Charity Rides, Sportives, Audax and Cycle Challenges in Aberdeenshire and Moray
A big day out on the bike at a cycling event can range from 10 miles to in excess of a 100, and in some cases can last for more than a day!
Big days out can take many forms including sportives, family fun runs, Audax rides, cycle rallies, regular club ride, and cycle charity events.
In fact charity bike rides are one of the most popular cycling activities around. Every year thousands of people in Grampian raise tens of thousands of pounds for their chosen charities.
Our list of cycle rides is not exhaustive - if you know of other bike events in the Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire or Moray area of Scotland that visitors to the Cycle Grampian website may be interested in then please let us know. Contact details are on the link at the bottom of the page.
2025 Cycle Events - Confirmed
RELIABILITY RIDE
8
MAR
Elgin CC
Reliability Ride
2025
Traditionally a Reliability Ride is a long distance ride to test your equipment and yourself at the end of winter. This event has two distances on offer: a shorter route of 46 miles, and a longer more challenging 63 mile. Both routes start at Grant Lodge, Cooper Park, Elgin.
Findochty hall for refreshments....
Entry Details
AUDAX
25
MAY
Farr from Elgin
&
Away to the Spey
Audaxes
Two brand new routes starting/finishing at Miltonduff village hall, just outside Elgin. The 200km heads West towards Inverness then South to Farr then back via Nethy Bridge. The 100km is a loop South to the Spey at Knockando then up the East side of the Spey and, back via Lossiemouth.
Farr from Elgin Away to the Spey
CYCLE CHALLENGE
8
JUN
Methlick Cycle
Challenge 2025
The 2024 Methlick Cycle Challenge featured 23, 54 and 74 mile route options.
The finish was at the Methlick cricket pitch where a BBQ and beer tent greeted....
Entry Details
BIKE WEEK
9-14
Jun
Bike Week
2025
Bike Week is an annual opportunity to promote cycling and show how cycling can easily be part of everyday life by encouraging 'everyday cycling for everyone'. It is a great opportunity to highlight the benefits of cycling, with a core aim of getting people to give cycling a go...
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SPORTIVE
14
JUN
Midsummer
Beer Happening
2025
Coinciding with Stonehaven's Midsummer Beer Happening, on offer are four different routes: the DINAEDO (100m), REDO (70m), the UNDO (52m) and a Gravel Route all within 30 miles of Stonehaven...
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NIGHT RIDE
22
JUN
The
Sundown Cycle
2025
2024 event was cancelled, but the 2025 event has been confirmed.
A twighlight/overnight cycle ride starting in Kintore and offering a choice of 3 distances. The twighlight 25 mile ride, the sundown 50 mile ride, and the nocturnal 77 mile ride...
Further Details to Follow
SPORTIVE
2
AUG
Brewdog
Rideout
Sportive 2025
The Brewdog Rideout Sportive is billed as a fantastic adventure along the North East coast of Aberdeenshire. It offers 2 routes: a 3 mile option, or a 60 mile option. The ticket price includes a burger and pint of beer (or soft drink) for all participants...
Further Details
CHARITY BIKE RIDE
17
Aug
Tour de Catterline
2025
The 21st running of this not for profit event organised by the locals of Catterline village, a few miles south of Stonehaven. A fun event with a choice of four routes; 10, 25, 35 and 50 miles through the beautiful Mearns and Deeside countryside...
Facebook Page
CYCLE CHALLENGE
23
AUG
Cairngorm
to Coast
2025
A 100km off road cycle challenge from the Cairngorm Ski Centre to Lossiemouth organised by outdoor learning and adventure charity, Outdoor Moray Gravel or MTB bike required...
Further Details
Sportive
24
AUG
SamsRideNorth
2025
A sportive to support the work of the Samaritans Aberdeen. Three routes on offer with all starting and finishing at Alford Community Campus in the town of Alford. The 26, 51 and 102 mile routes all take in the Suie Hill, with the longer rides taking in more iconic Aberdeenshire climbs.
