Stories from Greater Manchester

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

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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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.

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!

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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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

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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Having bought a cargo bike, it's enabled my commute via nursery to be a quicker and easier journey. I love the fact we can also do a food shop on the way home or pop to the park with bits ready for... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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Ian Ball Cargo bikes are cool

Cargo bikes are cool

Hi There, I'd like to share this circular route, as lots of people in Manchester and Stockport will love it. It takes in part of the Trans-Pennine Trail, Fallowfield loop and Peak Forest Canal, is... read more

Topic: My favourite place/route to ride

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Luke Rider Hello, any chance you can send me the website link? Thanks

Hello, any chance you can send me the website link? Thanks

Anthony Picot Hi Luke I didn't find it on a web site, but put it together by looking at maps. It may be tricky to see some of the joining... read more

Hi Luke I didn't find it on a web site, but put it together by looking at maps. It may be tricky to see some of the joining lefts and rights between the main three parts. Give me a shout if you have any questions. Happy riding!

Martin Morris Unfortunately i dont seem to be able to expand the map big enough to read it on my pc. I dont suppose you have it as a GPX ... read more

Unfortunately i dont seem to be able to expand the map big enough to read it on my pc. I dont suppose you have it as a GPX file do you Anthony?

Anthony Picot Hi Martin! Yes I do. How can I get it to you? BW Tony

Hi Martin! Yes I do. How can I get it to you? BW Tony

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I have almost never been a fast cycler. Even when I was going full tilt, there were always other people going faster. I no longer have any bikes with drop handlebars. I like to sit up and look at t... read more

Lee General I give up the diesel van to spend time riding now I am retired I go slow too and now ride hybrid for same reasons as your s... read more

I give up the diesel van to spend time riding now I am retired I go slow too and now ride hybrid for same reasons as your self enjoy the view and ride

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

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

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Motivated my mates for a ride beyond their limits on an early Sunday morning. From Oldham to Bury. To local authority areas in less than 3 hours there and back.

A few years ago, I set out on a mission to do 120 km in one day, for the Strava Gran Fondo challenge. It was a grey day, a bit rainy, but at least it was warm. I stopped for lunch in Chester, and l... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

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Ivan Lafayette Loved your story :DDDDDDD

Loved your story :DDDDDDD

RB BB The best rides are ones where we get lost...I mean explore!! 🚴🧭

The best rides are ones where we get lost...I mean explore!! 🚴🧭

I’m a Breeze Champion and for the last 2 or 3 years I’ve led a Thursday night, hilly ride which has proved popular with a core group of die hard riders. We motivate each other and our fitness has g... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Encouraged by my daughter to get back cycling. This photo shows us both out today on the Carrington Moss Estate. This is a beautiful place to get outdoors and take in the Natural beauty that surr... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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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

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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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

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

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

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.

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

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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

Me and 4 friends have got together to lose weight, keep fit and cycle around our local area. We like the Manchester Airport Orbital Route and the new A555 Bypass too. We have started cycling most ... read more

Topic: My favourite place/route to ride

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Riding can sometimes be a solo experience...no one there to see you flying over the handle, bars, walking home with a flat tyre, spiking your shin on the peddles, p*** wet through! cryin to yoursel... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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John Kershaw well done.

well done.

Zeeland, well what an adventure. It all began with a 'thinking aloud' post on Facebook. Wouldn't it be good if…. Now lots of people said it would be and there it sat. We all did nothing. Club ru... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

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Rosemary Lehan Wow, an epic tale! Cutting it close was almost literal! Great achievement everyone. Hope your next adventure runs smoothly!

Wow, an epic tale! Cutting it close was almost literal! Great achievement everyone. Hope your next adventure runs smoothly!

Every day I cycle along Newcastle / Gateshead Quayside to and from work. The views are great, including: Robert Stephenson's High Level Bridge (1849) - the world's first double decker bridge (tra... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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I started commuting by bike to work about 5 years ago when I first moved to the UK. I got given a very old purple mountain bike by one of our regulars in the pub where I worked. It was a very espec... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Rosemary Lehan Inspiring account! Muy Bueno

Inspiring account! Muy Bueno

I started cycle commuting in 1984, at the age of 22. I was fed up of waiting in the cold for a bus, and a friend offered to lend me her bike whilst she wasn't using it. I had the luxury of five gea... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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Well actually, just riding in the dark... Before the pandemic, I cycled to and from the train station every day, all year, in all weather. So what lighting do I recommend? Flashing lights... read more

Susan Cullen Well said Martyn safe cycling

Well said Martyn safe cycling

Cherri Farren Has anyone seen the LED string lights (like christmas twinkle lights) that you wrap around your frame? I have only seen the... read more

Has anyone seen the LED string lights (like christmas twinkle lights) that you wrap around your frame? I have only seen them for sale in the USA. I usto have tyres which were slightly reflective. My current lights are too dim for winter weather, so thanks for LED advice and help.

Paul Newell Some good points Martyn. I tend to use the hyper flash setting in the day as well. The flash attracts attention whilst the ... read more

Some good points Martyn. I tend to use the hyper flash setting in the day as well. The flash attracts attention whilst the steady beam provides your location. You are right about lights that are overly bright. They simply blind other road users who then can't really tell where you are.

Langton Wildman Very true Martyn, especially regarding the hi-power stobe lights.. Congratulations, Langton Wildman, Midas Eyewear.

Very true Martyn, especially regarding the hi-power stobe lights.. Congratulations, Langton Wildman, Midas Eyewear.

David Jenks To Cherri - I have just fitted some LED tube lights that fit into the tyre valves. I have put them on in my #LightTheNight ... read more

To Cherri - I have just fitted some LED tube lights that fit into the tyre valves. I have put them on in my #LightTheNight photo, but the front wheel one looks dim. The rear one appears to be illuminating the road, but it actually had 3 colours. Can't remember where I got them.

Andy Plowright Spot on. Essential to have a constant light source, if you have a flashing light on top of that, that's great, but drivers ... read more

Spot on. Essential to have a constant light source, if you have a flashing light on top of that, that's great, but drivers just glance briefly sometimes before pulling out, and if they happen to glance when your light is in the 'off' part of the cycle...

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I took the opportunity of Cycle September to arrange to see my mates from University. We had not met up for 10 years and it was great to get together on a cycle ride on the Tissington Trail in Derb... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

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