Stories from around the world

I am from a rural area close to the hilly area in Maastricht. Instead of commuting with a foldable bike I opted for twin bikes - one bike in my shed in the garden and one at the roof top of Council... read more

Last year my work friends could not work out why I loved cycling. In January 2019 we decided to support support the care given to our amazing team leader, Penny during her illness and for those n... read more

- Sandra Williamson

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

3

Weathby to Filey yearly charity ride this Saturday 15th of June,third time we have done it fantastic route through the country side 💪😉👌

- Keith Shuttler

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

Hire bikes from the campsite on a trip to Delft in 2010 were the catalyst that rekindled my love of cycling. I couldn't believe how much fun it was and was amazed that I'd forgotten. I ordered a du... read more

- Chris Charlesworth

Topic: Other

5

I noticed when I ride around town there has been litter thrown on native plants so I have stopped along the way to help keep the path I ride litter free!

I used one day of the Bike More Challenge (Memorial Day) to ride to all 19 Multnomah County Library locations. While I enjoy the act of biking, I find my rides more satisfying when I can focus on a... read more

- Chris Jakel

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

This morning (5/30/2019) was a glorious ride into work along the Spring Water Corridor. Saw at least eight deer, Canada geese with babies, a coyote tossing a mole around on the path, and then retr... read more

- Patty Jacobs

Topic: My commute by bike

4

On Memorial Day I took a ride in honor of my father, who let me to go on my first six-week bike tour at the age of 14 and he paid for it! Starting at the Oregon Zoo (he raised four of us), I rode u... read more

Julie Concannon Such a sweet dedication to your Dad!

Such a sweet dedication to your Dad!

Steve P Very nice. And great choice of places to ride to!

Very nice. And great choice of places to ride to!

Recently made plans to do a little free-diving (wetsuit, mask, fins but no scuba) with my dive buddy. I had biked to work on this day. Was able to pack my gear in my saddle bags, fins sticking out... read more

- Mike Nardell

Topic: Other

3

I have not biked in over 20 years, but this spring I got back on a bike to do a long distance race. Over the weekend I finished 53 miles to Reach the Beach. I have been working on the mental aspe... read more

- Julie Concannon

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

1

10

Steve P Good for you!

Good for you!

I was diagnosed with miller fisher syndrome in June 2016 and following a long period of recuperation I can now cycle again !! Please read my full story and encourage others to make the most of hea... read more

- Phil Morgan

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

10

Get fresh it's the weekend xx Losing weight has not only changed my life but saved it too, If I didn't do something about it I would not have started to enjoy what life throws at you. The worl... read more

- Simon Millard

Topic: Other

4

15

Christian Lampe Inspiring read - thanks for sharing Simon!

Inspiring read - thanks for sharing Simon!

Simon Millard Thank you ⚡⚡⚡⚡

Thank you ⚡⚡⚡⚡

Steve P That is awesome!! Thank you for sharing your story!

That is awesome!! Thank you for sharing your story!

Simon Millard Thank you Steve

Thank you Steve

Show 2 more comments

It is a great idea to have a favorite tune playing in your head while you’re riding a bike. It provides rhythm, helps you set your cadence and, to some extent, distracts you from the burning in yo... read more

- Rick Schumacher

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

1

7

Frank McFarland Damn! This is why I don't read the stories. Now I''m going to be singing that song all day at work. :-)

Damn! This is why I don't read the stories. Now I''m going to be singing that song all day at work. :-)

Two weeks ago I had a serious bike accident. Every day I missed riding my bike, then today, I felt well enough to get back on and give it a try . Was so excited that it felt so normal. Only did 1... read more

- Judith La Pan

Topic: Other

11

I never see people in the morning. And certainly not at 4:45 AM as I commute to teach indoor cycling (yes) at one of the National Gym Chains, but today was different. I peddled past 2 very well i... read more

- Mike Hassett

Topic: Other

4

16

Gerome Gacula i love your cannondale supersix team liquigas bike.

i love your cannondale supersix team liquigas bike.

