Stories from England

I had only planned to ride my bike a few miles throughout the month, but when the weather improved, I was able to travel farther. Evening rides have helped me feel better overall by relieving some ... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

Thought we'd give our bikes a ride out into the countryside but needed a destination - we decided upon the Hot Numbers Roastery near Shepreth. The ride was lovely with respectful car drivers and fr... read more

I ride to help with my mental health as I have struggled with it all for as long as I can remember.. which then was made worse by covid, losing a friend, my husband health battle and nearly losing ... read more

Topic: Other

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I moved to Cambridge over ten years ago. The thing I love about Cambridge is I can cycle everywhere. It's funny when I have to walk and it seems to take forever especially on the routes that I usua... read more

Today the early help hub attended the our conversation conference. It was decided that we would commute as a group, which was an thoroughly enjoyable and team building experience! Both experienced ... read more

Topic: Other

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This year I'm upping my game and putting myself outside my comfort zone. I'm not going to climb Monte Zoncolan or Alpe d'Huez but I am going to ride more organised rides instead of just heading out... read more

Been cycling to and from work for about 4 weeks now! Please tell me the thigh muscle pain eases? I mean geez! Ha ha

Topic: My commute by bike

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Hedwig Ponjee Oh no! If you continue feeling sore maybe check if your bike is the right size for you and set up correctly in terms of sad... read more

Oh no! If you continue feeling sore maybe check if your bike is the right size for you and set up correctly in terms of saddle height etc.?

Weather looking a bit indifferent but dry for the time being so let's see if I can stretch my legs, test the lungs and keep motivated for the longest ride of the year! Taking in the countryside a... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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I currently ride a hybrid bike with way more gears than I actually use which has lead me to start thinking about single speed or a bike with only a handful of gears to use......and does having an e... read more

Topic: Other

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George Stewart i have a fixed wheel also a marin belt drive, i must say the fixed is great fun and very little maintenance but murder in a... read more

i have a fixed wheel also a marin belt drive, i must say the fixed is great fun and very little maintenance but murder in a tail wind, the belt drive is nice but hardon the bottom bracket with the tension but again on the canal path the dirt is not a problem and very little to clean also you can change gear at traffic lights without turning the pedals, which is nice, But i do find it more effort to keep a good pace, but saying that it also has a front hub dynamo (shift work) and it works a treat so i would sayfixed wheel is good fun bit hard core at the start but to have gears and little maintenance then a belt drive plus no oil on your legs. hope that helps

David Townsend Thank you for your comment George it has given me something to think about. I didn't even realise that there are internal g... read more

Thank you for your comment George it has given me something to think about. I didn't even realise that there are internal gear hubs as an option. I will have to some more research. Thanks.

Nice ride around boughbridge with my wife

Windermere in the lake district. When you get treated to views like this and some fab riding just heaven.

Topic: My favourite place/route to ride

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I thought you'd like to see my morning commute scenery.....

Irina Savulescu Experiencing commute scenery jealousy :)

Experiencing commute scenery jealousy :)

Second time I have ridden into work, managed one day last week, aiming for pedalling in at least two days this week.

During a visit to London on Saturday, 29th April 2023, I happened to witness a quirky sight. A mass of dapperly dressed men, women, and children cycling through the city streets, only to discover t... read more

The sun is shining and its getting warmer just in time for the bike challenge! Took a ride to the local woods to a field of bluebells everywhere, now I can eat for the rest of the day 😊

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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So glad to be back on my bike to work each morning after a horrible week of flu! Its taken me 3 weeks to get there. Feels good to be back :-)

When I want inspiration to head out on a solo ride I choose somewhere I would like to have a picnic. I check the map, plan a route using quiet lanes, pack some food and head out on a mini adventure.

Topic: Other

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After taking part in Cycle September 2022 and winning the £1,000 prize, I went to the local bike shop to fix up my bike. This is what I did with my prize! We have had our three bikes fully servi... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

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Dave Burgess Congratulations ! and a great shout out for Woodsons 👍

Congratulations ! and a great shout out for Woodsons 👍

I'm happy to say that my trusty (and slightly dusty) bike has once again seen the light of day. With work only a 30-minute walk away, I found myself putting off getting on my bike. In part, beca... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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Joe Sheffield Remember to wear your helmet!

Remember to wear your helmet!

It was a serene cold Sunday afternoon and after a hot meal of my favourite soya curry and chapattis, I thought I should shake off my laziness and venture into the cold on my bicycle. Once you are o... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

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On my route to work yesterday @ 7.30 am I miss timed a curb/hedge/pavement and went over the top of my handlebars into on coming traffic! Fortunately a lovely lady stopped her car and made sure I ... read more

Ever wondered how the long long never ending A38 which leads into Midlands looks like beyond Alveston / Thornbury? Me too! I had been to Itchington a couple of times before and also once to Tytheri... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

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John Newell There is a rather charming book written by "fat man on a bicycle" Tom Vernon all about the A38. An ancient and historic ro... read more

There is a rather charming book written by "fat man on a bicycle" Tom Vernon all about the A38. An ancient and historic route. Fun to read now... It was written in the 70s I think

Went on a bike ride with the old dear great to be back in the saddle been out every day since

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Jenny Norman If your old dear is the lady in the back of your picture? she is looking fabulous not even a wrinkle, I thought she was yo... read more

If your old dear is the lady in the back of your picture? she is looking fabulous not even a wrinkle, I thought she was your girlfriend. 😍

Untill.4 weeks ago I hadn't been on a bike for 20 years now I love riding my bike

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Rayaan Sarfraz u have quite the experience when can you ride me xX ;)

u have quite the experience when can you ride me xX ;)

In October 2021 I set out to raise £1000 and lose my Covid spare tyre by cycling 1000 miles to work at the University of Bolton, from my home in Blackburn, all in aid of Derian House Childrens Hosp... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

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I cycle to and from work every day Monday to Friday without fail unless if I have a problem with m bike and it needs a repair. The cycle to work involves a lovely cycle route along Morecambe Prom t... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

Changing jobs lead to not being able to lead rides anymore, but I'm trying to make time and still want to help others get out and cycle. Happy miles all round .

