Stories from Christchurch

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

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Image for story Braunton Pump track

Braunton Pump track

3 generations riding, youngest grandaughter Hallie,4, youngest daughter, eldest son (Hallie's dad), myself and Hallie's other Nanny, first time on a BMX for Jackie and she did brilliantly. Plus we... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Image for story School staff love the Ebike loan scheme

School staff love the Ebike loan scheme

Through my local Sustainable Travel and Road Safety Officer I have organised some loan Ebikes for school staff. The interest has exploded now staff have seen the smiles on their colleagues faces as... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Image for story Why I'm now addicted to cycling...

Why I'm now addicted to cycling...

A newbie’s insight into the wonderful world of riding… Hello, my name is Jude, and I’m addicted to cycling. It’s a new thing and I’m definitely hooked! It all started one Saturday night, gl... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Image for story #Womenwhoride

#Womenwhoride

My cycling story began a long way back on a large 3 wheeled tricycle, then always rode a variety of bikes, often where I wasn't supposed to! Local dirt track was for boys, not girls and mum said 'n... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Streetbikes donation

We've been trying to declutter our garage for a while and have accumulated a number of bikes that have been replaced due to size or style. Today we donate 4 bikes to the Streetbikes project - a co... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Image for story Kingdom of Fife 100m ode to a Solstice

Kingdom of Fife 100m ode to a Solstice

Cycling 100 miles through the night was amazing but the time in the saddle is not so good, erm if you know what I mean! Hopefully, my derrière will forgive me soon! Obviously, missing all the traf... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Image for story 'Olive' my substitute horse!

"Olive" my substitute horse!

I have ridden horses all my life but as my pal "GG" was in his final years, and I knew I never wanted to own another one, I needed something to take me to all the places he and I visited. Sooooo...... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Get out there and ride!

#WomenWhoRide As a 50 something woman, who has a failing transplant and isn't in the best of shape, riding bikes gives me the headspace to deal with my daily stresses. While out on the bike I am e... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Image for story What a wonderful tonic!

What a wonderful tonic!

I started cycling more regularly (rather than quick commutes and around town) when I signed up for a charity challenge in Kenya for a unique and amazing small charity. Getting started was a bit s... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Well-being on wheels

I started riding recently with three other women. I knew one of them already. We have all become friends now and we use our weekly ride as therapy! We talk about everything. From children, to diffi... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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my kids are motivating me

My 10yo has his 'bikability' sessions this week at primary school and he wanted to cycle to school. I wasn't happy letting him go alone, so dusted off my own trusty bicycle and we took off early on... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Image for story Finding time

Finding time

Prior to lockdown I used to commute 2 to 4 times a week but then with lockdown I ended up working from home which made the opportunity for biking difficult with the number of meetings, mostly tedio... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Image for story Cann Ladies Ride MTB

Cann Ladies Ride MTB

I love riding trails and DH on my bike, but what I’ve really enjoyed recently is showing other ladies this love of MTB in Cann Woods. We have a Devon Ladies MTB group on FB where we arrange rides.

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Gaining confidence with every ride!

I hadn't ridden regularly for years until lockdown in 2020, the weather was amazing and we got out on our bikes as a family a few times during each week as many others did. Its dropped off a bit no... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Image for story Developing riding skills

Developing riding skills

Watching your child develop there riding skills is a wonderful experience apart from the occasional fall!!! So on to the new challenge of taking your hand off the handle bars in preparation for sig... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Encouraging others

Got my bro on bike after about 25years... 'it's changed my life' 'I'm loving it' 'I've met a new group of friends' 'I'm so much fitter' 'I'm a better role model for the kids' Just some of t... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Image for story Take time to ride each day

Take time to ride each day

I wasn’t looking forward to returning to work in London this month but the warm weather and being back on my bike really helped. London is a fabulous city to ride in. Just ride safely and respec... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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9 years

Nine years ago I gave birth to my miracle baby but due to a genetic defect my heart started to fail. I entered a dark time of joy in my baby but not knowing what was wrong. I was told if I had pas... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Image for story Riding for work

Riding for work

I love my job. I get to train colleagues and volunteers on our new e-cargo bike from Iceni Cycles. We got funding last year to trial an electric bike and electric van to see if they could add to ou... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Image for story Magnificent 7 go to Blackpool!

Magnificent 7 go to Blackpool!

Magnificent 7 go to Blackpool! We literally had a blast with high winds and high spirits! Love to Ride is all about removing barriers to get people cycling. I managed to convince 4 relatively n... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Image for story Riding with the latest product for bicycles 'Bicycle Sunshade'.

