England

Stories from England

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

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Image for story Tandems in the Trossachs!!

Tandems in the Trossachs!!

Kim, Rachael, Mike and myself are just back from a splendid 5-day tandem ride from Balloch to Nairn. We followed SUSTRANS cycle route 7 for most of the way.

We drove up to Balloch, at the... read more

Topic: My favourite place/route to ride

3
Image for story Pedalling west...

Pedalling west...

During the dark months of the latest lockdown I conceived a ridiculous plan to cycle solo from the Chalice Well at Glastonbury to Penzance Lido.

I've allowed myself right days for this ta... read more

Topic: My Bicycle Romance

1
Image for story Gravel adventure

Gravel adventure

Wanting a change from 1000's of road miles and still been able to commute to work in the winter, I invested in Gravel bike this year.
Amazing peice if kit. My most adventurous ride so far was a... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

5
Image for story Mad as a box of frogs

Mad as a box of frogs

As I'm a young spring chicken (58 this year), riding with the grand kids (start them young) is full of laughter and memories to cherish. Toasted tea cakes and hot chocolate, half way stop off. They... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

2
Image for story Over the hills and far away

Over the hills and far away

The end of a big challenge.
Completed the Dartmoor Classic Medio ride not far off a Silver Medal time.
Only started cycling again about 4 years ago, because the work car park was shut!

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

3

Bridgewater canal

I started to take on cycling in 2018 when my car broke down and bought a bike (Brompton) to cycle to work, while I tried to buy another car. I have never looked back since. During the Spring and Su... read more

Topic: My favourite place/route to ride

2
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

4
Image for story On the mend

On the mend

Great to get out and jog a short distance today. As someone who comes from a family with a history of biking, I never really understood the appeal of running. Firstly, cycling thighs aren't really ... read more

Topic: Other

1
Image for story The early bird catches the Ram!

The early bird catches the Ram!

Last week I got on my bike for the first time this year in order to join in with the Great Get Together Ride for Refugee Week. I haven’t worn a watch since lockdown last March so a quick glance at ... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

4

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

1
3

Betancuria

Before the dark days of Covid - I used to take regular holidays to Fuerteventura, where my favorite ride was to the highest point of the island Betancuria.

Topic: My favourite place/route to ride

2

Rain, rain, rain, but didn't get any wetter than driving.

I cycled my toddler to nursery in the pouring rain, but thanks to my waterproofs and the fact I could park right outside the door, I didn't get any wetter than if I'd driven and had to walk from wh... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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'<... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

1

story

story

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

1
Image for story Sunshine on the Isle of Wight

Sunshine on the Isle of Wight

A group of us from work decided to tackle the Isle of Wight round the island route. A very early start was needed to catch the 08:00 ferry from Southampton. A gloriously sunny day and light winds e... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

2
Image for story Fun memories of Moreton Corbett Castle, Shropshire

Fun memories of Moreton Corbett Castle, Shropshire

Today as part of my new challenge to visit as many villages and hamlets in Shropshire, I revisited a village that I had not been to for about 25 years. Within the village is a castle and when I la... read more

Topic: Other

Just explore.

Until lockdown I did most of my cycling commuting to work. After lockdown I was working from home and used my bike more for exercise. I have found loads of local, and not so local, routes from my f... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

1

1000 this month

This month I am trying for the 1000 miles but looks like I may not make it last month was easy 600 miles so I thought an extra 400 would be easy, It's not easy I have the time as I am retired I am ... read more

Topic: Other

1
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

1

Riding in the rain

I'm a relatively novice bike-rider, having picked it up because of a bad knee which is making running and walking difficult on some days. Having logged a few rides before work I thought I'd set off... read more

Topic: Other

1

A lock of air.

I left my cherished love (a raleigh pursuit) combination locked to a cycle parking rail in George street Oxford, as I went to an afternoon showing at the cinema opposite. When I emerged into the af... read more

Topic: My Bicycle Romance

1

Harriet

My bike romance is with my new and first ever bike, Harriet the chariot! I've gone from not being able to ride a bike at all, to daydreaming about her all day. I get up early to spend time with her... read more

Topic: My Bicycle Romance

1
Image for story I’ve just sold my car!

I’ve just sold my car!

After cycling to work for a year and using only one family car we decided it was time to part with my micra! It had been sat unused for over a year due to the pandemic, and it made me realise didn’... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

1
Image for story The view on my route to work

The view on my route to work

I started riding to work when corona hits the UK. Its around 6 miles away and a bit shall i call it Hilly on my way to work (Harrow on the hill) but I love it when its home time because its shall I... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

1
10

Cry for help!

