With Edinburgh’s abundance of scenic cycle paths weaving through the city and beyond, it’s no wonder that the local u3a boasts three dedicated cycling groups. Among them is Cycle Touring, a group of adventurers led by Richard G., whose enthusiasm for time on two wheels has helped propel the group forward for over a decade.

Cycle Touring is just one of more than 190 member-led interest groups offered by Edinburgh u3a, where the focus is on lifelong learning, fun, and friendship.

Richard joined u3a after retiring from a distinguished career at the Scottish Government. There, he was head of major research-led policy teams, tackling everything from agricultural land management to pollution and housing policy. His final project, which underlines his commitment to sustainability, was a strategic review of the impact of research and policy around agriculture and land use, on climate change.

After years of high-level policy work, Richard embraced retirement as a chance to dive into long-postponed passions. With encouragement from friends and his wife, who also takes part in the several groups, he rekindled an exploration of the French language, debated the world in Current Affairs, set up a book club, swam and, of course, cycled.  

An experienced recreational cyclist, Richard has explored trails across Scotland and France. Before long he took the initiative to start his own u3a cycling group. In the early days, members leaned heavily on Richard for route planning, but after twelve years, he welcomes opportunities to share the reins with other long-standing members.   

The Cycle Touring group runs from April to the end of October, with flexible outing dates and trips that can stretch up to fifty miles. There have been several rides to date, the first of which took the group through Musselburgh and along the scenic Esk Valley path. About half the group uses E-bikes, which Richard champions - especially when hills are involved!   

When he’s not engaged with groups, Richard spent five years as a part-time volunteer with Shelter Scotland and, more recently, the local group of the Humanist Society for Scotland, continuing his lifelong dedication to public policy. Managing his u3a cycling group involves identifying routes and handling admin - although, he says, “with a team of thirty in my division in the Civil Service, I am used to quite a lot of admin.” Interested in joining Cycle Touring?

There are vacancies in the group - see here.

To learn more about this or starting your own group, see our Information or Groups pages.  

Page last updated on 10th July 2025