Riders of all abilities are welcome, no one is left behind and new riders should not be put off if they initially feel out of their depth, we were all beginners once. In addition to the standard ride schedule below, keen riders should pay close attention to the forum where Downhill rides, Tuesday XC Night rides, laps of Arthur's Seat and more are arranged.
Please read our safety policy with regards to rides, it's all common sense stuff. Helmets are mandatory on rides, please wear one for your own safety - no helmet, no ride, no excuses. Please note that we encourage people to come ride with us before paying membership.
All mountain bike rides meet in front of The Royal Commonwealth Pool.
Want to know more about the Pentlands? Check out our online interactive Pentlands Trail Map.
All road rides meet in front of The Royal Commonwealth Pool.
Edinburgh Road Club also run road rides every Saturday and we encourage road riders to also attend these rides. Saturday ride times and information
Working Bike - As long as it withstands a few of hours of cycling you should be fine and you do not need the latest carbon fibre mince. Remember there are other club members who are experience cyclists and most will notice a damaged bike as soon as you turn up.
Helmet - No helmet, no ride, no arguments. Also make sure it is in good condition for your own safety.
Suitable Clothing - Come prepared for the weather conditions and it is recommended you always carry a water proof jacket. It is Scotland after all. If in doubt bring a rucksack and more layers.
Water and food - Remember you will be exercising for the entire length of the ride so sufficient water is a must (1l for 1.5 hours as a very rough guide). Also, please bring some form of snack food in case you bonk (run out of energy) on the ride, it happens to all of us at some point.
Spare Tubes - Bring at least one, preferably two spare tubes. Puncture repair kits are not cool and a last resort after your spare tubes have been used, but it is wise to carry one anyway.
Tools - We recommend an allen key multitool, tyre levers, pump, a chain breaker and spare connecting pins or power links. Fear not if you have none of these as most of the experience people on a club ride do. Obviously it is wise to carry unusual tools which you are probably going to need with you eg. 8mm allen keys.
Common sense stuff- Lights, Maps, bells and whistles where appropriate.
All club rides are for all abilities and no one should be put off if they think they can not keep up or if you are too fast for us (if you're an elite you probably have your own training regime anyway). If you are having problems come and tell one of the committee and we can almost certainly help you out.
New members should not be discouraged if they think their bike is not up to it, most club members spend a fair bit of their student loans and more on their bikes because they love this sport so much. You do not need an expensive bike to ride with the club, but if you keep at it and start racing then it is probably inevitable that you will acquire one whether you can afford it or not.
EUCC mountain bike rides leave from the commonwealth pool and head out to the Pentland Hills either along the Canal or via another part of the city such as Craiglockhart, and this only takes about 30 minutes. The groups always stick together, but on individual sections of trail (such as climbs or descents) the group splits as faster riders take the lead. Everyone regroups at the end of that section and there is always a sweeper at the back in case anyone has difficulties.
The Pentlands have a good network of trails which can be put together for rides of varying lengths and difficulty, see our Pentlands trail map. Normally club rides last between 3 and 4 hours, but shorter 2 hour rides are common in bad weather and in winter. Routes are decided on the day with the pace and difficulty of the route depending on who is out riding, so new riders do not have to worry as the ride will be suitable for your ability.
EUCC run weekly club road rides. All of the rides are friendly, social rides accessible to all. We meet at the Royal Commonwealth Pool and usually enjoy rides East, along the coast, South, into the borders or occasionally West and North, into Midlothian or Fife.
On a typical week a rough suggestion for the rides is posted on the club forum but the final decision on what we will do is taken on the day. Once the riders have gathered at the pool the leader discusses possible routes with the riders and usually divides the cyclists into groups of matching ability or interest. On Wednesday afternoon rides we often have a fast (racing cyclists) group and a gentler introductory ride which will suite the ability of the slowest rider. Neither of the groups will ever leave anyone behind so they are an excellent platform for improvement and development.
Club rides vary in length depending on the time of year and interest of the riders but a typical Wednesday ride is 2-3 hours in the summer and 1-2 hours in the winter. Weekend rides sometimes last longer often covering 60-100 miles but the option for a shorter ride is always available. The ever popular cafe stop is an important option too. Longer rides including a lunch/cafe stop can be planned on the forum.
In addition to the above other rides are organised using the forum.
Downhill RidesThese can be to Innerleithen, Ae, Dunkeld or other trails. Mostly organised by people with cars who offer members a lift, but there are slightly more formal club trips and Dunkeld can be reached by train.
Tuesday XC Night RidesNormally every Tuesday but times and meeting places vary. A decent set of off road lights are required and they must be able to last at least 3 hours. A decent set can be bought relatively cheaply and feel free to ask us for advice.
TOPCycling can be a very safe sport but accidents do occur, we hope that these guidelines help you to be prepared for the risks involved. Please read this document carefully.
*Committee members or ride leaders will happily offer advice on these requirements.