Stories from England

A historic tour of Somerset & Dorset.

Today's commute took us to Somerton, Ancient Royal Town of Wessex. Our adventure began under blue skies as we set off towards the old Roman town o... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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The North Wessex Downs.
I'm on annual leave so am taking the opportunity to explore a few new places. After a 75 minute commute to Pangbourne, we set off to explore the quiet country lanes of W... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

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Always find getting out on the bike and taking in an awesome sunset does wonders for the mind.

Topic: Other

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Scott Manley That looks amazing.

That looks amazing.

satpal hans Thanks :-)

Thanks :-)

Set out this morning on my challenge to ride my longest ride 50 miles in a single activity. Packed lunch, bottles of water and an afternoon treat Eccles Cake.
Heading out of the city towards th... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

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There once was a man named Phil,
Who cargo-biked up a ruddy big hill,
He had no e-assist,
But you’ll get the gist,
He nearly blacked out while the kids in the front were so chill.

Topic: My commute by bike

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Looked like the sunniest day we'll have for a while and hubby had the day off so we packed gifted cakes, bought coffee and went for a leisurely bimble to Royal Victoria Country Park and back. Lovel... read more

Topic: Other

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Scott Manley Love Victoria Park one of my fav places, its great for a night ride with your lights.. Very scary

Love Victoria Park one of my fav places, its great for a night ride with your lights.. Very scary

Kim Ireland Not quite experienced enough for that yet but I've recently bought some decent lights for when I feel confident enough!

Not quite experienced enough for that yet but I've recently bought some decent lights for when I feel confident enough!

Scott Manley Its a bit scary at night but well worth a trip

Its a bit scary at night but well worth a trip

Nadia Frerichs It can get too dark particularly on early morning in the depth of winter

It can get too dark particularly on early morning in the depth of winter

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Well it certainly been a challenging month. Back on furlough!
Dodging puddles, trying to stay upright on the ice, fixing punctures following the multitude of hedge cutters out this month.
read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

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This year will be simple.
1. continue my 5 mile commute at 5am to the station with my 3st rucksack.
2. Cycle 1000 miles at weekends over a year, before my wife wakes up at 9am, dressed as a... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Claire Sharpe Love this!

Love this!

It’s been rare to cycle after dark recently, especially under lockdown. When things were open I was able to swim each evening; a perfect way to complement my cycling exercise. That’s not possible j... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

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Graham Matthews Hello I like your ideas of being seen which I also use but all cyclists should a hi viz jacket of some kind in day light wi... read more

Hello I like your ideas of being seen which I also use but all cyclists should a hi viz jacket of some kind in day light with lights as we are not seen easily by some traffic.

Carry a small headtorch in your jersey pocket, just in case you need to fix a puncture or have a mechanical in the dark.

Topic: Other

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Scott Watson A very useful tip.

A very useful tip.

Commuting to work all year round for 20 years meant that good lights were essential. A couple of powerful rechargeable cateye lights on the front and several rear lights attached to my back were a ... read more

Topic: Other

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Just got this cheeky little cycling 🚴‍♀️ route in before lockdown. We stayed at Twice Brewed and cycled along the Hadrian’s wall route into Chollerford one day then into Greenhead, To Haltwhistle s... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

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Scott Watson Walked up from Bardon Mill to Housesteads on that very road just the other weekend - but everything was white after quite a... read more

Walked up from Bardon Mill to Housesteads on that very road just the other weekend - but everything was white after quite a heavy snowfall. Quite a tough route on a bike.

Debra Willison It is but it’s we’ll worth it for the scenery.

It is but it’s we’ll worth it for the scenery.

