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 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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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 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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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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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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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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Life on my Own

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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Image for story Hilly Blasters

Hilly Blasters

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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Image for story Mother and daughter

Mother and daughter

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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Image for story My 50th Birthday Charity Fund Raiser

My 50th Birthday Charity Fund Raiser

Well here I go again, though I've told My better half this will be the last one! My 50th this March, I'd thought for some years about doing the Lakesman this particular year. An Iron Man distance ... read more

Topic: Encouraging others 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 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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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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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 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 Slow cycling

Slow cycling

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

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Image for story Me and the lads

Me and the lads

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.

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Image for story Sharing my passion

Sharing my passion

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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Cycle in my dresses to and from work

A colleague of mine wrote to me last week - she had ventured out on her bike and tried the home to work commute from Stretford to the city centre - using the pop up Chester Rd cycle lane. She'd be... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Stories from around the world

Alps to Ocean

Most amazing cycle trail -- spectacular scenery and lots of fun physical challenges -- although best part by far was meeting golden-oldies were totally kicking it -- So, so inspiring -- If you ever... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Image for story The team at Great South are clocking up the KMs 🚲

The team at Great South are clocking up the KMs 🚲

“For me riding a bicycle helps me to become aware of the elements and landscapes around me. It’s a form of mobile meditation and a test of endurance when it its rainy and windy”. - Paula López

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Image for story 💖 Riding’s better done together 💖

💖 Riding’s better done together 💖

My boss Wendy and I took the Active Southland E-Bikes for a spin on Valentine’s Day! Our first 1:1 catch up on wheels.

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Image for story Coincidence or not

Coincidence or not

I had never ridden a pedal bike before, my hubby buys me one for my 52nd birthday. It is an e-mountain bike, I thought I would never love it as much as my motorbike and it would sit in garage like ... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Image for story The Great Divide off road trail

The Great Divide off road trail

I have cycled for years but only bikepacked serious the last three years. The routes l do are all in the UK and are usually around 200-400 miles long. Its something I love to do and wanted to take ... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Image for story Coffee and Kai on Wednesdays - does a little rain matter?

Coffee and Kai on Wednesdays - does a little rain matter?

More than 50 cyclists gathered in Queenstown and Wanaka for barista coffees and pain au chocolate, croissants and muffins to fuel their ride to work. Braving the light drizzle, but celebrating the ... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Must try... come challenge yourselves!

I finally had the guts to start my biking challenge yesterday with my hubby and son. So fun.. today I rode to work. Small accomplishments, makes me happy 😊. See you around bikers!

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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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.. Fas... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Ride your bike while your car gets serviced!

I live in sacramento. We like the Davis dealer where we bought our car, so we take it there for servicing. When I take the car in, I always bring my bike. I drop the car off mid- to late morning, ... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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My story that might inspire bicycle enthusiasts:

In the small town of Pedalville, I lived as young boy. I was not like the other kids. I had a deep passion for bicycles. I loved everything about them - the way they moved, the freedom they offered... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Image for story E-biking is not cheating!

E-biking is not cheating!

I recently went car free, which I've written about elsewhere on here. However, I've recently done some analysis of my ride data that showed up some interesting information. Firstly, a few facts: ... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Image for story Coming up:  Group Outdoor Ride, Plenty River Trail

Coming up: Group Outdoor Ride, Plenty River Trail

Supercharge your Saturday and join the team from Watermarc Greensborough for a free Group Outdoor Ride. Kicking off at 9am and travelling along the picturesque Plenty River Trail. All riders wel... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Image for story Riding a bike is an interruption

Riding a bike is an interruption

Start slow - every mile you ride, you are interrupting: - childhood asthma - global warming - your future medical costs - traffic - wealth of gas company CEOs Keep on keeping on. See ... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Image for story ELC Bike User Group led ride number 1 - World Car Free Day

ELC Bike User Group led ride number 1 - World Car Free Day

As part of Cycle September, on World Car Free Day the newly formed ELC Bike Users Group logged its first group ride. Riders took the chance to use one of our county's best cycle routes - the Haddin... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Image for story Fietsvragen aan Arjen Droog, CEO Regio Foodvalley

Fietsvragen aan Arjen Droog, CEO Regio Foodvalley

Tijdens de Fiets naar je werk week stond ons promo team in Ede, samen met mobiele fietsenmaker Marco. Arjen Droog kwam langs en we mochten hem een paar vragen stellen! Lees je mee? - Hoe vaak fi... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

Image for story What to do with unused pavement chalks

What to do with unused pavement chalks

I saw my neighbours outside with their wee one on his little balance bike. I looked at my box of unused pavement chalk sitting around and knew what needed to happen. Some time and a combined effo... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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CONNECTION and INSPIRATION

Planning on visiting my grandchildren on the weekend, I was looking forward to catching up with them. Having a lunch time meet up was a good idea, as it gave the modern generation time to get o... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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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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Image for story Teacher Cycling Community Ambassador 2024

Teacher Cycling Community Ambassador 2024

I am thrilled to have had my application to become a Teacher Cycling Community Ambassador approved! Dan Grindrod has worked incredibly hard to build this grass-roots post-Covid cycling community fo... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Man who's never owned a car has cycled everywhere for 50 years

I am a freelance photographer in Hamilton and have never owned a car and for the last 50 years have been cycling everywhere. I have never had an interest in getting a licence. “Everything I needed ... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Enjoyed a bike ride either family

Over the weekend, hubby and I met in with his brother in Hamilton. We all have e-bikes, although he has not ridden far from home (he is worried his battery won't last long enough for a lengthy ride... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Cycling the world over

I cycle for everything and in 2021 I discovered a virtual cycling app which I began with riding along the Berlin Wall. I was given information, history and updates along the journey and photos of t... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

Image for story Free ride on Sat 9/12/2023 Wanstead Park - Walthamstow Wetlands

Free ride on Sat 9/12/2023 Wanstead Park - Walthamstow Wetlands

Redbridge Cycling Campaign are leading a winter ride on Saturday 9th December, 10.30 from Wanstead Tea Hut to the Walthamstow Wetlands. It will be an easy ride, on quiet streets and off-road paths,... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Coldest day

A bit chilly this morning, hard frost on everything. Even though my face was crying with the cold, the rest of me was toasty. I have a waterproof helmet cover and that really keeps my head warm,... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Went to the gym with my h0e

Me and Ashley biked at the gym 👍🏻

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Image for story Interview met winnaar Henri!

Interview met winnaar Henri!

1. Wat is jouw beste tip voor mensen om vaker naar het werk te fietsen? Maak je fietsspullen (en evt een extra setje kleding) vast de avond van tevoren klaar. Je kunt dan 's ochtends lekker vroe... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Image for story Banyule Community Health - Ride to Work Day Breakfast

Banyule Community Health - Ride to Work Day Breakfast

Calling all staff members of Banyule Community Health! Join the ride from Darebin Parklands on Thurs 19 October and have a free breakfast at Cafe Alamein. Log your rides to support BCH on t... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Image for story Park the Car and ride!

Park the Car and ride!

Pinedo-Cullera-Pinedo sprint

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Image for story JobRad

JobRad

It's such a great feeling when your new bike is finally delivered, you have it minted and you can enjoy your first ride. The process from ordering to delivery as JobRad via Ford worked great

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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