Mike Hassett Great climbing bike for sure did you get the Sram red on yours?-Mike

Great climbing bike for sure did you get the Sram red on yours?-Mike

Gerome Gacula i have the CAAD10 liquigas team colorway. decked with full dura ace 7900 10 speed. i already sold it last year though. upgr... read more

i have the CAAD10 liquigas team colorway. decked with full dura ace 7900 10 speed. i already sold it last year though. upgraded to a fuji altamira with dura ace 9000.

Mike Hassett @GeromeGacula N+1 !!

@GeromeGacula N+1 !!

Show 2 more comments

First a CONFESSION! I've never liked bells on bikes. In fact I'd go as far as saying I hated them- you know, the aesthetic bike fascist kind of hate. BUT, my wife bought me a bell this Saturday th... read more

- Carvel Lonsdale

Topic: Other

1

4

Christian Lampe Hi Carvel, you got me converted! The Knog bells look fantastic in their understated elegance - would be great to have one f... read more

Hi Carvel, you got me converted! The Knog bells look fantastic in their understated elegance - would be great to have one for the morning commute :)

I started off in January 2018 after two months without work, then got a job locally. My only option was to walk or get on a bike. My wifes old bike was in the garage and I decided to get on it and ... read more

- Jack Van den Berg

Topic: My commute by bike

7

Hello, bald eagle, on my evening commute home. Is that a comfortable spot for a rest? Or are you looking for an early evening snack in the lake? If I had commuted in my car or by bus, instead of on... read more

- Amy O

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

11

Pedalpalooza is coming up this June. You can join hundreds of rides for free or host a ride yourself. It's easy! Find out more here: www.shift2bikes.org/pedalpalooza-calendar

- Meghan Sinnott

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

9

This is Toulouse (yes I name all my road bikes.) I found this bike as nothing more than a somewhat used frame in an old, small bicycle shop about 24 years ago. The frame on Pepe, my Peugeot, had cr... read more

- Jennifer Kelley

Topic: My Bicycle Romance

6

My sweetie and I saddled up our Tandem and cycled across America (the continent) from coast-to-coast and then some. We planned and saved for this trip for 2 year, and it was one of the best advent... read more

- K David .

Topic: A happy riding memory

3

16

Kelly Carpenter Awesome, happy to be rolling around on team Flying Bikes. Happy pedaling!

Awesome, happy to be rolling around on team Flying Bikes. Happy pedaling!

Charlotte de Zwart That’s so awesome 👏

That’s so awesome 👏

Julie Concannon My bucket list!!

My bucket list!!

Show 1 more comments

It was a Saturday morning in September. I had just bought the bike I ride now every day. A red 'omafiets', which is a Dutch sturdy city bike with a chain guard and coaster brakes. I love this bike,... read more

- Tess Stribos

Topic: A happy riding memory

1

5

Colie Tou Such a great story! When I saw the "omafiets" I knew you were dutch...my mother is dutch and from the Netherlands, so I've ... read more

Such a great story! When I saw the "omafiets" I knew you were dutch...my mother is dutch and from the Netherlands, so I've lived there for a little while. Since I was born in the US and lived most of my life here, I greatly appreciate the ease of cycling in NL. Thanks for sharing your story and giving me a little piece of nederland today. <3

Used to have Tuesdays off work. Enjoy stocking up the cooler with lunch, munchies and beverage, taking in trailer out on a trail. Stopping whenever find bad weeds & litter to pull and pick up for... read more

- David Dudek

Topic: A happy riding memory

1

This is more a teaser than a story -- or an invitation to a discussion--is anyone else planning to bike to bookstores tomorrow (April 26th) for Independent Bookstore Day? We've biked it the last co... read more

- Mary Metz

Topic: Other

2

3

Paige Clifton Steele No! I've considered doing a ride like this but it drives me crazy that they make it (virtually?) impossible for bikes to co... read more

No! I've considered doing a ride like this but it drives me crazy that they make it (virtually?) impossible for bikes to complete the challenge, while actively incentivizing car use.