I'll never forget how I felt when I was racing along an unlit country lane and my front light went out. I think the batteries died suddenly, and so did my confidence... it was terrifying. I freewhe... read more

Rushing to meet some friends for a road ride on Saturday I noticed the headset was loose. I grabbed the Allen keys and got adjusting keeping one eye on the clock. In my haste, I overtightened the b... read more

Topic: Carbon Crushers

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Neil Drummond ...and meeting at Warmley Waiting Rooms. Cappuccino and cake as a consolation ;o)

...and meeting at Warmley Waiting Rooms. Cappuccino and cake as a consolation ;o)

Since lockdown started, I've managed to almost completely switch to commuting by bicycle! The quiet roads and pop up cycle lanes have made me feel happy enough to get myself to work via pedal powe... read more

I have been riding since I was a child and my partner is the opposite I managed to convince her to ride to work and to the shop and we take both are kids out all on bikes for the day. Better for ar... read more

Topic: Carbon Crushers

2

Cycle September has encouraged me to get out on my bike and to explore further afield to clock up the miles.
Sunday decided to cycle Fir the first time the section of The Dramway from the Brist... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

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At the start of the year I decided to get more active improve my fitness and lose some weight I started with eating healthier then cleared the garage and put in some exercise machines I had but had... read more

Lottie Price Good luck to you, Michael! A new bike always feels a bit odd at first, but you'll get used to it after a few rides. And co... read more

Good luck to you, Michael! A new bike always feels a bit odd at first, but you'll get used to it after a few rides. And congratulations on your 17km walk! That's awesome.

John Kershaw Good luck Michael

Good luck Michael

Julie Bailey Good luck! I was in the same place as you in March, recently I reached 500 miles, I feel better than I have in many many y... read more

Good luck! I was in the same place as you in March, recently I reached 500 miles, I feel better than I have in many many years, good luck!

Debora Moritz Hi Michael, I'm in a similar situation. I'm 38 years old and learning to ride an old bike in London for the first time. I'v... read more

Hi Michael, I'm in a similar situation. I'm 38 years old and learning to ride an old bike in London for the first time. I've been doing it in parks for 10 minutes every other day. It's challenging, but I know that with practice it will get better and enjoy the rides. I wish you luck enjoying cycling around your beautiful Country. :)

Rob Fox Go for it my friend - take it steady, you'll soon find your confidence. You'll look back and wonder why you were ever nervo... read more

Go for it my friend - take it steady, you'll soon find your confidence. You'll look back and wonder why you were ever nervous. Good luck

Ron Dixon Best of luck Michael, it can be very daunting at first, just aim for getting off your drive and going to the end of your st... read more

Best of luck Michael, it can be very daunting at first, just aim for getting off your drive and going to the end of your street and back, fingers crossed for you

Kayla Mc Gowan good luck firstly.pick a nice flat pavement route to make your first ride easier.If youve a friend who has a bike get them ... read more

good luck firstly.pick a nice flat pavement route to make your first ride easier.If youve a friend who has a bike get them to go with you or a family member or one of the kids in your family.that might help take your mind off your nervousness. Plus youl be chatting as you ride so not be worrying as much hopefully.start off short flat ride to build your confidence and fitness up.good luck and dont give up.x

Show 5 more comments

I started cycling during the lockdown in March 2020. One day for some reason I decided to go on a short early morning ride. After the ride I felt great, so motivated and energised. So I thought the... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

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Steve Clayton Fantastic! Well done you. Very inspirational story.

Fantastic! Well done you. Very inspirational story.

Kirsty Bushell Awesome! brilliant effort

Awesome! brilliant effort

Scott Watson They're both very challenging routes. Well done!

They're both very challenging routes. Well done!

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I started cycling again about 3 years as I was training for a sprint triathlon which included 10km ride. At 55 I hadn't cycled much since I was 18! Found I enjoyed being out and about again even on... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

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#ExploreByBike
So over lockdown I start exploring so new route on my mountain bike and f oik and found myself riding around the foot paths around marwel zoo.
I never realised there were pat... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

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I went around Blaise Castle Estate after cycling there via the Henbury Lodge entrance. This takes you past the Timber Lodge and Wood,an’s cottage. You can then visit the House, and cycle all the wa... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

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Coming back from an appointment at The Paintworks on Bath Rd to Bedminster I discovered I could get straight onto St Philips Greenway and ride alongside the River Avon for half the journey. A very... read more

Topic: Other

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Martin Fodor I did the same recently and enjoyed using this path as well. Took us to the ‘bridges to nowhere’ at the Arena Island site.

