Stories from Greater Manchester

That's a wrap on Cycle September!! I've been tracking my cycling for a month now with Love to Ride and I am pretty flabbergasted at the results... I managed to smash my goal of 230 miles this mo... read more

Topic: Other

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Chelsea Alventosa wooo amazing job! well done :)

wooo amazing job! well done :)

I purchased an e-bike this summer. I’m almost 50, over weight and terrified of the roads. This September I’m challenging myself to make the 18 mile journey to and from work 4 times a week plus a ... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Andrew Mathers good on you

good on you

Sue Polshaw me too, but luckily my commute takes me mostly off road. There are some right nutters on the roads!

me too, but luckily my commute takes me mostly off road. There are some right nutters on the roads!

Sylvia Mack Congrats for your initiative. E-bikes are amazing to help us get on the road and you cycle just as much if you use the assi... read more

Congrats for your initiative. E-bikes are amazing to help us get on the road and you cycle just as much if you use the assistance sparingly

Sarah Wills That's fantastic! Enjoy the ride :)

That's fantastic! Enjoy the ride :)

Markus Herscheid Great Picture! Love it!

Great Picture! Love it!

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Nice ride around boughbridge with my wife

Untill.4 weeks ago I hadn't been on a bike for 20 years now I love riding my bike

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Rayaan Sarfraz u have quite the experience when can you ride me xX ;)

u have quite the experience when can you ride me xX ;)

On Sunday 28th of August I was involved in a sponsored bike ride to raise money for The Christy's Cancer Research, the was circa 50 people riding on the day. I was riding with the Wigan RUFC Ve... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

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Decided to grab my Bike, get myself into Trafford and use it to get to work.... Circa 15 miles each way with Panniers including my Laptop and clothing. All went well - comfy and great weather t... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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RB BB Hub gears and belt drive. A perfect low maintenance commuter...good choice! Enjoy your commutes to work every day! 👍

Hub gears and belt drive. A perfect low maintenance commuter...good choice! Enjoy your commutes to work every day! 👍

I'm going to teach a colleague to ride at lunchtime, so got my 15year old mountain bike out, cleaned and oiled it and rode to work on it. it's a heavy dependable bike but, being quite a bit slower,... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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David Walker Love this. It reminds me of mixing up my own commute with a new road . You never know what’s around the next bend.😊

Love this. It reminds me of mixing up my own commute with a new road . You never know what’s around the next bend.😊

Alan Jackson This is precisely what life is all about!

This is precisely what life is all about!

Adrian Lewis Nice one Ben. Sounds perfect. Brilliant that you’re spreading the bike love!

Nice one Ben. Sounds perfect. Brilliant that you’re spreading the bike love!

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Encouraging others to ride is my passion. I became Breeze Champion in 2011 and have since led over 500 group rides and encouraged thousands of women to ride!

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Bill Morris YOU ARE AWESOME! Keep up the great work! It's great to have women in the mix, water down the "over the top" testosterone, e... read more

YOU ARE AWESOME! Keep up the great work! It's great to have women in the mix, water down the "over the top" testosterone, ego driven males! I try not to be one... sometimes I fall short.

riding along the pathways listening to birds and insects. taking you away for the noise and traffic of the city lost out in a world that you would not know was there unless we jumped on a bike. we ... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

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Summer Commute Cycling - Bike; Sunglasses; Shorts & T-shirt. Winter Commute Cycling - Bike; Lights; Extra Lights; Extra - Extra lights; Hi-Vis Jacket; Hi-Vis Gloves, Trousers, Shoes, Socks, Sc... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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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

Rosemary Lehan Awesome - you fix a bike and get food - win win!

Awesome - you fix a bike and get food - win win!

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, aft... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Rosemary Lehan Well done for keeping going.

Well done for keeping going.

Adrian Lewis Ace.top effort

Ace.top effort

I do actually love riding to work although this is encouraged by the sunny days sometimes discourage but the threat of high winds storms thunder and lightening... but with every dark cloud there is... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Sophie Jo Love the determination! Go You!

Love the determination! Go You!

Janet Shippen Well Done. Think you deserve a determination prize And I thought a chain malfunction was unfortunate on way to work last ... read more

Well Done. Think you deserve a determination prize And I thought a chain malfunction was unfortunate on way to work last week.

Rosemary Lehan Driving in rush hour is no fun. Cycling in rush hour can be hazardous but it keeps you on your toes. I hope you are having ... read more

Driving in rush hour is no fun. Cycling in rush hour can be hazardous but it keeps you on your toes. I hope you are having better fortune now.

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Monday 28th June, lovely morning ride to work the start of Wimbledon YEY,(my other passion). I had my lucky Wimbledon monogramed hand towel in my back pack, sad but i love it :) cycled to work only... read more

Topic: Other

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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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I have ridden horses all my life but as my pal "GG" was in his final years, and I knew I never wanted to own another one, I needed something to take me to all the places he and I visited. Sooooo...... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Janet Shippen I used to pretend my bike was a horse when I was young. Yes the hat, whip and rope reins. Sad but true. Glad you have a n... read more

I used to pretend my bike was a horse when I was young. Yes the hat, whip and rope reins. Sad but true. Glad you have a new reason to explore and sorry about Mum.

