Edinburgh's fourth Festival of Cycling promises fun for all two-wheelers

Edinburgh is planning to host its fourth Festival of Cycling from 9–19 June 2016, with cycling events for all levels of riders and a smattering of activism too.

There will be events across the city, ranging from punchy climbs to gentle rolls along the prom at Portobello, as the volunteer-run social enterprise has all types of riders in its sights this year.

This year’s festival hears from inspirational women and men who have  taken on incredible challenges, tests of endurance or the might of male-dominated cyclesport.

There will also be a second round of the Capital Trail  bikepacking challenge with a UK-wide field riding through the Lothians and Borders.

Recumbent cyclists will take to the road and cycle speedway kids will take to the track in come and try sessions.

With events across the cultural spectrum there are workshops, talks, films, rides and family events.

Highlights this year include a talk from “Yes” champion and adventurer Dave Cornthwaite, an evening with The Velocast, and screenings of great cycling films including “Pantani”

There will even be the chance to look for love with Cycle Speed-dating.

The Capital Trail is expected to bring riders from across the UK and beyond to the city in a self-supported mountain bike time-trial starting and finishing on Portobello Beach.

The 237 km trail is quintessentially Scottish: rough, rugged and scenic at the same time.

Less adventurous riders will be able to experience the bright lights of the city at night on the Edinburgh Night Ride, a 60-mile ride around the summer solstice, with groups accompanied by
experienced ride leaders, including a middle of the night feast and rest  stop and mechanical support.

Spokes’ Bike Breakfast will provide free food to all who arrive by bike and features a range of stalls, speeches, security marking and servicing for bikes at the Edinburgh City Chambers.

The Brompton Fold-Fest will have prizes for the quickest in town to fold a Brompton bicycle at Biketrax and at the SEStran Commuter Challenge participants will set off from Ferrytoll, Ingliston, Straiton and Newcraighall by car, bus, train, tram, bicycle, or jogging/walking and head for St Andrew Square, to see which mode is the fastest and causes the least environmental
damage.

Keep up to date with events here.