I did the same recently and enjoyed using this path as well. Took us to the ‘bridges to nowhere’ at the Arena Island site.

After being in lockdown & isolation for 3 months my friend & I both in our sixties decided to plan an epic cycle to celebrate our release. We chose to complete a full loop of the Avon cycle... read more

Deborah Hanks What an accomplishment well done.

What an accomplishment well done.

Mad Gibbo kudos...lovely route!

kudos...lovely route!

I'd like to focus and share some of the many positive aspects of 'Lockdown' that I have enjoyed and experienced.
Noticing and listening intently to the dawn and evening chorus of the many diffe... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

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Louise Buckley-Simms I definitely share these thoughts during lock down! I normally cycle purely to get from A-B and not really for leisure, so ... read more

I definitely share these thoughts during lock down! I normally cycle purely to get from A-B and not really for leisure, so its been great exploring the local bike routes I've never tried!

Beautiful Britain By Bike - Day Two.
Corinium Dobunnorum Loop of the Cotswolds- a step back in time exploring the deserted lanes of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Today's comm... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

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I was reading about riding safety in the dark, and lots of people said that we are very good a recognising and seeing faces, so I thought I would combine this idea with reflective details.
Wi... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Alison Smith what a great idea :)

what a great idea :)

Taking my own breakfast and detouring off my usual beaten track. Gradually gaining more confidence :-)

Topic: Other

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Scott Manley I do this a lot, nothing like a breakfast or lunch sat next to your bike so mewhere. Have fun

I do this a lot, nothing like a breakfast or lunch sat next to your bike so mewhere. Have fun

Susan Cullen I agree nothing like a snack with nature I take binoculars to look at the birds too.

I agree nothing like a snack with nature I take binoculars to look at the birds too.

Alison Smith I always take a bring and snack if feels like a proper outing then!

I always take a bring and snack if feels like a proper outing then!

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Set out this morning on my challenge to ride my longest ride 50 miles in a single activity. Packed lunch, bottles of water and an afternoon treat Eccles Cake.
Heading out of the city towards th... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

2

Night riding is fast becoming, thanks to Covid my favorite time to get out on my bike. There is no one about and you have most places to yourself. At night your senses become more alert and you hea... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

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Took the mtb into the forest today. Needed a to get out. Especially after the football result last night. 😭☺ didn't set no time. Didn't set no distance. Just enjoyed the scenery and fresh air. Took... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Well it certainly been a challenging month. Back on furlough!
Dodging puddles, trying to stay upright on the ice, fixing punctures following the multitude of hedge cutters out this month.
read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

3

I commute from Colden Common to Bishops Waltham 2-3 times a week. Good lights are essential as the Winchester Road between the two places is unlit, although, now some of the farm houses and buildin... read more

I have over 30 years cycling experience and a keen member of a local club.

Unfortunately cycling in the dark commuting and similar carries additional risks.

Purchase as powerful ... read more

Following my partner being admitted to hospital earlier this year, I found myself valuing cycling even more than before. I began to almost look at my bike as an old friend who transported me across... read more

I commute 3hrs each way to work most days.

And whats the best bit the 5 mile cycle to the station at 5am and home by 7pm

Even better is when it's dark.. then you can add all th... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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Just got this cheeky little cycling 🚴‍♀️ route in before lockdown. We stayed at Twice Brewed and cycled along the Hadrian’s wall route into Chollerford one day then into Greenhead, To Haltwhistle s... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

4

I used to ride daily to the office and back. A journey of about 8 miles. Not a lot, but enough to keep me fit and the pounds off my waistline.