Entry Details
CHALLENGE RIDE
30
AUG
Ride the North
2025
Ride the North 2023 started in Huntly, and offered two routes (100 miles and 65 miles). As always RtN is a non competitive event bringing a festival atmosphere as hundreds of riders pass through welcoming villages on the beautiful backroads of North East Scotland.
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CHARITY BIKE RIDE
30
AUG
Bennachie
Bike Ride
2025
A 23 mile charity bike ride, starting at the Fetternear Hall, and with a route that is always within sight of Bennachie.
Open to everyone, this challenging event aims to raise money for Inverurie West Parish Church.
Further Details.
AUDAX
6
SEP
Insch by Insch
Audax 2025
Insch Cycling Club are again organising the Insch by Insch 200km Audax in 2025. And there are rumours of a new route! This long distance event is a fantastic addition to the 2025 calendar of cycling events in the Grampian region.
Entry Details
GRAVEL CHALLENGE
20
SEP
Moray Raid
Gravel
Challenge
2025
A self supported gravel event with a choice of 2 routes, one long and one short with key timed segments along the trail. Starting and in Lossiemouth finish at The Spruce and Stag, where you will be supplied with a cold beer (or soft/hot drink) and a woodfired pizza.
AUDAX
4
OCT
Highland Pony
Audax
A 112km cycling event, starting at Ballater.
Follow in the path of Queen Victoria, around Royal Deeside and enjoy 39km of gravel estate roads. Checkpoint refreshments and a souvenir from a charitable organisation included in the entry fee.
Entry Details.
AUDAX
4
OCT
King's Gambit
Audax
A 64 km ride from Ballater.
Explore the back roads of Royal Deeside in its autumnal splendour. Price includes a pocket snack and a tasty finishing treat, purchased from a charity.
Entry Details
AUDAX
5
OCT
The Faithful Servant
Audax
A 56km cycling event, starting at Ballater.
Explore the autumnal splendour of Royal Deeside and places associated with John Brown, Queen Victoria's most famous highland servant. 25km of estate roads.
Entry Details.
AUDAX
5
OCT
Rebellious Scots
Audax
A 110 km ride from Ballater.
A hilly 100km, which takes in the Lecht (643m), beautiful scenery and interesting historical sites. Will you be crushed by the Great Military Road, or live to fight another day?
Entry Details
CHARITY CYCLE RIDE
8
OCT
Kayleigh's
Wee Stars
Cycle Challenge
2025
The 2024 version offered four distance options - two family friendly off roaders of 12 and 17 miles, as well as their usual 57 miles and Kayleigh's Big Star 90 miles. As in previous years, there's no entry fee - just a donation to KWS...
Entries open August
CHARITY CYCLE RIDE
8
NOV
Moray
Poppy Ride
2025
The 2023 event returned to a more modest distance touring at least 11 of war memorials. And there was an ambitious twist!
All proceeds go to Poppy Scotland.
Further Details to Follow
2025 Cycle Events - Pending Confirmation
CYCLE CHALLENGE
JUN
Cairn o' Mount
Challenge
2025
Starting in Edzell, there is a choice of the Cairn o' Mount 80 - a challenging 80 mile route or the Cairn o' Mount 30 - a more modest 30 mile cycling challenge. Chip timing and feed stops provided...
FAMILY RIDE
Jun
Westhill
Bike Ride
2025
The 13 mile Westhill Bike Ride leaves Westhill passing through Skene and the surrounding area before returning to Westhill. Since it started in 1999 the Westhill Bike Ride has raised over £18,000 for charity and attracts around 100 cyclists...
CHARITY BIKE RIDE
SEP
Chapelton
Bike Ride
2025
The annual Chapelton Bike Ride returned to the town for its ninth year in 2024. The event raised money for the charity North East Sensory Services and offers either a 42 or 12 mile route.
The following books from Amazon might help you get in shape for your big day out on the bike...