I've now been cycling to work for 9 years, Most people think I'm crazy, as I cycle in all weathers and all year. Come rain, snow, hale, wind and sometimes sunshine. It's all just fun. Slip sli... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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Alison Sandy Can't beat it as a way to start the day, and a huge psychological boost to start the day out in the elements. I do it in al... read more

Can't beat it as a way to start the day, and a huge psychological boost to start the day out in the elements. I do it in all weathes too - it really wakes me up! Well done for going on ice and snow, I avoid ice these days, maybe I should get studded tyres too!

Katarzyna Florczak Cycling to work wakes me up. I start my shift at 6 am :). I think you can get used to the wheather, and wearing clothes kee... read more

Cycling to work wakes me up. I start my shift at 6 am :). I think you can get used to the wheather, and wearing clothes keeps you warm in winter. Of course, I wish every cyclist only good wheather ;). Have a good day!

I don't really have a specific story. I simply ride because it's good for the environment, good for my wallet, good for my mental and physical health, and I enjoy it. It would be amazing if all... read more

Topic: Carbon Crushers

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Tony Langdon I see more and more bikes out every day, so I'm hoping that the bicycle really is the future of personal transport.

I see more and more bikes out every day, so I'm hoping that the bicycle really is the future of personal transport.

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

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

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This is one of my favourite rides because it goes through some pleasant countryside on quiet lanes, smooth tracks and cycle lanes. You can also pop into the ice-cream aviation park for an ice-cream... read more

Topic: My favourite place/route to ride

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I'm a keen runner, taking on marathons dressed as 'Scissorman' to raise funds for the Little Princess Trust. When the charity launched a London to Paris ride, that sounded just right for my next ch... read more

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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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

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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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John Willoughby That Bridge looks familiar is it near the Moorings

That Bridge looks familiar is it near the Moorings

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 have had my BMX for 5 years and I have been on so many journeys. I try to go out on my bike as much as possible because when I'm on my bike I feel relaxed and calm. This is because you can do any... read more

I have recently purchased an Electric bike after using the free E bike loan via cycle UK. I have not looked back and bought my E-Bike via the Cycle to Work scheme. Even though I am 53, I feel l... read more

Topic: My Bicycle Romance

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Robert Campbell Wholeheartedly agree! I bought mine just over a year ago and regularly cycle 16 miles to/from work 3 days a week - I’m 63 a... read more

Wholeheartedly agree! I bought mine just over a year ago and regularly cycle 16 miles to/from work 3 days a week - I’m 63 and haven’t looked back (apart from in traffic!).

Sandra Bauer Me too. I’m glad I made the investment - it’s amazing 😻

Me too. I’m glad I made the investment - it’s amazing 😻

Donna Cooper This is why ebikes are amazing! They help to keep people cycling, whatever the reason they had to stop! I am starting to sa... read more

This is why ebikes are amazing! They help to keep people cycling, whatever the reason they had to stop! I am starting to save for my 1st ebike after having the chance to try one at my new evening job! (Knee injury 2019)

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After taking part in Cycle September 2022 and winning the £1,000 prize, I went to the local bike shop to fix up my bike. This is what I did with my prize! We have had our three bikes fully servi... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

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Dave Burgess Congratulations ! and a great shout out for Woodsons 👍

Congratulations ! and a great shout out for Woodsons 👍

Rosemary Lehan What a great way to use the prize!

What a great way to use the prize!

In October 2021 I set out to raise £1000 and lose my Covid spare tyre by cycling 1000 miles to work at the University of Bolton, from my home in Blackburn, all in aid of Derian House Childrens Hosp... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

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I cycle a lot to work average 26 miles round trip. I lock my bike up at work in the covered bike rack. I came out of work and my bike was gone... but my bike lock still attached to the rack posts... read more

Topic: Other

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Victoria Mc Crea Good to know, this is why I keep my bike in the office as it getting stolen is a constant worry

Good to know, this is why I keep my bike in the office as it getting stolen is a constant worry

Lorraine Durham I actually have all 4 of my bikes insured separately. The E-bike is worth over £2,000 is insured by a specific company Bikm... read more

I actually have all 4 of my bikes insured separately. The E-bike is worth over £2,000 is insured by a specific company Bikmo, the hybrid bike as you say I had to declare on my flats contents insurance as it's over £800, the e-mountain bike which was retro fitted is living at my parents house so has been declared & included on their contents policy as an individual item worth £1,500, my old road bike which lives upstairs in my flat on the indoor trainer is covered on my contents as it's only worth about £330 to replace. It's a nightmare when your bike is stolen, even when you use gold standard locks as specified by the insurance company

Carol Imray What a nightmare for you. :(

What a nightmare for you. :(

Marianna Nodale My gosh... Terrible tale! I've told my NHS manager I'm going to keep my road bike in the office with me from now on. It's l... read more

My gosh... Terrible tale! I've told my NHS manager I'm going to keep my road bike in the office with me from now on. It's light enough to carry up the stairs & although I have a super set of locks (plural) I'm not going to risk the Bianchi...

