Winter Rides

What better way to enjoy the countryside whatever the season than by bike?

No need to put your bike away just because summer has gone. Although we don’t run them as frequently as our summer rides, we have a monthly programme of accessible sociable rides throughout winter exploring the quiet roads and cycle routes around Dumfries. They’re longer than our summer ones – about 20-25 miles – and a wee bit hillier, but they’ll always be taken at an easy pace with an emphasis on taking time to discover some hidden delights of the area rather than just putting in the miles. Oh, and stopping for lunch… So if the distance seems a bit much for you, just think of it as two 10-12 mile rides – much more doable!

All rides will take place on Sundays starting at Dock Park. Most rides will begin 11 am to allow for the shorter winter days EXCEPT our first ride on Sunday 30th October, the Halloween ride, which will start at 4pm.

• 30th October * 4pm start* Halloween Ride – In the gathering dusk we’ll head to Glenkiln reservoir, on the look out for bats and other creatures of the night. Bike lights essential. The ride will finish in Dumfries at the pub for those who wish.
• 27th November St Andrew’s Day Ride – In a change to the programme we’ll be celebrating St Andrew’s day with a run to Dalbeattie mainly because that’s where the cafes are open on a Sunday … 11 am start at Devorgilla Bridge
• 1st January New Year’s Resolution Ride – Not all New Year’s resolution need to be a chore. Join us on a sociable circular ride to Caerlaverock, with a choice of cafes at either the castle or the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust.
• 29th January Rantin Ravin Robin Ride – In celebration of Burns’ Night we’ll head out to Brow Well near Ruthwell. This well is famous for being the place where Burns sort a cure (unsuccessfully) for rheumatic fever.
• 26th February Valentine’s Ride – A little belated but a ride out to Sweetheart Abbey. The abbey was founded by Lady Dervorgilla in memory of her husband John Balliol, whose embalmed heart she kept with her.

There’s no need to book – just turn up on the day. Rides will continue regardless of the weather unless in the opinion of the ride leader it would be dangerous (or no fun), so bring a waterproof and whatever you need to stay warm on the bike. All of the routes will keep to quiet rural roads, residential streets and cycle paths wherever possible and the pace will be ‘at the speed of chat’.

If you’d like to find out more or check a ride is going ahead, email us on cycling DOT dumfries AT gmail DOT com