Green Commute Initiative

Stories from Green Commute Initiative

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Stories from Green Commute Initiative

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

Stories from around the world

Image for story First time at Twisted Oaks

First time at Twisted Oaks

Had a great time trying out the trails at twisted oaks last week with Ells, challenging but rewarding...

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Image for story Trakatak Professional Bike

Trakatak Professional Bike

I decided to reconnect with cycling during lockdown last year. I deliberated over which type of bike I wanted for a month or two, before deciding on a mountain bike. I live close to a country park... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Return to the office

I started a new job Nov 2020, working from home. Prior to that I had commuted to work on my bike as an essential key worker. I was still riding most days, just in local countryside and not commutin... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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Image for story cycling around just for...well becuase!

cycling around just for...well becuase!

So, my story is simple. If you ever don't know what to do, just get on your bike. This is surprisingly helpful and you will start to see things like you've never seen before. For me it was things l... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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1st Day commuting by bike in 10 months

So I started a new job November 2020. Prior to that I had been commuting, even during Covid times as an essential key worker. New job I was based at home. I still managed to ride my bike everyday i... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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Image for story Lesson Learned Hard Way

Lesson Learned Hard Way

If you purchase a helmet with the ANGi or something similar take the time to set it up! No one plans on crashing and 9/10 it happens due to things out of our control. Also learned since crash that ... read more

Topic: Other

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Image for story The simple pleasure of a bicycle bell.

The simple pleasure of a bicycle bell.

Buy one,
Ring it and make others smile,
Ring it when no one’s around and make yourself smile,
The cycling world would be a better place if there were more bell ringers,
I love my bi... read more

Topic: My Bicycle Romance

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Image for story Cycle For All

Cycle For All

Cycle For All 🚲
What a great day cycling last Friday at Peak District National Park exploring the Tissington Trail.
The variety of inclusive bikes Parsley Hay bike hire had was incredible... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Got back on the saddle after a fall

So just over a week ago, I fell off my bike having only ridden two times in the September Challenge and before was when I was a kid (many many years ago!). I injured my leg quite bad and had to ta... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Image for story It is much more than a bike: it is a freedom machine

It is much more than a bike: it is a freedom machine

If there is some silver lining to the pandemic, is that it pushed me into cycling. I do not have a car, but I do not feel limited.

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

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Image for story ABC Quick Check-Chain

ABC Quick Check-Chain

“C” = Chain : Always check that the chain is clean and lubricated. A rusty chain drags, changes gear poorly and may even snap. While you’re down there, spin your pedals and check that the cranks do... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Image for story ABC Quick Check-Air

ABC Quick Check-Air

“A” = Air. Check the sidewall of the tire and inflate tires to the rated pressure as indicated on the sidewall. Use a pressure gauge to ensure proper tire pressure. Check if there’s any damage to t... read more

Topic: Other

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Naan Stop Hills

Decided to ride from Dawsonville to Buckhead for some Naan with a friend. It was brutal, but worth it

Topic: A happy riding memory

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Image for story BMX track in the dark

BMX track in the dark

With the Autumn nights quickly drawing in our ladies only BMXercise session at Tiverton track means we have to curtail riding on the track. Not quite ready to stop riding our bikes meant we practis... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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I just love riding my bike!

I decided to buy a bike for my birthday in April. I turned 46 and I think the last time I rode a bike may have been when I was 12!! But I was determined!! I wanted to ride for exercise and to im... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Image for story Me and my daughter

Me and my daughter

Thanks to my daughter having the love of biking and my partner for getting me a bike for my birthday. I have started riding which I haven’t done since I was small. I have fell off at least once on ... read more

Topic: My favourite place/route to ride

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Image for story Riding for worthy causes

Riding for worthy causes

This September, I am taking part in the Great Cycle Challenge to fight kids' cancer! Why? Because right now, cancer is the biggest killer of children from disease in the United States. Over 15,700 ... read more

Topic: Other

6

Sometimes the Fates conspire against you!

Okay, so I said to myself I'm going to cycle more this September when I return to my job at Reading College. Especially since lockdown, I had put on a lot of weight, plus I did want to reduce my ca... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

3
Image for story Gloucester Quays in the Sunshine

Gloucester Quays in the Sunshine

The quays on one of the hottest days of the year created a fantastic backdrop for a bike ride with colleagues from Thinktravel on a Tuesday in September! With lots to do to help make it easier for ... read more

Topic: My favourite place/route to ride

9

#oneinamillion

The #OneInAMillion campaign is all about empowering every woman to start cycling – and explore her own motivations to keep pedalling. Whether it’s for fun or fitness, transport or competition, we a... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

2
Image for story Tour de Manc

Tour de Manc

On Sunday I participated in Tour de Manc raising funds for HaTS charity to help Cancer patients.
I initially planned to do a mad manc route which is 200km via difficult terrain. Unfortunately, ... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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A perfect morning

The weather has been a total disappointment this "summer", but my ride this morning has partly mitigated that disappointment.
I am lucky enough to live on the south coast, with the fabulous b... read more

Topic: My favourite place/route to ride

3

Thwarted!

I hoped to ride a lot during Cycle September, only to have my plans thwarted by Hurricane Ida. I left home for the storm; and the authorities in New Orleans are saying not to come back if you've ev... read more

Topic: Other

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Price of 'Peloton' bike reduced

Not for me but if it floats your boat down to £1350 now.
Wonder if it is anything to do with the recent profits down 24%?
Like to make clear that I have absolutely no connection to the afor... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

2
Image for story What are you up to this weekend?

What are you up to this weekend?

