Greater Manchester

Stories from Greater Manchester

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

Image for story 20,000 miles

20,000 miles

This is Robert. Robert cycles several times a week with us at simplycycling. Since he started his journey he has recorded every mile in a hand written journal. We had a little presentation to celeb... read more

Topic: Other

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Image for story Cycle September

Cycle September

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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I love my E Bike

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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Image for story Cycle September Prize Winner!

Cycle September Prize Winner!

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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Image for story 1000 miles Cycle to Work

1000 miles Cycle to Work

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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Fore warned ....

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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Informe informe they've all got it in for me!

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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Image for story Porthmadoc, Gwynedd

Porthmadoc, Gwynedd

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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Hit and run

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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Image for story First ride to nursery

First ride to nursery

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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Cycling = Cake

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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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 Joined a club

Joined a club

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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Image for story Getting back on the bike

Getting back on the bike

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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Image for story From Stockport to Scotland

From Stockport to Scotland

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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Pot holes and tree roots may kill me; but it's well worth the risk!

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

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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My love for cycling

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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Waiting for my foot to mend

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 cycle for my dog!

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

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Image for story Finding time

Finding time

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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Building energy for biking

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

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

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Image for story Doing it for Breast Cancer

Doing it for Breast Cancer

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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Image for story early morning ride

early morning ride

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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Image for story Manchester Gravel #MCRGRVL

Manchester Gravel #MCRGRVL

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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Image for story The art of the working lunch!

The art of the working lunch!

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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The cycle of life

There are many moments in our own 'journey' with cycling. I remember learning to do without stabilisers in our back garden when I was young, riding no hands, doing a paper round, riding to school..... read more

Topic: Ride with kids

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My journey on the Bike

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

Topic: My Bicycle Romance

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Image for story Ride in the Yorkshire County 😎

Ride in the Yorkshire County 😎

Nice ride around boughbridge with my wife

Topic: My favourite place/route to ride

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Image for story 20 later

20 later

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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Image for story Appley Bridge (WN6) to Worsley (M28)

Appley Bridge (WN6) to Worsley (M28)

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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Image for story UA92 Manchester

UA92 Manchester

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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Image for story Old bike, new route

Old bike, new route

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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Image for story Breezelancs

Breezelancs

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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getting out in to nature

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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Cycle-wear for commuters

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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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 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, aft... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Is the universe trying to tell me something!

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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Wimbledon Devastation

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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Image for story Miles=Smiles on my Peloton

Miles=Smiles on my Peloton

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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Image for story 'Olive' my substitute horse!

"Olive" my substitute horse!

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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Twice a day, five days a week

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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I Love To Ride

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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Goals in a covid world

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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Traffic-free route around Manchester Airport

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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Image for story Charity challenge

Charity challenge

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

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Image for story Mental Health and cycling

Mental Health and cycling

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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Winding down after a day at work

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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Image for story To keep my heart healthy

To keep my heart healthy

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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The Outlaw

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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