Riding with the latest product for bicycles "Bicycle Sunshade".

We love riding our bicycles and about 5 years ago my husband found out he had melanoma on the back of his neck. We decided that a sun shade to cover our heads and neck while riding our bicycle wou... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Brief Encounter

Whilst riding through a local park my path was blocked by a group of women chatting. I stopped and talked bikes gave them my number if they needed a bike buddy. About a month on we started riding t... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Image for story My friend Ciara...

My friend Ciara...

My friend Ciara is one of a number of female riders recently joined Claydon Cycling Club in Buckinghamshire as part of the club's new Academy program. The initiative encourages would-be cyclists t... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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The freedom machine

I wanted to share with you a story of why the bicycle is such a great thing. I know you all know this anyway, but here goes... I work as a Bikeability Cycling Instructor. One of the things I lov... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Image for story Post-pub have-a-go session

Post-pub have-a-go session

I'd arranged to meet my boyfriend at our local pub after work. I commute by bike, but despite having a bike and a short commute, he didn't. After we'd had food and a few drinks, we were leaving and... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Image for story Heart Attack

Heart Attack

Ten years ago, I had a heart attack while refereeing a football match, thankfully, I made it to the hospital, where a stent was fitted. I was told that it would take me three months to get fit agai... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Image for story The Fake Commute

The Fake Commute

So i pinched this idea from someone else, while in the first lockdown last year i would normal go out of a ride along the local trails on the Gravel bike. But once the weather had started to change... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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My love for cycling

I've had my fair share of tragedies over the years, then being diagnosed with Menieres disease, this means I am prone to severe vertigo attacks. I have always ridden horses for years and am lu... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Image for story Starting them young

Starting them young

I love cycling in all it’s forms and I have bikes for everything - commuting, road, gravel, bikepacking and MTB. So I really hope I can encourage my 18mo son to take it up too. I can’t make him of ... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Image for story No-one told me about Lincoln being so hilly!

No-one told me about Lincoln being so hilly!

After many years feeling like a bit of a social outcast cycling round Cardiff to many different universities, offices, schools, pubs, cinemas and so on, this year I was happy to be offered a dream ... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Image for story #WomenWhoRide

#WomenWhoRide

A couple of hours happily getting lost in the Levels (Somerset!) Whilst it's important for the media to call out harassment of women doing their thing out and about, let's make sure it doesn't crea... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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I cycle for my dog!

I'm not what you would call an enthusiastic cyclist but I started cycling to work when I adopted a rescue dog. Not wanting her to be home all day alone, but also knowing that she would not enjoy d... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Image for story When on holiday hire a bike

When on holiday hire a bike

Fantastic bike ride along the water's edge by Titanic on a hire bike as on holiday, June 21.

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Image for story E-bike makes national park more accessible

E-bike makes national park more accessible

Hired 2 e-bikes in the Lake District. Allows a beginner to enjoy massive mountain passes and keep up with an experienced rider. Allows for far more exploring than driving and walking...

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Image for story Bike motivation

Bike motivation

Always love the outdoors and riding my bike makes me feel so good with enjoying the outdoors fresh air.Never really been into long bike rides only short ones with my bike being my vehicle to gettin... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Image for story Manchester Gravel #MCRGRVL

Manchester Gravel #MCRGRVL

Most have re-discovered the benefits of cycling. One element has been taking things a step further and joining a local club. A cycling buddy of mine set up Manchester Gravel MCRGRVL on Facebook, ... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Image for story To keep my heart healthy

To keep my heart healthy

I have loved my bike through out lock down. I am the proud owner of a pace maker and have had a few cardiac problems. It has been my bike that has kept me going and healthy . It’s been brilliant t... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Biking has been a god send

I took up mountain biking when my dad became terminally ill as a distraction / release from the stresses. I have met some great new people and discovered some wonderful places on my doorstep. Bikin... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Image for story Cycling to work is the best!

Cycling to work is the best!

For the past year, I have cycled to work in all weather - sun, rain, sleet and hail. Not only is it a great form of physical exercise, but it is also a fantastic way to clear your head and blow awa... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Image for story Summer ride

Summer ride

Lovely ride to Emberton Park with my daughter and brother in law

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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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 wantin... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Media coverage

(Not usually one to steal the limelight but) happy to be quoted to help encourage people to ride (or walk) to for short journeys. [address removed]

Topic: Encouraging others to ride