Mary Metz Hey Paige Clifton Steele, I have no idea if this response gets back to you but thanks for reading. I share your frustration... read more

Hey Paige Clifton Steele, I have no idea if this response gets back to you but thanks for reading. I share your frustration about the car use (and I understand some booksellers do too), but you just need three bookstore stamps for a one-time 30% off coupon and that's easy enough by bike. I view it like the bike everywhere challenge; I'm never going to be a champion, but it's still a good incentive to get out and explore by bike.

Last summer after retiring, I made a coast-to-coast journey along the Northern Tier from Washington State to Maine. This was a self-contained ride that covered 4300 miles and took us just 52 days o... read more

- Jim Black

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

2

13

Dan Whaley Impressive!

Impressive!

Pamela Strunk Wow! That averaged over 82 miles a day! That is great!!!

Wow! That averaged over 82 miles a day! That is great!!!

I've spent years cycle commuting. Anything from 2 to 32 miles each way. I have never driven a car didn't interest me for lots of reasons. I used to work promoting cycling, now i plan custom-buil... read more

I was struggling at home and felt rather negative although i needed to be positive and took myself for a random bike ride alone music in my ear and a pack lunch in back pack. Went to the beach to w... read more

- Michelle Broadway

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

1

13

Colie Tou that's great! going for a ride and getting out of the house always helps me. i'm glad you found something good in the day w... read more

that's great! going for a ride and getting out of the house always helps me. i'm glad you found something good in the day with a bike ride :)

Over the past few years I have set myself challenges to stretch my personal boundaries. These have been an opportunity to raise both funds and awareness of charities that mean something to me. In ... read more

- Abigael Polley

Topic: Other

9

As a kid I always had a bike and loved the great outdoors and wherever I was there was a bike at my side. You grow up and life changes and my bike got put to one side. I then had the opportunity ... read more

I will be 60 in August but I won't let that stop me cycling to work, three days a week. It's only a short (about 2 and a half miles) ride but there is one very steep hill on my route. I log my ride... read more

Tracy Westphal I just turned 60, too! We girls are hard to slow down :). See you out there!!!

I just turned 60, too! We girls are hard to slow down :). See you out there!!!

https://cyclingunknown.wordpress.com/ The commute to work in this beautiful part of the world helps in my training for larger scale challenges in Europe. If it is something you have thought about ... read more

Every morning it’s a crispy chilly ride along this beautiful canal. You could ride this a thousand times and you’d still think it was your first! I can’t wait to get saddled up and off. Then carr... read more

Wave at every car that gives you any room. When you get angry about poor driving just remove your approval wave. See? You got angry but didn't enter into a negative dialogue : ) Happy commuting ... read more

Tarun Shome Great advice, and something I have been doing for the last year. My theory is that when you're commuting, it's pretty much ... read more

Great advice, and something I have been doing for the last year. My theory is that when you're commuting, it's pretty much the same people overtaking you every day. When they see you giving recognition to a safe pass, they learn from that. I have genuinely noticed a reduction in close passes in the time I have been thanking safe passes on my commute.

Carvel Lonsdale Brilliant Tarun!

Brilliant Tarun!

I didn't think I would write here as what I do is so little, but I want to thank Love to Ride for getting me back on my bike. It is very different to when I was a teenager in England road racing. C... read more

For the past year, some friends and I have been taking part in and growing the women's BMX scene in the North of England. We meet indoors or outdoors when the weather lets us and all levels of abil... read more

- Cat Luker

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

7

I have refused to own a car, and gotten around by bicycle since 1989. There were many reasons for this: Climate change and other environmental reason; exercise; too cheap and stingy to blow that ki... read more

- Valerie Tomlinson

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

2

27

Julia Mitzel You are simply fantastic!

You are simply fantastic!

Jeff Mintz That is pretty inspiring - hats off to you (helmets on of course).

That is pretty inspiring - hats off to you (helmets on of course).

