Stories from England

I've always been a keen cyclist and like to get out and about, joined a few cycling challenges here and there and all is good. COVID-19 came around and locked down any group rides in the beginning ... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

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I was struggling with finding motivation to train during the 1st lockdown. So I decided to do something that could take the focus away from myself and I signed up for a virtual triathlon – called T... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

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I've ridden >350 (virtual!) miles on my Peloton bike in June; pretty pleased with that!

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

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During the pandemic it has been really humbling to hear of the hard work of so many in the NHS and other important services. It left me wondering how I could help. One obvious way was to use my ... read more

In recent months, I have been struggling with low mood and anxiety related to big changes happening at work. Cycling has really helped me unwind and switch off for a few hours each week. But it is ... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

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Pandemics are not good things I know. However the prospect of being locked in last March, with no prospect of exercise prompted me to put some effort in. From running up and down the drive listenin... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

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Covid-19 lockdown affected me in a way that I never thought it would. It brought back memories of being in isolation and made my depression and anxiety much worse. I started cycling to help clear m... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

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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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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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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

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 West... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

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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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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

I've been "working from home" for almost a year now. There are many real benefits to it, and it's been the right thing to do, but there are times when the same 4 walls feel a bit oppressive: that's... read more

Martyn Beaton I love the wildlife you can see when out cycling, I too have seen a Barn owl when out on the bike.... fantastic 😁

I love the wildlife you can see when out cycling, I too have seen a Barn owl when out on the bike.... fantastic 😁

John Riley Several times I have been joined by Barn Owls for my ride. I think they use the bike to spook their prey but never have the... read more

Several times I have been joined by Barn Owls for my ride. I think they use the bike to spook their prey but never have they swooped to catch it, so perhaps they are just sociable.

Before lockdown 1 I would regularly commute the 20 km to and from work either along the seafront or through Prittlebrook Greenway. Cycling through lockdown gave me space to breathe and forget the p... read more

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John wood I have been mainly wfh for a year now. I really miss my cycling commute

I have been mainly wfh for a year now. I really miss my cycling commute

So, here we are locked down, again.... In our urban environment, there are many busy roads, some do contain traffic shared cycle lanes. However, going for it, we can via these and judicious use o... read more

Before lockdown and Cycle September I did most of my travelling around the city by bus or Uber. Now I cycle everywhere! I really enjoy it, it minimises unnecessary contact on public transport and ... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

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Having had numerous holidays cancelled, social distancing heightened we began to consider our options. Stay safe and keep fit. When sister and husband offered to drive our camper van for an adventu... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

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As a carer, I have been caring full time for two adult sons suffering from depression and anxiety throughout lockdown. I used to work as a cycle instructor! But caring during COVID has affected tha... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

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My friend Steve and me had a nice ride for brekkie then a ferry ride to carry on cycling

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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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As a Registered Nurse and mother of extremely vulnerable daughter. Cycling has kept us fit and healthy during the Coronavirus Era. Cycling on the beautiful country side of Carrington Moss.

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Sustrans Manchester That's great to hear you are able to get out, enjoy the sunsine!

That's great to hear you are able to get out, enjoy the sunsine!

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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The Covid-19 situation has been the only reason I have ended up finding a new and picturesque route between Helmshore in Rossendale and Stubbins near Ramsbottom. I have since found out that it is ... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

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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

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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 :-)

After all this time, I am still working from home. Usually I go out on my bike or for a walk every day around lunch time to make sure I see some daylight and to get my exercise. To mix it up a bit,... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

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I thought it would be a great idea to cycle from Stockport to Scotland in order to wildcamp with some mates and avoid taking a 6 hour car journey over the border, so I did! Day 1 consisted of 30... read more

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Mark Karlisle Impressive...well done you

Impressive...well done you

Jackie Walton Wow that make a my bike rides look a bit lame. Well done

Wow that make a my bike rides look a bit lame. Well done

Just reached a goal of 1000 in the June bike challenge. Stopped at the top of Cherry Willingham by-pass bridge and cheered to myself. Despite the challenge, it means more to me when someone gree... read more

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Lee General I did 1000 too but only in the good weather It was very hard but i did have plenty time am retired

I did 1000 too but only in the good weather It was very hard but i did have plenty time am retired

Lockdown has been tough on me and my family, so I'm trying to keep moving and positive, cycling and running are big outlets for that, a time to unwind and switch off, part of that has been to fundr... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

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Since the start of the initial lockdown in the U.K. i have been riding more than at anytime in my life. I set my goals (distance) wise based on missions on another app and so far have ridden virtu... read more

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I would love to say before I contracted Covid I was an avid cyclist. But, I don't lie and neither would my bike if you saw it. Cycling to work a few times a week, weather permitting of course(any ... read more

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

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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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.

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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

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Frank Milum Palmer sounds a lovely few days,quite envious

sounds a lovely few days,quite envious

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

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Martin Criddle Great going Lisa

Great going Lisa

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

John Riley The Tendering peninsular is lovely for a ride.

The Tendering peninsular is lovely for a ride.

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 in... read more

I am very happy to use my bicycle to get to Stepping Hill Hospital from Sale. Using my bicycle takes my to my workplace and keeps me fit. Stretching my legs after the shift standing up! Great for m... read more

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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

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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.

Ive been cycling for a while. When my boyfriends' housmate was furloughed, his housemate brought a bike, and started cycling around Manchester. This was great news, and after borrowing the bike a ... read more

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 was g... read more

I started cycling between my home in Morecambe and Lancaster train station when Northern trains were on strike. I enjoyed it so much I thought I would carry on for the summer. Two years later after... read more

I started the Swap-Stop-Go challenge on the 1st of August and over the next 56 days I completed 86 rides and cycled a total of 1001.7 miles. Being in the office still, I cycled to work every we... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

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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

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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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#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 paths tha... read more

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Early one morning whilst out for an early morning pootle along Morecambe Prom (deservedly popular with all types of cyclists), I spotted that even our Eric Morecambe statue was sporting some PPE. W... read more

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Being a Nurse needed to spend this Era looking after my physical and mental health. Have lived in the area for many years and never have taken the time out to cycle this beautiful green space. It... read more

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Jane Leicester Snap! Important to protect this green space

Snap! Important to protect this green space

100 for Guide Dogs is a challenge where the participant can choose to Run100, Cycle100 or Swim100 between 1 July and 30 November. For the cycling event the individual can choose how they want to co... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

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I ride fairly regularly-3 or 4 times a week. I thought l knew my local area.l used to set out on a known route looking to improve my time. Coronovirus lockdown meant events were cancelled. I start... read more

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