Lancashire

Stories from Lancashire

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

Image for story #ExploreByBike

#ExploreByBike

The Covid-19 situation has been the only reason I have ended up finding a new and picturesque route between Helmshore in Rossendale and Stubbins near Ramsbottom. I have since found out that it is ... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

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Eddy

I ride fairly regularly-3 or 4 times a week. I thought l knew my local area.l used to set out on a known route looking to improve my time. Coronovirus lockdown meant events were cancelled. I start... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

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Never been so fit

I bumped into so peeps I had not seen for years at a Birthday party who told me they were mountain bikers and I started to ride with them, at this point I was super unfit. After riding with them fo... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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Image for story Keep your data safe

Keep your data safe

Just a thought for those who are safety conscious about burglary and stalking. If you use Strava go to your privacy settings and create a privacy zone around your home location- this will keep yo... read more

Topic: Other

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Big Love

Having a lot of positives from acknowledging drivers at junctions/roundabouts and give way chicanes with this hand signal combined with a big smile. Fist tap your heart three times- point directly... read more

Topic: Other

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Back on the road

I now feel more confident back on my bike I have stopped using the cycle route to work and now use the roads. This saves me just under three miles. It a dam shame that the car free route is so much... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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The reverse wave.

I wave a lot at cars on my commute. Just started trying the thumbs up, reverse wave- works a treat for cars that are hanging back and being patient. Simply take your arm behind your back, as if re... read more

Topic: Other

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Indignation is your enemy.

Wave at every car that gives you any room. When you get angry about poor driving just remove your approval wave. See? You got angry but didn't enter into a negative dialogue : ) Happy commuting ... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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Image for story Helping out the struggling charities - Guide Dogs for the Blind

Helping out the struggling charities - Guide Dogs for the Blind

100 for Guide Dogs is a challenge where the participant can choose to Run100, Cycle100 or Swim100 between 1 July and 30 November. For the cycling event the individual can choose how they want to co... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

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Image for story Stanley's First Ride

Stanley's First Ride

Whilst on furlough during lockdown, I joined an amazing Facebook group called "Sloth Cycling Team". As the group name suggests, speed and distance are irrelevant and the main ethos of the group is ... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

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Way more fun than sitting in traffic

#NoCarbon I found a route that keeps me away from the traffic with a short off road section too! And so far my bike is 7lb lighter than when i started riding it...! Happy cycling!

Topic: My commute by bike

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Image for story Tickle your fancy?

Tickle your fancy?

This has made a lot of car drivers/passengers smile 👌❤️ Attach colourful pipe cleaners and feathers to the rear of your helmet.

Topic: My commute by bike

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Image for story Trail to Road.

Trail to Road.

Love riding both my mtb and road bike. Rivington and Darwen for most of my local mtb rides. Gisburn and Lakes if going further afield. Enjoy rides to Southport , Blackpool and Garstang on the roa... read more

Topic: My favourite place/route to ride

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The Scoop.

I've been in a car and been waved through by cyclists and I have to say it can seem a bit passive aggressive or, at its worst, downright rude. As a cyclist I've developed a non threatening offer w... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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Image for story Ding Ding- ring your Bell.

Ding Ding- ring your Bell.

First a CONFESSION! I've never liked bells on bikes. In fact I'd go as far as saying I hated them- you know, the aesthetic bike fascist kind of hate. BUT, my wife bought me a bell this Saturday th... read more

Topic: Other

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Stories from around the world

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

Wolds Way Cycle Route in a Day 146 Miles

I am 71 years old and recently completed the above challenge. It has been on my bucket list for some time. Riding time was 10.5 hours averaging 14 mph. It may sound daunting to some of you, but it... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

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Image for story Blackpool Ride the light

Blackpool Ride the light

Rain or shine in blackpool ride the light last august 27

Topic: A happy riding memory

Image for story We all have Tenacity, if we dig deep enough

We all have Tenacity, if we dig deep enough

My journey has been a difficult one, and one in which I have learnt a lot about myself both mentally and physically. My boundless amounts of positivity have always turned the frequent downs int... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

Image for story Black Women on Wheels (BWOW)

Black Women on Wheels (BWOW)

I always commuted by bike but joining Black Women on Wheels has been amazing for improving my cycling skills and doing long rides and sportives like Ride London. I’m now a BWOW ride lead and it’s s... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Image for story Mountain biking with my boy ❤️

Mountain biking with my boy ❤️

After attending some intro to mountain biking skill courses during the summer holidays (provided by cycle station, darvel) my 9 year old son was keen to continue. This morning I strapped the bikes... read more

Topic: Ride with kids

Image for story Thorn in my side you know that's all you ever were. (Eurythmics).