The last time i rode a bike before this challenge was in Germany, i (stupidly) wasn't wearing a helmet, fell off, hit my head on the concrete and got concussion. So this month was really about prov... read more

I rode to work. In the morning, it was wonderful. Cool and refreshing. I really enjoyed the freedom of wind in my chest hair, and bugs in my teeth. However, the afternoon was horrible. It was hot, ... read more

Coming 20kms out from Half Moon Bay to Grafton i am able to ride along the Rotary walk and along riverside road and the mostly completed track on the other side. Making use of these routes (albeit ... read more

- Jono Baker

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

2

Getting back on the bike again for the commute to work is such a great experience, I'll tell you why. In the car there is so much that takes over the senses and it is a battle, on the bike and th... read more

- Brodie Johnstone

Topic: My commute by bike

6

I am not a cyclist. But I got on my bike. It was one of those stupid fitness challenges for which I did not prepare, and in this particular case, one joins a group of coworkers to see how many days... read more

- Joshua Forester

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

4

My husband is so romantic and came for 3 evening bike ride dates in a row. It was so special and I appreciate my husband biking with me. When I have been out biking and he sees me through the win... read more

- Heather Woods

Topic: My Bicycle Romance

9

Bike riding was never my thing.I rode bikes when i was younger but was serous about it..since doing this challenge for the first time has made me realise that bike riding is a kewl exercise as well.

- Agnes Poi

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

3

The new walking and cycling bridge joining the Albany Centre to Spencer Road and East Coast Bays opened this morning. A great addition to the local cycling network.

I've been riding an ebike to work for a few years, and decided to train for a race and so ride my road bike more. It was hard at first, adapting to doing all the work myself. Having gotten over tha... read more

- Barry Page

Topic: My commute by bike

8

A month had passed since my move to NZ and then another. I'd walked through a bike store and stared longingly as we spotted the pink path and bikers on the streets. I picked up a few Auckland Trans... read more

Nick Kendall I Cycled around quite a bit of the South Island. Stunning landscapes and brilliant Summer weather.

I Cycled around quite a bit of the South Island. Stunning landscapes and brilliant Summer weather.

The days was wet, , we both had to go places , the mother in law had been sick needed checking out So off on the bike I went, drop in to see the grand kids, drop a book off , round to the mother ... read more

Back in 2017 I had trained quite hard for the World Masters Games for rowing. Unfortunately I had also injured myself during this time and carried that injury through to the Games. During the 'off'... read more

- Veronique Gibbons

Topic: Other

6

My husband and I met on a Friday night at after-work drinks - which we’d both quite naturally biked to. Many of our subsequent dates, leisure and general life together involved biking. I wasn’t z... read more

- Megan Gregory

Topic: My Bicycle Romance

1

35

Nick Kendall NZ again...Great country for cycling

NZ again...Great country for cycling

In this story I will give you 3 facts alongside my own reasons for you to get on your bike! 1) Enjoy Nature What better way to experience the great outdoors than to eat some dust and get intimate... read more

I love to cycle...really really love it! I started cycling to work two years ago on a very rainy Monday morning after my mother in law lent me a bike that she didn't use anymore. Around the sam... read more

- Deborah Mahony

Topic: My Bicycle Romance

8

My husband David is a mad keen cyclist and collector of bikes. He has a variety of machines including traditional mountain and road, bikes, recumbents (2 and 3 wheels), old and new bikes, and his l... read more

As a keen and eager fitness enthusiast, I embarked on a daily commute to work approximately 7 years ago now. And have never looked back. The reasons were numerous, but included improving cycle fit... read more

- Katy Frith

Topic: My commute by bike

11

It’s not even 7 yet. Not even light. But I’m alert with nerves because today I’m starting bike commuting again, for the first time since October, when I had heart surgery. It’s never a great journe... read more

- Joanna Farmer

Topic: My commute by bike

11

Hi The bike challenge came at just the right time for me. I had knee replacement surgery just two months earlier, and my physio agreed that cycling would be a great way to get my new knee up and ... read more

I have biked to work every day since 1978, when I started my first full-time job. In 2019 I am still biking to work every day, and wouldn't change it for anything. Five years ago someone challenged... read more

The fabulous E bike that Ian Lancaster (Wellington) won in 2018'sAotearoa Bike Challenge has been put to great use. Ian very kindly gifted the bike to me (his wife) and very patiently encouraged a... read more

