Stories from Bracknell Forest

Read stories and get inspired! Share a cycling story and inspire others to get out and ride!

Stories from around the world

Just for fun.....NOT! :)

When I formed our team, my thought wasn't to be competitive. I just wanted to participate, encourage some friends to ride, and be in the running for some of the cool prizes during the Challenge. On... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

4

A bike ride to Cyprus

In 2008 me and my husband cycled 2000 miles from Lincolnshire to Cyprus. I wasn’t what you’d call a cyclist and was very overweight when we set out. Over the course of 3 months we cycled down to Po... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

1
5

"A small hill"

My partner and I went to Devon to visit his family this weekend. I've recently gotten into cycling so was excited to go for a ride with them, as they're veterans of the sport. After about 30 minute... read more

Topic: Other

3
Image for story Elderflower cordial

Elderflower cordial

I have been waiting for the elderflowers to open on my local cycle path (far from the fumes of traffic) and last week the time finally arrived (almost a whole month later than last year). I put a c... read more

Topic: Other

1
Image for story Durhams Rails to Trails

Durhams Rails to Trails

Getting out on my bike more during the pandemic last years I discovered County Durhams Rails to Trails. These include the C2C, Deerness Valley, Bishop Auckland to Brandon and the Derwent Valley tra... read more

Topic: My favourite place/route to ride

7
Image for story Coffee run.

Coffee run.

Sunday morning trip out to Sledmere House, NR Driffield East Yorkshire for a take out coffee and breakfast with the chaps.

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

1
Image for story What’s around the corner?

What’s around the corner?

I rode into my training session today as it was a lovely day clear skies and 18c at 8.30 when I set off. Now at lunchtime I’m less than half a mile from site sat at the side of the River Ouse. I’m ... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

2

A couple & their bike(s)...

I hadn't ridden since I was a kid. But since my husband & I were working on our health/weight, it seemed like an easy way to get more exercise without killing my knees. And by buying reconditio... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

1
4
Image for story The 'voucher' difference.

The 'voucher' difference.

I'm one of those people who would say that they never win anything and it's largely true, so it was all the more surprising when Love to Ride got in touch to let me know that I'd won a £50 voucher.... read more

Topic: Other

1
6
Image for story Lunch hour cycle

Lunch hour cycle

Doing my favourite cycle in my lunch break ☀️

Topic: My favourite place/route to ride

2
Image for story Fitness

Fitness

Cycling has helped change my life.
From overweight coach potato to lean mean cycling machine.
25 St 54w type 2 dietbeties to 12 St 32 w fit healthy and happy

Topic: Other

1
22
Image for story A Lesson Learnt whilst out on Two Wheels

A Lesson Learnt whilst out on Two Wheels

Hi all,

This is a post that I published on an online cycling group that I'm a member of. It talks about how being fatigued and having to stop whilst tackling a particularly tough ascent du... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

2
Image for story Owls, hares and Deer

Owls, hares and Deer

I am a Bikeability Instructor inYork and I commute from my home 20 miles away by bike to deliver the training sessions to the pupils of York.
My commute takes in back lanes and main roads as on... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

1
2
Image for story Recovery during the Pandemic

Recovery during the Pandemic

After breaking both ankles just prior to the start of the Covid-19 pandemic I have never been so grateful to be able to hop on my bike as part of my rehabilitation and return to fitness at a time ... read more

Topic: Other

Image for story My challenge

My challenge

I completed my first ever sportive yesterday. 65 miles, with an average speed of 12.5 mph. Three years ago, I thought 10-15 miles was a good ride. My next challenge is to become as confident on a r... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

5
Image for story Mickleson Trail Deadwood

Mickleson Trail Deadwood

There is a trail in the Black Hills called the Mickleson Trail. It winds through densely wooded forests, through tunnels, and over numerous bridges. It challenges one to go beyond the everyday ri... read more

Topic: My favourite place/route to ride

4
Image for story Long time coming.

Long time coming.

I suggested that we should get out riding again after years off our regular riding antics. So myself, my fiancee and my brother ( oh and dog but you can't see him in the pic🐕) travelled along the n... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

1

Back on the bike

My son, Luke has got right into cycling following back surgery and loves it, I ventured out with him yesterday for 8 miles which was a hard slog for me as it's been nearly 12 months since I was las... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

2
Image for story Monsal Trail Derbyshire

Monsal Trail Derbyshire

For the UK bank holiday weekend we cycled to the Peak District via the cloud trail and on cycle paths along the Derby canal and River Derwent and the over the big hill to Wirksworth and down the st... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

1

Trialling a new route

I’m starting a course tomorrow. I thought I’d take my bicycle there. My usual commute is under four miles but this is between eight and ten depending on the route. I thought I’d try a road route th... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

1
4
Image for story Love the ride

Love the ride

Back on the bike after coming off and fracturing my thumb, riding to work. Not that this would put me off from getting back on the iron horse.
Love the ride to work, especially in the nice wea... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

1
Image for story Happy International bike day

Happy International bike day

There’s’ nothing like the freedom of being on two wheels and enjoying the outdoors with others

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

2
Image for story Cycle to the estuary

Cycle to the estuary

On World Bicycle Day, we cycled along the glorious Exe Estuary Cycle Path to Lympstone. With our son in the trailer (alongside his bucket and spade) - we ditched the busy Exeter roads and opted for... read more

Topic: Carbon Crushers

4

Local Bike Shop is very busy

So having mainly used a road bike for commuting and leisure for the last 10 years, I have had to switch to my trusty 28 year old mountain bike this week. My road bike needs essential maintenance, t... read more

Topic: My Bicycle Romance

1
Image for story Keep peddling

Keep peddling

Hi there good morning,
My name is Simon Millard and I'm fairly new to cycling.
Started slowly and bulit it up I'm lucky enough to live in Salisbury so lots of nice routes to get to work ea... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

New job, new (active) routine

So I started my new job in January, working from home initially like so many other people during covid.

