Gloucestershire

Stories from Gloucestershire

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

Image for story Accessible Cycling

Accessible Cycling

My workplace (charity Vision 21) was lucky enough to get a grant through GCC Think Travel to have access to an accessible folding trike. This has enabled me to learn how to ride for the first time ... read more

Topic: Other

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Image for story An E-bike has enabled me to cycle to work

An E-bike has enabled me to cycle to work

I used to cycle to work in my previous job just before the pandemic but with a change of workplace and a further and longer commute of around 5 miles which would have involved 2 buses and up to an ... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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69 nearly 70

Hi
So here is my story. I have riden a bike before as a 14 year old I used to ride the 3 miles across Cheltenham to school at least twice a day. But then as a teen riding a bike wasn't cool..read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Image for story Stopping is as important as keep going!

Stopping is as important as keep going!

I had such a lovely day of biking around the district yesterday. I covered around 30 miles on three separate outings and visited Brimbscombe, Nailsworth, Randwick & Ebley, bumping into friends ... read more

Topic: My favourite place/route to ride

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Back on my bike again

Six months after becoming very poorly with covid I am back on my bike. I have had to switch to an e-bike to help manage my loss of fitness and ongoing covid recovery. Was so lovely to get out on it... read more

Topic: Other

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Image for story Reason to be cheerful 1, 2, 30

Reason to be cheerful 1, 2, 30

Today I counted thirty reasons why I was right to sell the car and get a bicycle.

Four o’clock. Nearly rush hour, and the roads are starting to get busy. Those who can get away before five... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Cycling anyway

I was a bit nervous when I signed up to a local Ladies only cycle - a 10 mile route round Cheltenham but I was determined to give it a go. When I turned up, there was another lady there so we got c... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Bike to school week

The weather has been, sunny, torrential rain and windy this week but my daughter, son and I have all managed to rise to the challenge of riding and enjoyed it 😃💖 Today was our greatest achievement ... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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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

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Image for story My Favourite? Well, certainly one of my favourites....

My Favourite? Well, certainly one of my favourites....

South East Wales anyone?
Now, apologies to anyone living in or near Cwmbran but it is not the first place to think of when you want to go for bike ride.... Wrong! There is a gem that threads i... read more

Topic: My favourite place/route to ride

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Get out there and ride!

#WomenWhoRide
As a 50 something woman, who has a failing transplant and isn't in the best of shape, riding bikes gives me the headspace to deal with my daily stresses. While out on the bike I a... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Moving Through Anxiety

I used to ride my bike every day during 2020, when the roadways were quiet and the sun was shining. It was amazing seeing spiders flying overhead with silk parachutes and hearing birds singing - so... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Image for story Why I cycle

Why I cycle

Mainly I commute to work daily. I have been known to cycle a few miles to go for a swim and back again. Or to visit family up in the forest. So I would say I’m an experienced rider, but every ride ... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Over 40 years!

My husband and I bought ourselves some e-bikes in August after spending some time in France on e-bikes with my brother and his wife.
Absolutely loving it!
I am 61 and hubby turns 60 in Janu... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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I'm Retired & Vegan

I've always had a Bike but never new but last November i purchased a Electric Maintain bike just before my 70th birthday having moved to Forest 2 years before i try to go out most days unless it's ... read more

Topic: Other

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Image for story Route 45 - Cainscross (Stroud)-Woodchester-Nailsworth, and back

Route 45 - Cainscross (Stroud)-Woodchester-Nailsworth, and back

First ride for Bike Month was a family one. 44yF 41yM 8yF 7yM, hooking up 2 Cube bikes and 2 kids bikes onto our secondhand towbar rack. Literally bought this this morning from marketplace and it's... read more

Topic: My favourite place/route to ride

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Image for story Our team ride for Ride Anywhere Week in Gloucester

Our team ride for Ride Anywhere Week in Gloucester

It was great to get out and enjoy the wonderful Gloucester Quays not far from the Thinktravel offices. We invited our newest member of the team and all enjoyed a cycle using the pool bikes we have ... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

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Image for story Returning to the Office but by Bike (for now)

Returning to the Office but by Bike (for now)

Despite cycling a lot in the last 10 years, I've never lived close enough for the commute to work to be practicable by bike.

Since joining the council in January I've been working from hom... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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Churchdown Family Cycle Ride (NCN41)

Wanted to share a traffic-free route on the National Cycle Network (NCN41) for families with young children from Churchdown Parish Council/Playground/Park/Skatepark/BMX track to Gloucestershire Air... read more

Topic: My favourite place/route to ride

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Image for story My daughters' love for their bikes

My daughters' love for their bikes

The start of university meant a bike in tow for all three daughters, one of whom is now fully grown up and cycling through London to work. I love this picture captured on a leisurely cycle ride by ... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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4000 Miles for 40

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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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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Stories from around the world

Image for story Ride with a friend in Teanau

Ride with a friend in Teanau

Stopped here for pic lots of giggles forgot we had helmets on n couldn't fit in it

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

Image for story Coastal ride along the bays

Coastal ride along the bays

For rookie riders like me, well-marked cycle lanes are a lifesaver—because let’s be real, learning to pedal in the chaos of Wellington traffic is basically an extreme sport 😂 This route? A beginner... read more

Topic: My favourite place/route to ride

Image for story Zoom Zoom

Zoom Zoom

Ditto Day at the Lab for a Sunday Funday with my beloved. Wore out the pocket rocket with an extended ride and me making her take the lead, but a fortuitous Southerly change gave her a nice tailwin... read more

Topic: Other

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Image for story Some place different - Otaki

Some place different - Otaki

Was in the area of Otaki and went for a quick bike around. Found the river trail and explored that from one end to the other. Great easy ride and the locals have done well with making the trail be... read more

Topic: Other

Image for story Beach fun with my buddy

Beach fun with my buddy

My friend Zara came to visit and we did an epic ride in Christchurch, along the river to the beach.... well was going epically until we got a puncture. We foolishly had no pump, so chained up the b... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

Someone stole my seat post and all!

