England

Stories from England

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

Image for story Steve's 41 club Dementia UK 706 mile challenge.

Steve's 41 club Dementia UK 706 mile challenge.

I work at Johnson Matthey at Clitheroe and a lot of colleges have seen me coming into or leaving work in bright coloured lycra. Instead of my bright car.

And you have wondered why …
read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

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Image for story Feels like Faith

Feels like Faith

I used to be a happy cycler as a young person, I'd cycle to visit my grandparents during the week and take a break from schoolwork. I'd also cycle many kms every Saturday just to hang around the ne... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

2

Commuting

Commuting to / from work daily a total of about 22miles - even when the weather is bad, always makes me feel as though I have achieved something. The worst bit is trying to keep my bike clean!! I s... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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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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Image for story Crossing the Tyne

Crossing the Tyne

One of my favourite types of ride is to combine urban and rural areas, and that's very easy around Durham and Newcastle as cities and countryside are very close to each other. The Tyne foot tunnel ... read more

Topic: My favourite place/route 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

3

Get on Your Bike!

I severe lack of cash resulted in missing insurance payments on my car and the policy cancelled!
Luckily I had three bicycles in the shed all in various states of disrepair. Selecting the best... read more

Topic: Other

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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 relati... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

8

The Road is Safer

I'm biking form home (Monton) to Tameside hospital. I've gone various routes across Manchester....I've got to say the safest fastest route has been into MC town centre and up Hyde Road...however do... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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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

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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

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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

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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

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

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Image for story Helvellyn

Helvellyn

Couldn't decide where to ride on a weekend last month, when my mate suggested Helvellyn I jumped at the chance, we've done it before but not on a day as clear as it was this time.. it's long pedal ... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

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Image for story Beautiful Britain By Bike - Day 3

Beautiful Britain By Bike - Day 3

Beautiful Britain By Bike - Day Three.
A historic tour of Somerset & Dorset.

Today's commute took us to Somerton, Ancient Royal Town of Wessex. Our adventure began under blue skie... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Image for story Beautiful Britain By Bike - Day 3

Beautiful Britain By Bike - Day 3

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

2
Image for story Beautiful Britain By Bike - Day 1

Beautiful Britain By Bike - Day 1

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

3
Image for story Quality Time with my Dad

Quality Time with my Dad

My dad is in my bubble. Speaking of 'bubble' - in a year of new vocabulary and small geography, on Easter Monday, I got to spend time with my dad. It was nice to focus on something different. (N... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

1
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Congratulations, we made it

I did not think I was competitive, but now realise I am a bit. 3 older brothers, youngest and only girl. Completing the March challenge during lockdown, with an aging body and bike (30 years ol... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

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Image for story Custom reflective detailing

Custom reflective detailing

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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Image for story Trans-Pennine Trail, Fallowfield Loop, Peak Forest Canal

Trans-Pennine Trail, Fallowfield Loop, Peak Forest Canal

Hi There,
I'd like to share this circular route, as lots of people in Manchester and Stockport will love it. It takes in part of the Trans-Pennine Trail, Fallowfield loop and Peak Forest Canal,... read more

Topic: My favourite place/route to ride

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Image for story Ride Free

Ride Free

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

Topic: Other

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Image for story Lockdown Holiday-Cycle Challenge

Lockdown Holiday-Cycle Challenge

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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Image for story Hyde Hall without a car #Ridefree

Hyde Hall without a car #Ridefree

Over lockdown I've done one too many local walks, so it was exciting to make a plan with my new ebike to go further afield. We had driven to Hyde Hall in Essex but it looked manageable by ebike fro... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

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Getting the wind up

My wife and I aren't used to longer rides but last year we decided to cycle across the New Forest to avoid public transport. We had booked a short stay in Fordingbridge and we took the most direct ... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

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Winding down after a day at work

My job is quite stressful and often I end the day with a long to-do list, lots of questions and some frustration. Jumping on the bike is a great opportunity to sort my head out, get some clarity an... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

2
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 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 res... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Image for story Keeping the same challenge

Keeping the same challenge

One benefit to last year was the lack of cars on the road so with that and the great weather we had it gave me a chance to really get into cycling I managed to do 3000 miles for the year which was ... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

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Image for story The art of the working lunch!

The art of the working lunch!

I ride because bicycles give me freedom.
I’m Ben, and I work for Trafford Council.
I came into the Town Hall today, and for lunch I fancied a bit of a change. I grabbed my sandwiches, hoppe... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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My first century

Trying to cycle more this month and on Saturday I cycled over 100 miles for charity. Didn't think I would ever get to this point but can't believe how much the enjoyment of a day in the sun and the... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

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The Outlaw

Most of 1st lockdown I must of cycled and average of 5 hours a day for fun and exercise. The fun was being out the house, the Mother-in -law was isolating with us for 12 whole long weeks, the exerc... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

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Image for story Bike packing the South Downs Way

Bike packing the South Downs Way

Having been a keen cyclist for years for commuting, in a work based road club, and mtb trail riding with friends. With the lock down easing I decided to try a new challenge with my mtb friends. We ... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

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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

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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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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

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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 Cyclist friendly cafe in Accrington

Cyclist friendly cafe in Accrington

Cafe88 on Abbey Street in Accrington are cyclist friendly and have great offers for cyclists plus some freebies too (limited amount) such as puncture repair kits, lights etc... There's also free b... read more

Topic: Other

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Image for story Cycling in Wales

Cycling in Wales

Wales was out of bounds for English cyclists for many months. Very frustrating for Bristol cyclists, given the enticing sight of the Welsh hills from Bristol and surrounding areas. But understandab... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

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Image for story Beautiful Britain By Bike - Day 2

Beautiful Britain By Bike - Day 2

Corinium Dobunnorum Loop of the Cotswolds- a step back in time exploring the deserted lanes of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Today's commute took us to Cirencester - the forecast... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Image for story Beautiful Britain By Bike - Day 2

Beautiful Britain By Bike - Day 2

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

3

I have cycled 5000 miles

Half way to a Proclaimers song. Lockdown 1 came, working from home and missing my hour daily walk. Out came the old bike. Quiet roads, bliss and beautiful Lincolnshire Countryside. But how fa... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

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After 30 years not riding

After 30 years I've taking up bike riding again
and finding it enjoyable
riding a few miles a day between 2-5 miles and hopefully do a lot more in the very near future
if you want to r... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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New to me bike

Hi, having recently parted ways with my Boardman hybrid comp I acquired a Voodoo Hoodoo off my Son.
Whilst I had an old 2000's 26" MTB, the Voodoo is amazing and has lifted my spirits when it c... read more

Topic: My Bicycle Romance

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Image for story Taste of freedom!

Taste of freedom!

Yesterday we were officially allowed to meet up with one other household outdoors, so we jumped on our tandem (Child 1 on crossbar seat in front of me and Child 2 pedalling at the back) for a 10 mi... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

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Image for story Stress reliever

Stress reliever

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

Topic: Other

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Image for story Bike touring in own back yard (literarlly)

Bike touring in own back yard (literarlly)

I had lots of adventure plans for last year which sadly did not happen. Was feeling a bit low with the lockdown. So packed up my bike with my new lightweight camping gear, which was feeling sad at ... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

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Image for story Lockdown Holiday-Cycle Challenge

Lockdown Holiday-Cycle Challenge

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

Up Holme Moss & over the tops back to Glossop

I have recently purchased a few bikes, mainly to help me into my flexible retirement, but mostly as a way to enjoy the fact that despite the pandemic, life can still bring rewards.
So with that... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

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