- Nicola Lancaster

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

6

Barry Gregson is 72 years old. He took up cycling after he retired and since then has been cycling regularly. Since the start of the year 2018, however, Barry’s cycling has moved up a few gears! A... read more

- Barry Gregson

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

7

I have always loved to ride my bike but it's always been for transportation or occasionally to explore the countryside. But in 2018 I set myself a challenge to complete my first ever triathlon! ... read more

- Christian Lampe

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

2

7

Colie Tou i'm going to do my first triathlon this year in September! I signed up on a whim! It's a "Sprint" triathlon, so I'm startin... read more

i'm going to do my first triathlon this year in September! I signed up on a whim! It's a "Sprint" triathlon, so I'm starting very small. I'm super excited, because I've never done anything like this before. I'm guessing it may get me hooked, too. Thanks for your story--it's inspiring!!

Wendi Duncan Well done on your first Tri and good luck on your 2nd what a great goal you have set yourself 😉🏊🏻‍♀️🚴🏼🏃‍♀️

Well done on your first Tri and good luck on your 2nd what a great goal you have set yourself 😉🏊🏻‍♀️🚴🏼🏃‍♀️

Rarely do I commute to work (logistics really) but make an effort on hashtags days, #BikeWeek for example. It makes it such a pleasure when you see something like a majestic swan gliding down the r... read more

- Jaeson Bennett

Topic: My commute by bike

1

I finally got myself a new bike on the Cycle to work scheme and my daily commute is so much easier as I was using quite a heavy bike before which was also too big for me! I told the secretary at sc... read more

- Julie Papworth

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

2

Always used to bike everywhere as a kid then life happened and it all got put to one side until a few years ago. My friend convinced me it would be a good idea to take up mountain biking! I went ou... read more

- Darryl Laidler

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

I was delighted to be selected as the winner of Love To Ride's Global Prize Draw & could not wait to find out what my prize was. To my surprise it was $3000 (£2400) to spend on the trip of a lifeti... read more

Ride the RNLI #threeshires ride. The triple crown is 100km, followed by 35km and finally 6km to complete the set. All for to raise funds for the great work the RNLI do.

- Paul Harding

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

1

Normally my commute is awesome. Last week I had a different experience. I call my parents once or twice a week on my morning bike ride as I'm 6 hours behind on them, so it is really the only time f... read more

- Tess Stribos

Topic: My commute by bike

1

I work with a non-profit (Bike Walk Cleveland-Tennessee) and we work to promote walking and cycling to destinations within 2 miles of your home or work. I was super excited to get a community donat... read more

- Gina Simpson

Topic: My commute by bike

1

7

Christian Lampe That's amazing Gina! This is really inspiring for other riders that might not have considered commuting for families. Feel ... read more

That's amazing Gina! This is really inspiring for other riders that might not have considered commuting for families. Feel free to send us photos if you'd like to be featured on National Bike Challenge facebook page - get in touch at christian(at)lovetoride.net :) Happy cycling, Christian

I have too many bikes, but I can always ride even if one is being repaired. I was on a business trip succumbed to riding the hotel stationary bike...it was better than another meal out and I slept... read more

- Bill Perkins

Topic: Other

3

There's no better way to see the world than bicycle touring. Bicycle through the scenery of Japan, stay with locals and discover hidden traditions in Japan you didn't know existed. Michael Rice, li... read more

Went to the FLAB sportive on 11 May in Ilkley with my wife and friends. A beautiful place to cycle with great scenery and nice hills thrown in. We had the opportunity to witness a Twister on the ri... read more

- David Moores

Topic: A happy riding memory

3

My cycling buddy and I did our first Sportive on Saturday morning in Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, UK. Despite me feeling under the weather, we had a great 40 mile ride in glorious weather wit... read more

- Martin Gregson

Topic: A happy riding memory

8

I frequently rode through a lovely park on my rides where there is a bird habitat. I often followed the hunting and mating (it is Spring) Peregrine Falcons. Then they started following ME! One w... read more

Legend has it that it was the goat herd that brought the mighty Thor his hammer. Certainly, it was the goat herd that pulled Thor’s chariot into battle and through the heavenly adventures. While Th... read more

- Dave Cruz

Topic: Other

5

Today I FINALLY got to put in a good commute for my team. Between work travel and kid complexity, I've had ironclad excuses every morning this month until today. I'm so glad I knocked over the resi... read more

- Mary Moerlins

Topic: My commute by bike

3

11

Ruth Schulte I hear you! I was able to get my spouse to help out in the morning so I could bike to work this week! It felt great!