I bike to work year round and I have done so for about 8 years. I have had a locked bike stolen from a bike rack while at work.
I felt shocked and couldn't think what to do at first, but insura... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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The essence of prosperity

The dormant trees, the fallen leaves, the sun piercing through the winter sky oh the energy. The feeling we share electrifying the light in me to Avalon. My bicycle has taken me the Virtuous feelin... read more

Topic: My Bicycle Romance

Image for story What I wear instead of hi-viz

What I wear instead of hi-viz

Most Saturday mornings I put this on and head out to do Parkrun. I hope it encourages others to think about such choices ❤️🚴👏

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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The essence of prosperity

The dormant trees, the fallen leaves, the sun piercing through the winter sky , oh the energy the feeling we share electrifying the light in me. To Avalon my bicycle has taken me, the virtuous feel... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Image for story Little River runner

Little River runner

This red bike has been my favourite and stopping in at the old train station the colours were too hard not to photograph. I have aero bars (not sure why) and so my aeroe handlbar harness kept slidi... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

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Beauty of bicycle riding

My bicycle riding, the taste,the flavor let it be, heart pumping blood circulating the air whizzing the birds singing, the sun shining, the fog reeling in the salty ocean feeling, the magic of the... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

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Image for story Use your bike to meet people!

Use your bike to meet people!

An unusual bicycle gets attention and starts conversations. Back in 1997, I needed a bike, as mine kept getting stolen, even though they were all second-hand and not fancy. I'd recently read M... read more

Topic: Other

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My ebike's brand still exists and is doing great

I bought my ebike from a relatively obscure ebike company in 2018, mainly because it was extremely affordable on a student salary, and it was a New Zealand company. The nearest shop that sold them ... read more

Topic: My Bicycle Romance

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Image for story Timber Trail awesomeness

Timber Trail awesomeness

One of the best trails I've ever experienced. Challenged myself to do the whole thing in one day. Stopped at the camp site half way for a photo, no turning back now. So many great views of our spec... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

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My commute is my mental health support

Exercise is great for my mental health. When I am having particular difficult days, taking the scenic route back home (i.e. from the CBD around the bays and Miramar Peninsula to the south coast) is... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

Niall's Cycling Journey

I’m Niall, originally from Ireland, but I’ve been living in East Renfrewshire for the past 14 years. I’ve always enjoyed being active, and cycling has become a big part of my routine—whether it's f... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Image for story Glorious Commute!

Glorious Commute!

So lucky to be spoiled with cycle paths. My whole glorious commute this morning was on designated cycle track. What a fabulous way to start the day.

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

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Image for story A long held dream (almost) fulfilled

A long held dream (almost) fulfilled

When I was a kid I would watch out the car window on the boring trip from home in Central Otago to Dunedin, reckoning that I could ride my bike to town instead. So much better.

Nowadays th... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

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Image for story On not looking 'like a cyclist'

On not looking "like a cyclist"

Isn't it interesting that, in sports-mad New Zealand, many people think it's absurd to get on a bike and ride three blocks to the dairy, when you could just drive? I mean, who would do that?!
<... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Nepenthe and me

I woke up this morning and what did I see the clouds of winter smiling at me beckoning me come ride before I cry and this rain squeezes out of me the adrenaline pumping through me the chemicals in ... read more

Topic: My Bicycle Romance

Stolen while swimming

My green Scott 21’ frame just was taken today outside Colchester leisure world between 1-:30-3pm while I was at work, please keep an eye out it is registered with police and I had brand new lights ... read more

Topic: Other

Image for story Living life as a cyclist

Living life as a cyclist

The start or should I say serious start of my cycling adventure began in Ernest after my father's funeral four years ago . He loved to cycle his flying scot bike in the rain and did Edinburgh to Gl... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

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Simplicty

Today, Sunday, and this morning‘s ride through Corralitos Ca. The sunshine the fresh air and the alluring smell of apple cider as I ride through the dormant apple orchards eminently prompting a fee... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Image for story Keep the smiles coming

Keep the smiles coming

I cycle commute as much as I ever can...
Outside those usual times I wear silly costumes as I have been doing for 4 years now, everything from a Stormtrooper, a 100k race on my single speed dre... read more

Topic: Other

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Image for story Disabled? They said it was impossible.  They were wrong!

Disabled? They said it was impossible. They were wrong!

They said I couldn't. They said I shouldn't. But here I am, cycling with Ehlers-Danlos, CRPS, Chronic Fatigue... the list goes on! 🚴‍♀️ But I don't let it stop me.

Walking might be a s... read more

Topic: Other

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Image for story A new riding region.

A new riding region.

I am in Southland exploring the region.
Going on the long dusty backroads.
It has been a glorious way to see the landscape.

Topic: A happy riding memory

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Image for story Another Reason to Ride

Another Reason to Ride

I decided to add stops to my bike rides to take photos of film locations. I had ridden by many of these locations without realizing it.
If I were driving, parking would be difficult, but on my... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

Image for story This time last year...

This time last year...

I had a cycling accident at at the bottom of shooters hill road. I fractured my shoulder and lacked confidence to return to cycling for sometime. However, winter has returned and I am glad to say I... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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