Its a bit far to Ride to work, but as part of the bike month challenge, when i work from home i take the kids into school on their bikes. My son has been really motivated by the challenge and logg... read more

After my dad passed away in 2007 I was very unfit. I was recommended to get a bike by a friend to help get fitter in 2008, i hadn't had a bike in over 25 years.... . I struggled to do 2-3 miles, t... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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J Brim 👌

👌

I worked out the train stops nearest. Checked my sat nav & alternatives. Asked my boss where my bike could be stored safely. My clothing I could both cycle & wear at work. Challenge was on ... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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We had a beautiful sunny day yesterday here in Gloucester so my husband, daughter and I rode along the canal out to Wholly Gelato for an icecream. A really beautiful 25 mile ride in total, a comple... read more

Topic: Ride with kids

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I enjoy the ride at Ferry Meadow every time. So many places to see at any time of the year and every time there is something new and interesting.

Topic: My favourite place/route to ride

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Any tips on riding past geese with goslings? Im cycling down bridgewater canal path daily but constantly at a stand off by protective parents! As daft as is sound im extremely nervous passing them.

Topic: Other

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Dave Burgess Good question, noticed the same on that tow path, If it's on wide sections I tend to keep moving but extremely slow veering... read more

Good question, noticed the same on that tow path, If it's on wide sections I tend to keep moving but extremely slow veering round them to give widest birth possible, but understand this is not possible on narrow parts

Seeing Earley Panda's picture below, here is some Strava Art we did a while ago between Wokingham/Bracknell

Back in Oct 2020 I was brought to my knees by something I never hope to experience again ,wow this thing knocked me for six,to the point I was not eating or drinking or taking my statins,one of my ... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

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Six months after becoming very poorly with covid I am back on my bike. I have had to switch to an e-bike to help manage my loss of fitness and ongoing covid recovery. Was so lovely to get out on it... read more

Topic: Other

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Bike park Wales is amazing

Topic: My favourite place/route to ride

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First ride for Bike Month was a family one. 44yF 41yM 8yF 7yM, hooking up 2 Cube bikes and 2 kids bikes onto our secondhand towbar rack. Literally bought this this morning from marketplace and it's... read more

Topic: My favourite place/route to ride

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Let's get fit again!

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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in 2017 i quaified as a british cycling ride leader and have had the pleasure of helping many people who are new to cycling or lacking confidence to enjoy getting out on their bikes, my favourite b... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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I've been riding bikes since I was knee high to a grasshopper. Then I grew up and learned to drive. Drove everywhere and heavily relied on my car, even for those short distances to the local shops.... read more

Topic: Other

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First time riding with Rural Rides. We had a lovely time, a lot of happy chatter. Discovered new routes through the city, as well. We had an exceptional leader! Sunshine all the way.

Topic: A happy riding memory

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Steady ride after my Heart Attack + Inguinal hernia repair operation last year (2022). Could have gone a bit further but following the wife's instructions to take it steady. Cold wind into my face ... read more

Topic: Other

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Great memory of riding Phoenix bike park this summer

Topic: A happy riding memory

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MY EARLIEST memory of riding a bike - a tricycle with a metal roll-top storage box (a bit like an oversize bread bin, between the back wheels) – was in 1953 when, just before my fifth birthday, I j... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Bronah Byrne What an inspirational story filled with common sense. You are a fabulous ambassador for cycling Roger - thank you . happy c... read more

What an inspirational story filled with common sense. You are a fabulous ambassador for cycling Roger - thank you . happy cycling🚴‍♀️

Carol Imray Excellent to read - so pleased you enjoy it so much. A daily cycle will certainly give many rewards, but I especially reso... read more

Excellent to read - so pleased you enjoy it so much. A daily cycle will certainly give many rewards, but I especially resonate with your acknowledgment of the risk of being on the road and the need for us to take responsibility to be seen. I equally am astounded when I see cyclists in dark/dull clothing - talk about camouflaged with the road! Great pic too!

Hi I run leos rides I take donated bikes and rebuild them and gift them to any one needing a bike to get to work or just for fun and fitness. I am Allso a fully trained advanced bike Macanic and fu... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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So roughly about 11 years ago i used to love to ride my bmx and my 26er like an idiot (Thought i was Emil lol) but anyway i had a nasty accident and this put the FEAR into getting back on a bike i... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Sometimes the early morning rides are the best. Being early to work and being able to sit and watch the world go past. People's stories from walking their dog to going to work. The still atmosphe... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

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My story began when I first went on a Tour the Polongne to see how the cyclists ride. Then I got inspiration and said that I have to start riding too. I remember that day I got many gifts from the... read more

Topic: Other

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14 miles today on my new bikes maiden voyage to run it in. A nice quiet route including a ride from Shildon to newton aycliffe past the locomotion museum, which is a lovely smooth wide path. If y... read more

Topic: Other

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Carol Imray Fantastic, we have been to the Shildon museum on holiday and I remember it well - it would be a lovely cycle :) Your new b... read more

Fantastic, we have been to the Shildon museum on holiday and I remember it well - it would be a lovely cycle :) Your new bike looks great