Becky Clinton That's awful

That's awful

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I'm having a week and I'm having a moan and I'm feeling soooo sorry for myself and a little nervous... Monday lovely ride to work. Tuesday took out by the tram lines! Road cleaning truck in front... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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Mike Hydon Wow, do you wear an action camera? With all that action you could start your own YouTube channel, would be much better than... read more

Wow, do you wear an action camera? With all that action you could start your own YouTube channel, would be much better than the dross on the mainstream media. I noticed that for the last few weeks cars seemed happy to get relatively close to me, generally nothing uncomfortable, but this morning there was noticeably more space given which, I think, was due to me having my action cam mounted on my helmet.

Alan Jackson There are some positives out of that though......

There are some positives out of that though......

Alison Ryan I really feel your pain. I too have been taken out by the tram tracks.....my first bike fall! Boy, it was rotten. I put in ... read more

I really feel your pain. I too have been taken out by the tram tracks.....my first bike fall! Boy, it was rotten. I put in a claim to Salford city council...... response, as expected, compensation NIL. Stay safe and off the tram lines xx

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My favourite place to ride is Porthmadoc, Gwynedd. We have our holiday caravan sited there so me and my husband and our dog go there frequently. I love riding over the Cob traffic free area lookin... read more

Topic: My favourite place/route to ride

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So after being hit by a car in January I wasn’t gonna let this deter me from cycling, 2mths later and a new bike later I’m back on my bike and enjoying getting out and cycling again. Lovely weather... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Alan Jackson Sorry to read of your bad experience in January but glad you are making the most of things now and eminently sensible advic... read more

Sorry to read of your bad experience in January but glad you are making the most of things now and eminently sensible advice re bike!

Took my son to nursery by bike for the first time. Getting an ebike has given me the confidence to ride with him

Topic: A happy riding memory

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Luke Rider I also use an ebike conversion kit, very good for hauling kids about!

I also use an ebike conversion kit, very good for hauling kids about!

It's funny what interests people to start cycling or cycle more. Some are the cost savings they would make, the health impact, the sense of freedom... well I was sat at work having a treat of a cho... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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RB BB 😋👍🎂🍩🍪🍮🍰🥧🍨🍧

😋👍🎂🍩🍪🍮🍰🥧🍨🍧

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 rode socially with friends for years but they decided to emigrate to Australia. As I was about to lose my cycling buddies I looked up ‘Lets Ride’ on the web and found like minded local groups. ... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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I've been a cyclist for many years and commuted regularly for a decade. I've ridden many of the great French climbs as well as Mount Diablo in California, have enjoyed cycle touring in several coun... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Mark Karlisle I salute you, being on the brink several years ago it was difficult getting back out there and building the strength back u... read more

I salute you, being on the brink several years ago it was difficult getting back out there and building the strength back up...it mattered to me and im riding more and more...although today nearly took out by a private Ambulance (funeral car) which reversed into me...however m cycling back home later hahahahs Cycling an illness one drives the other to achieve a goal....you keep going it so worth it for your total wellbeing.

Andy Plowright Good on you Mark, keep it going and stay safe

Good on you Mark, keep it going and stay safe

Neal Alldred Chapeau!

Chapeau!

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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

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

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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

I loved riding round the block on my red tricycle when I was a little boy. Then I got a bike and became a “virtual” sports commentator, as I fantasised my success in the Tour de France! At the age... read more

Deborah Garrod What an inspiring story! I too love cycling but after cycling to work every day for 13 years I stopped when I retired and d... read more

What an inspiring story! I too love cycling but after cycling to work every day for 13 years I stopped when I retired and didn’t start again until Covid-19. I hope to rekindle my fitness and enjoyment again like you by joining “Love to ride”.

I've had my fair share of tragedies over the years, then being diagnosed with Menieres disease, this means I am prone to severe vertigo attacks. I have always ridden horses for years and am lu... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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A few years ago I took up running (again!) and gradually built up distances with the aim of running a marathon. Then I injured my foot through a combination of long runs and vigorous spade work on ... read more

Topic: Other

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I'm not what you would call an enthusiastic cyclist but I started cycling to work when I adopted a rescue dog. Not wanting her to be home all day alone, but also knowing that she would not enjoy d... read more

Prior to lockdown I used to commute 2 to 4 times a week but then with lockdown I ended up working from home which made the opportunity for biking difficult with the number of meetings, mostly tedio... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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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

Signed up to do 300km in the Month of July for the Charity . . Looking forward to the challenge and getting my partner involved too 🤞💝🌈

Topic: Other

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Paula Longworth [address removed]:443/donate/670442717129439/?fundraiser_source=external_url

[address removed]:443/donate/670442717129439/?fundraiser_source=external_url

A firm favourite of mine is to get up at 5am (yes 5am) and ride over to Todmorden and back home. The roads are lovely and quiet, I know where all the pot holes are (to avoid) and this is a perfect ... read more

Topic: My favourite place/route to ride

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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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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, hopped on t... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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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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Mark Karlisle ...the fun is riding down hill home YEY

...the fun is riding down hill home YEY