I cycle to work on the quietest route possible. One frosty morning I heard a feeble cry of ā€œHelp!ā€ , coming from a garden. I stopped my bike and found a lady in her 90s and dressed in her night at... read more

Topic: Other

1
7

Love to commute!

I love my commute, for me nothing beats getting up early to ride to work, 12miles of pedalling away waking me up ready for the day. I also ride to get fitter for my attempt of LEJOG before I’m 35! ... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

1
Image for story Cycle to the Sunset

Cycle to the Sunset

I've got back into the habit of cycling, and really enjoy going out to Turf and back. Last week, I went a little bit further, near Powderham, and watched the sunset. It was a lovely way to spend a ... read more

Topic: My favourite place/route to ride

3
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

1
Image for story Northern Ireland alternative for Covid Era bike tour

Northern Ireland alternative for Covid Era bike tour

If your planned trip to sunnier climes has been cancelled or deferred because of covid travel restrictions. I can recommend Northern Ireland.
Quiet roads, lovely scenery, respectful drivers an... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

2
Image for story The New Forest

The New Forest

As part of cycle June I have also been taking part cycling 100 miles for dementia during June. With this in mind I mounted my Cycle on the back of the car and headed with my husband to the New For... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

2

Building a bike

Not quite a riding story but the story of how I built my bike and what that means to me.

While I was at university, I helped a friend out moving house and, as a result of him downsizing, h... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

2
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

1
Image for story First ever 100km Ride

First ever 100km Ride

As the British summer seems to have vanished temporarily I wanted to share my ride from two weeks ago when the sun was shining!

First time I'd ever cycled 100km after starting cycling last... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

1

I ā¤ļø my bike!

Many years ago I said goodbye to my rickety, heavy, hand me down bike the night before my driving test. Over confidence of youth! But I did pass my test and never wanted to cycle again. Forty years... read more

Topic: Other

3
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

4
Image for story The things we do

The things we do

My other half is absolutely cycling mad. As a result we now shuttle between Sheffield and Nottingham. It’s a lovely trip, especially in the sunshine of an early summer evening. If you’re ever looki... read more

Topic: My Bicycle Romance

4
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

1

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

1
Image for story Closed to cars but not to bikes!

Closed to cars but not to bikes!

My work commute started with a perfect weather morning, cruising down Falls Road while it’s closed off to cars, but bikes can get through. I stopped to admire the wildflowers along the Jones Falls.... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

6
Image for story Devon holiday

Devon holiday

We left the hot and sunny North East to torrential rain in Devon, however we cycled to Seaton and the sun got out!
Hurrah!

Topic: A happy riding memory

5
Image for story Kielder first ride.

Kielder first ride.

Kielder reservoir has always been on my list of places to ride. Finally got the chance to tick it off the list!! With my brother, my fiancees dad and brother, we set off with gusto😁 After a couple ... read more

Topic: Other

1
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

1
Image for story Wild spaces in the city!

Wild spaces in the city!

I love living in Manchester, and I'm happy to have rediscovered cycling as it's a great new way to explore the city. There's so much freedom in heading out for a ride with no intention but to find ... read more

Topic: My favourite place/route to ride

2
Image for story 16 years and going strong!

16 years and going strong!

My bike celebrated its 16 birthday! I got this bike when I was 16-I was a little disappointed to get a bike for my birthday but I have soon come to appreciate it as one of my best presents to date!... read more

Topic: My Bicycle Romance

1
Image for story Summer ride

Summer ride

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

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

1
Image for story GAPC&amp;O Ride -345 miles

GAPC&O Ride -345 miles

In June 2021, I rode my bike (345 miles) from Pittsburgh to DC in 4.5 days with camping all along the trail. It's a beautiful trail with no motor vehicles. Every mile of this trail is full of natur... read more

Topic: My favourite place/route to ride

9
Image for story Breath of freash air

Breath of freash air

I have been riding my bike to work for nearly 20 years and every day it feels so refreshing and gives you a buzz.

The winter months can be challenging but with the right clothing and attit... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

1
Image for story Vietnam

Vietnam

I'm not your sleek, fast athlete but I have done a fair bit of cycling so when an opportunity came along to go on a cycling holiday up the Mekong Delta I jumped at it.
We were a group of 10 wo... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

1
Image for story Riding the French Riviera (1975)

Riding the French Riviera (1975)

One of our first ports-of-call in the spring of 1975 was Toulon on the French Riviera between Marseilles and Cannes. USS William H. Standley (CG-32), a guided missile cruiser homeported in Charlest... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

3

Cats' eyes

I had biked out a few miles to Writtle from Chelmsford to my first in-person-post-lockdown Book club this week but was a bit concerned to notice on the way that there was no.street lighting on the ... read more

Topic: Other

1