Are you going to the Annual Bike Ride Fundraiser Saturday 9/4 by Black Leaders Detroit? It's from 7AM to 1PM at 11000 Freud St. Otherwise, do you have any cycling plans this weekend?

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

1
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Image for story Derailer, Sm'erailer!!

Derailer, Sm'erailer!!

After having cycled for many years now but not knowing a single thing about fixing bikes, I went to my first ever bike mechanic course - set up by Mark and Andy at Stretford mall. After going to th... read more

Topic: My Bicycle Romance

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Image for story What goes around, comes around…

What goes around, comes around…

I own a 1980s Raleigh Sirocco that comes with bit of a story.

My love for this bike started when I was a toddler. My Dad owned one and I have very fond early memories of trying to climb o... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

12

The IB hunt

I participated in my first hunt today and it was sooo much fun!!! I ride with an amazing group of women and will be doing this again!!

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

5

Scavenger hunt!

The weather is so nice and perfect for fish tacos by the beach

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

5

Loving the IB

I am enjoying the IB Scavenger Hunt. Visiting so many places and discovering so many new murals.

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

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Image for story My morning commute

My morning commute

My ride to work in the morning is the only time I don’t worry about anything during the day. It is the only time when I can watch nature happen and be surprised by the ever changing seasons and so... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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Image for story The Quiet Lanes of Suffolk...

The Quiet Lanes of Suffolk...

Quiet Lanes Suffolk is a small team of enthusiastic volunteers helping parish councils across Suffolk introduce a 500km network of Quiet Lanes into the County.
Quiet Lanes are small rural lane... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Image for story Biking Meetings

Biking Meetings

I have been known to host "walking meetings" with my team members as we go over important business items for follow up. I never thought I'd be hosting 1-1 meetings with my staff via bike, but that ... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

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Image for story Pedal It Forward

Pedal It Forward

Our family recently had the opportunity to upgrade a bike. We replaced a Trek 830 Mountain Track (1997ish) with a new Liv Rove E+ so it was a pretty significant change. We didn’t need to keep the o... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

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Image for story ABC Quick Check-Quick Check

ABC Quick Check-Quick Check

Quick: Check your quick release skewers on your wheels. Make sure they are tight enough to keep your wheels on.
Check: Take a quick ride to check if derailleurs and brakes are working properly.... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Image for story ABC Quick Check-Brakes

ABC Quick Check-Brakes

“B” = Brakes. Have a look at your brakes, check the brakes and cables to make sure they aren’t worn down. See if you can reach the brake levers comfortably, then squeeze them for cable tightness an... read more

Topic: Other

6

Fun

I had so much fun cycling with my friends

Topic: A happy riding memory

3
Image for story Cycling in the dark

Cycling in the dark

After a longer cycle than usual [up to Carmunnock etc], with both my Busch & Muller headlights ablaze, my dusk-cycle in Glasgow got interesting.
Near the "Museum of Transport", I turned up ... read more

Topic: Other

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Image for story My 'Quaran-triathlon'

My "Quaran-triathlon"

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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Image for story You will not be forgotten, smiles in our miles

You will not be forgotten, smiles in our miles

Norfolk Sheriff's Office of Virginia pays tribute to all the men, women, children, and all those who lost family members, friends, and loved ones. As we pledged to pedal twenty-plus miles, we creat... read more

Topic: Other

3
Image for story Falling in love with riding again thanks to my husband

Falling in love with riding again thanks to my husband

So coronavirus lockdown was happening i also suffer with rheumatoid arthritis, and my consultants always quoting motion is lotion, so my husband shown me an adult electric trike, I was apprehensive... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

9

Beware of the bike thieves in Bristol Harbour

Thought I take a nice ride to the Bristol harbour. Double locked the bike near the harbour bridge with the horns. When I got back all was gone. No one saw anything and Police not really interested.... read more

Topic: Other

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Image for story GREENBEIN

GREENBEIN

I wanted to write a bike "book" for a long time. I just had a hard time putting the fun part with the how to and what you need, so this story became a psychedelic art experience composite of many ... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Image for story Fit Rovers 100 mile ride

Fit Rovers 100 mile ride

Back in 2019 I was encouraged to get back on a bike for the first time in over 30 years by colleagues at Fit Rovers. Since then I have been building up my time cycling and during the pandemic lock-... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

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Image for story Getting back on the horse...or bike after a fall

Getting back on the horse...or bike after a fall

This past Saturday I went on my very first mountain bike ride. It was very hard, but very fun because of the challenges that the ozark trails present. While I did end up crashing my bike on some ve... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Bike racing is invigorating

Bike racing is invigorating it lights up conversations, and allows me to set goals, and get faster as I race more. I use to lived on an island and always rode my bike to work. But living on a small... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

4
Image for story When feeling down - get out!!

When feeling down - get out!!

Yesterday, I had a lonely feeling day, but I knew getting out would be good for me. I came to my 'senses' and decide to experience a ride with all my senses.
There is something about riding, e... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Liberté!

Lorsque je reviens du travail à vélo, je me nettoie l'esprit en quelques secondes et je suis à nouveau prête pour un autre bout de journée!!

Topic: Other

4

Wildlife incounters on night ride

During lock down to maintain shift separation I had to do night shift. On my ride home over a week I encountered two possum and was confronted by a rat that decided he had more rights to the path I... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

5
Image for story Exeter to Exmouth

Exeter to Exmouth

For a nice ride to clear my head and forget about the pressures of the day I love to ride along the cycle path from Exeter to Exmouth. It’s not a challenging route and there is plenty to see and of... read more

Topic: My favourite place/route to ride

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