Easing of the restrictions in April meant I could start my job properly, by going in... read more

Topic: Other

7
Image for story My cat will be in heaven!

My cat will be in heaven!

Whilst out on a 40 mile cycle ride today, I happened upon a new place for my cat to stay when I am next able to go away on my cycling holiday to Croatia.
Called the Willow Tree Cat Hotel, it re... read more

Topic: Other

1

Attack of the Canada Geese

As I continue my mission to cycle the entire Birmingham Canal Navigation system I headed out along the Grand Union towards East Birmingham. I navigated the skunk smokers in Small Heath, survived an... read more

Topic: Other

1
7
Image for story Group rides are back in good weather

Group rides are back in good weather

Great mixed ability ride in the Calderdale valley as part of the #ridedrinkpie club. All levels, all off road suitable bikes, mixed ability.

This weeks ride was great, new members, people ... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

1

recycled wood

After my ex wife remove old fence lots of wood was to be remove so as I met some caravan traveler on my cycling ride I ask do they have enough wood for there wood burning stove no was the answer. I... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

1

My daily commute

I work for the NHS in a support role, not frontline, and have been working from home since February 2020. I used to commute to various NHS offices for my job, so all this stopped with COVID-19. Ver... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

2
Image for story What’s around the corner?

What’s around the corner?

I rode into my training session today as it was a lovely day clear skies and 18c at 8.30 when I set off. Now at lunchtime I’m less than half a mile from site sat at the side of the River Ouse. I’m ... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

1
Image for story ALL for a good cause! Leicester to Edinburgh for RAINBOWS..

ALL for a good cause! Leicester to Edinburgh for RAINBOWS..

Riders of Shaam are humbled to be supporting Rainbows Children’s Hospice for the Third time. An organisation that is so close to our hearts.

Sadly, some children don’t live long enough. S... read more

Topic: Other

1
1
Image for story So much easier in the Sunshine

So much easier in the Sunshine

I love riding my bike to work and do so all year round and in all weathers! it wakes the mind and gets the blood pumping ready for the day...but It is oh so much better when the sun is shining :)

Topic: My commute by bike

3
Image for story Ditching the Car

Ditching the Car

I am going to be moving out on my own soon so I've been stepping up my bike game to try and get by without needing a car. There are plenty of cycle routes around my new place and I will be able to... read more

Topic: My Bicycle Romance

2
3
Image for story First timer up Cheddar Gorge

First timer up Cheddar Gorge

Having been building up her cycling abilities over lockdown Judy my sister-in-law has come on in leaps and bounds since this time last year. Even took on her first sportive in September, which took... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

8
Image for story Pedal Power from London to Paris for Charity

Pedal Power from London to Paris for Charity

In September I'll be particupating in a 500km cycle ride from London to Paris in support of Cure Leukaemia. The money that I raise will go towards funding specialist nurses at 12 blood cancer centr... read more

Topic: Other

1

Just as good as a car or better

I find I can get to work and back home for lunch and end of day in the same time as a car! With the increase of traffic and road maintenance a bike can slip through it all. Choosing the country t... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

1
4

Who would have thought?

[address removed]

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

6
Image for story Cargo bike

Cargo bike

Having bought a cargo bike, it's enabled my commute via nursery to be a quicker and easier journey. I love the fact we can also do a food shop on the way home or pop to the park with bits ready for... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

1
4

Not a 2-way street

Envy, always an issue for me, when I see people with typical work days and a set work place. Why? The ability to bike to work. Having worked hotel shifts of random hours and having to drop off and ... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

4

Living on a hill

I am so happy to have participated in this challenge even if it was just for one day. Ever since I moved to Makakilo, it's been so hard to bike. There are no bike lanes and very narrow sidewalks. I... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

4

New riders passion

I bought a bike for transportation only because my daughter got her driver's license & needed my car. This began my passion for biking. Now I ride on bike paths, I learned the road ways & e... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

3
Image for story Gravel biking…. Never heard of it!

Gravel biking…. Never heard of it!

I have used the cycle to work scheme a few years ago and still own my original bruised and battered bike.
However I thought it was time to upgrade so with certificate and interweb I was away. ... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

1
Image for story Home Home Out out

Home Home Out out

Come visit for lunch. The folks invited. So with decent weather and coincidentally #Worldbicycleday off I set. 166km round trip and a lovely lunch with the parents. I will take a rain check for a ... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

3

Riverwalk Detroit

After not riding since December 17 2020 I was anxious to get back on my schedule (4-6 days per week). I had an incidence of basal cell carcinoma on my forehead in February and couldn't ride till it... read more

Topic: My favourite place/route to ride

6
Image for story Cycling for transport, exercise and fun!

Cycling for transport, exercise and fun!

I started cycling during lockdown and now ride most days to work, the shops or to see friends! I'm loving it and have started riding in the evenings to enjoy the sunset.

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

5

Getting back in the saddle

First ride out probably since before the pandemic last weekend and it was lush! I got out of the habit of cycling to work a while back and forgot how glorious it can be getting out in the countrysi... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

4

Those were good times...

This might be an unpopular opinion, but for me, lockdown had its beauty. Especially when it comes to cycling. Usually when out on the street, I have to face the anger of "car-people" that cut you o... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

4
Image for story Cycling helps

Cycling helps

I like cycling but wanted to be more confident on roads and able to do repairs. So I joined a couple of events and have been learning to repair donated bikes for charity which are given to people t... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

4