools to remove your wheels if they are not quick-release
• Lock, water, snacks and cash/card if you want to buy anything when we stop.
ROUTE Map: https://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/6631259500/
RSVPs
Please update your RSVP if you can't come and arrive at 9.50 for the briefing.DESCRIPTION:
Starting at the Commie pool we will head towards Holyrood park, taking the Low road around Arthurs seat to Duddingston, which is closed to traffic. One short section we will need to get off and walk due to the road being completely closed. Coming into Duddingston there is a small cobbly section, and we are on quiet roads until we join the innocent path out to Brunstane. another short quiet road section takes us into Newcraighall, then a shared path takes us through the housing estate where we pick up the path up to Queen Margaret Uni. Coming around the Uni, we have a lovely path down to Monktonhall, where another short quiet road section takes us on to the River Esk path, which we follow all the way into Musselburgh, and down to the seafront.We take the seafront path out past Levenhall Links to Preston Pans, where we take to the road on quiet residential streets, before picking up the shared path to Cockenzie, where we have our stop. Weather permitting we will sit out in the park with the option to bring your own, or buy something from the cafe at Cockenzie House, if it's pouring we will sit in the cafe.
On the return we take the same shared path back to Preston Pans, followed by more shared paths (this is where we hit the gravel up past a playing field, but it is a short section, and if you are not confident, you can walk it). We are back on the residential roads through Preston Pans to Levenhall Links, where we turn away from the coast and take the quiet road by Musselburgh race course, then cross the Esk, and head along quiet roads to Fisherrow. We are on the road for a short section (this is the busiest bit) Before we turn on to the Brunstane Burn path (a little bit up and down), which we follow all the way along to Brunstane Road, where we pick up the Innocent railway path (shallow incline) all the way back to Holyrood and our starting point at the Commie Pool.
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: 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!11 attendees
Parks event NOTE NEW DATE
Middle Meadow Walk, At the five ways junction in the middle of the Meadows, Edinburgh, GBJoin Rebs and Stella for a short ride linking together some of Edinburgh’s 140+ parks and hopefully some glorious Autumn colour. An easy ride mostly on offroad paths and extending East to Lochend park, North to Leith Links and West to Roseburn returing via the new Dalry Community Park to the Meadows.
DISTANCE: Around 14 miles
DIFFICULTY: Beginner
TYPE OF BIKE: Any
SURFACE: Tarmac - mostly shared paths, with a couple of short road sections.
WHAT TO BRING:
• Two spare inner tubes (right size for your tyres) and tools to remove your wheels if they are not quick-release
• Lock, water, snacks and cash/card if you want to buy anything when we stop.The full route is now available at the bottom of this section
RSVPs
Please update your RSVP if you can't come, and arrive in good time for the briefing. Particularly important as the weather turns colder.
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. Thank you!
Route Map and Description
(https://www.komoot.com/invite-tour/2641113679?code=kvwyxy-iqtO5ALw4lU4nMBvm6OTtYFx2zMpZb4uooI3PrK3XYQ&share_token=a5afe4p69z75bvNzlzx3uRoon26YfHgSybhb2UZ7ZbrnkhxqV7&ref=itp)
We will be linking together the following parks and green spaces using establishlished parks and cut throughs
The Meadows, Queens park, Lochend Park, Restalrigg Path, Leith Links, Water of Leith Walkway, Victoria Park, St Marks Park, Inverleith Park , Roseburn Path,Dalry Community Park, Canal, The Meadows
2 attendees
Past events
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