Then Lockdown happened and the need to cycle... read more

When the unthinkable happened and the roads fell quiet, it was a unique glimpse of what is possible, of the world we could have. The birds sounded louder, the air tasted sweeter and cycling was saf... read more

For the car free day we decided to trial cycling both kids (1 and 3years old) to nursery. The kids loved it! Having the oldest on the front meant we could discuss traffic lights, cars and indicatin... read more

Topic: Carbon Crushers

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I eventually made my first bike ride in nearly 40 years. After getting over my nervousness and a few rides round the garden to see if I stayed on the bike I went early last Sunday morning so as to ... read more

I had a fantastic day yesterday helping out at the Bristol Family Cycling Centre in Hengrove, and still can't believe how many people turned up to the sessions despite the torrential downpour!
... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Louise Buckley-Simms Whoopsie address removed... you can book at Better By Bike :)

Whoopsie address removed... you can book at Better By Bike :)

Mad Gibbo Always welcome Louise!!!

Always welcome Louise!!!

I am very fortunate to work/support young people. Today I was able to encourage and support a young person to join me on a ‘Social Distancing’ cycle ride along the Cycle path which runs along The ... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Bristol to Bath cycle path. As far as you want to cycle without the car traffic. A must in Bristol.

Topic: My commute by bike

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Rob Wiltsher Is there still anti-social behaviour taking place or is it a safe place to cycle now ?

Is there still anti-social behaviour taking place or is it a safe place to cycle now ?

Really enjoyable ride along the canal. We started out from just west of Bristol and took the cycle path to Bath and joined the canal tow path and just kept going... The path is poor in places (espe... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Great weather to #ExploreByBike, first ride down the southern coast, and #ExploreByBike beautiful towns and villages.

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

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After a bad day or a stressful week,
An escape on my bike, I must seek!
Off I head, before it gets dark,
To the Royal Victoria Country Park.
On the way, there are hills so steep -read more

Topic: My favourite place/route to ride

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Pete Dargie Love that Jayne, you must do a similar route to us (Woolson stench) ;-)

Love that Jayne, you must do a similar route to us (Woolson stench) ;-)

Lizzie Eyres This is what I do on alternate days after work (which will maybe be in my lunchbreak now that winter darkness is arriving!)

This is what I do on alternate days after work (which will maybe be in my lunchbreak now that winter darkness is arriving!)

Meeting midway is about visiting more distant friends safely. We get social again, planning to meet-up & picnic in unfamiliar territory. Our two brothers travel by bike to meet for the first ti... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

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David Overton Hmm, it loses a certain "je ne sais quoi" when the you tube reference is removed! Search SplashMaps on YouTube and look for... read more

Hmm, it loses a certain "je ne sais quoi" when the you tube reference is removed! Search SplashMaps on YouTube and look for "From your Doorstep". There you'll find us :-)

While being confined to the area around my home on the edge of Bristol has been a great excuse to explore. From the cycle path taking a slightly different exit i have discovered the common at mango... read more

At the start off lockdown I chose to keep heading out each morning and get in the mileage I would have cycled to work. As time went by I persuaded my partner that we should head out on the weekend... read more

Sean Cooper i quite agree that the avenue needs a cycle lane of sorts and the current situation is great. i would not want to go back ... read more

i quite agree that the avenue needs a cycle lane of sorts and the current situation is great. i would not want to go back to two lanes of gridlocked traffic instead of one and a free cycle lane. traffic fills roads. half of the avenue is two lanes but the lower half is not, but is treated as it is with idiot drivers overtaking leaving and approaching burgess road lights. there has been a bottleneck as it turns into a single lane at the turning into the common, this has just been moved back 1.5 miles. don't be too quick to give road space to cars as currently us cyclists are safe and free flowing. people sat in cars keep dry and travel most of their journeys in ease. if they have to wait a little because there are too many of them in city centres then they could stagger their journeys, catch a bus, join us in cycling or put up with this little inconvenience.