I hear you! I was able to get my spouse to help out in the morning so I could bike to work this week! It felt great!

Kristen Connor Go Mary! I have a hard time coordinating rides too... Thank you for the inspiration!

Go Mary! I have a hard time coordinating rides too... Thank you for the inspiration!

Alisa Hauser yay Mary!

yay Mary!

Show 1 more comments

Went to try out the MTB rides at Hampsterley Forest Easter Sunday, had a big off and landed on my head! As it turned out I had fractured and dislocated my spine (neck), thanks to the riders who ca... read more

- David Mansfield

Topic: Other

8

AS I ground my way through the wilderness of upper Mission Ridge trail, I lighted on a certain place where was a den. I know what lives in the wilderness of the Squilchuck drainage, so I avoided th... read more

- Taylor Dayton

Topic: My commute by bike

1

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Branson K Great stuff!

Great stuff!

Our story in the Bellevue Bicycle Club, Bellevue, NE is multi-faceted. We have casual rides to favorite cafes, local events, exploring trails and new destinations, and encouraging others to be conf... read more

- Lisa Pietsch

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

1

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Carrie Mc Gill Nice article Lisa!

Nice article Lisa!

In the village of Wenatchee, the name of which I have no desire to call to mind, there lived not long since one of those women that keeps not one, but three bikes hanging on her back porch wall, as... read more

- Taylor Dayton

Topic: My commute by bike

8

I CAN SEE BY MY WATCH, WITHOUT TAKING MY HAND FROM THE left grip on my handlebar, that it is 8:30 in the morning. A light headwind is rolling off the Columbia River, tugging at my contact lenses. I... read more

- Taylor Dayton

Topic: My commute by bike

2

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Gerome Gacula i love your bluebike. i have the blue axino.

i love your bluebike. i have the blue axino.

Branson K I love your writing. Keep it up

I love your writing. Keep it up

Today was a lovely day, perfect for a bike ride. I love to count things as I bike. Today I saw 77 cars, 44 bicyclist, 33 birds, 29 walkers, 18 dogs, 4 buses, 3 people waiting for the bus, 2 garba... read more

Tess Stribos woah how did you keep score?

woah how did you keep score?

Introduced a work colleague to cycle to work scheme now he is cycling everyday saving transport money and keeping fit

- Dom Szul

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

5

My name is Dan Whaley and I am a 49 year-old high school science teacher. My first real bike was a Trek 870 mountain bike that I bought in college. It was the first bike I had owned since my childh... read more

- Dan Whaley

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

2

5

Lisa Pietsch Great to hear your story, Dan!

Great to hear your story, Dan!

Carrie Mc Gill You ROCK Dan!

You ROCK Dan!

Cool! http://roadcyclistsguide.com/create-circular-bike-route-google-maps/

- Jim Slater

Topic: My favourite place/route to ride

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Christina Grijalva Thanks for sharing!

Thanks for sharing!

I starting biking again last fall and was making great progress expanding my miles and elevation. Then I took the winter off because of darkness safety. Just restarted in time for the bikers chal... read more

- Jim Slater

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Jim Slater WooHoo! First time from Beaverton to work! I have now made it the whole way!

WooHoo! First time from Beaverton to work! I have now made it the whole way!

Matt Faunt Nice work Jim! Glad you're out there and it's feeling good!

Nice work Jim! Glad you're out there and it's feeling good!

I recently did a metric century with a friend of mine. It was the longest ride (mileage wise) either of us had ever done and we were pretty burnt out. When we got home I dropped him off and immedia... read more