Thorn in my side you know that's all you ever were. (Eurythmics).

First time off road since my Hip revision surgery and it was tested by them god damm thorns. 2 to be procise in my front tyre. It was still a very nice day and a very nice ride out. There was eve... read more

Topic: Other

Image for story 1000 miles + in July

1000 miles + in July

I have a bucket list ride coming up in October, the Garden Route in South Africa. So need to get some mileage in the legs. Having been restricted by a few health issues and of course the poor weath... read more

Topic: Carbon Crushers

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Image for story Scarborough North Bay Railway

Scarborough North Bay Railway

Always make me smile seeing the train and water chute. Cycled past it hundreds of times but never get bored of seeing it.

Topic: My favourite place/route to ride

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2 70+ year olds riding 7,500km around NZ - on a tandem

Growing up in the 1950s, cycling was an integral part of a child's everyday life. It was the mode of transportation to school, friends' houses, sports activities, and the shops. When the weather wa... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Image for story Winter Treasure

Winter Treasure

There's nothing quite like the crisp winter air on your way into work and then to be greeted by the mist hovering over the top of the Barwon River and sunshine streaming through the trees!

Topic: My commute by bike

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Image for story Herculean Sportive

Herculean Sportive

My favourite place to ride is the outer Hebrides and every year they hold the Herculean Sportive . This covers 100 miles and is over 5 islands accessible by causeways.. it is the most beautiful p... read more

Topic: My favourite place/route to ride

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Image for story Our Scottish Adventure

Our Scottish Adventure

In May, my family and I rode to Rugby station from our home 12 miles away and caught the train to London to get the Caledonian Sleeper to Fort William. We spent a fabulous car free week there!

Topic: Ride with kids

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Image for story Frank Brinkerhoff Century ride

Frank Brinkerhoff Century ride

I was with siouxland cyclists on Sunday 7/7/24 we started at craves parking lot at Sioux City Iowa at 6:30 in the morning. We traveled 3 states on bicycle by the time I got home I rode 110.45 miles.

Topic: Other

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Image for story May is Bike Month: Give it a try!

May is Bike Month: Give it a try!

May is Bike Month 2024 was so much fun. My husband’s workplace in Sacramento had an organized May is Bike Month competition, and he encouraged me to take part in Bike Month too, despite the fact th... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Image for story Cycling is for everyone !

Cycling is for everyone !

My name is Tony, I’m from Salford and moved to Blackpool a few years ago to be near family. I’ve been a cyclist for years and love to cycle whenever I get the chance! I regularly take my little b... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Image for story Car-Free June

Car-Free June

Car Free June day 28 - I've had an interesting month leaving the car behind and using a combination of bike and train to get about and get to work. Here are some findings: 1. Total km cycled = 1... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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Image for story Finally back in the saddle

Finally back in the saddle

Great to be back in the saddle after being knocked off the bike feels great .

Topic: A happy riding memory

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Image for story Cycle tour to Norfolk

Cycle tour to Norfolk

My husband and I gave up our car last October. We now commute 5 miles to work and back four days a week. At the moment we are on a cycling and camping tour to Norfolk. Today we arrived in Ely. 73 ... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

The only way to commute

I work about 3 miles from home at a school. I don't drive and the bus service is unreliable and too costly so cycling is the best option for me. I have always chosen to cycle rather than use transp... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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Image for story Cycling for covid recovery reignited my love for mtb

Cycling for covid recovery reignited my love for mtb

I caught covid the end of 2020 in December and then suffered with long Covid. I went from going to the gym lifting heavy and doing hiit sessions 4/5 days a week, to struggling to walk upstairs with... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

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Great Start to Cycle September!

What a fantastic way to start Cycle September! A 30 minute cycle in the rain... surely it can only get better from here 🤞

Topic: My commute by bike

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Image for story Railway Track from Cloughton   to Staintondale

Railway Track from Cloughton to Staintondale

This morning we cycling to Staintondale from Scarborough and back to seafront. Old railway track is very popular track with cyclists/walkers from Scarborough to Whitby. Railway track from Bur... read more

Topic: Other

Image for story A cyclists friend,  Diamond of a man.

A cyclists friend, Diamond of a man.

Look at this great guy blowing them pesky thorns off the road to help us on bikes. I had just changed my front inner tube 100yds before this. Thank you that man. I wonder if I could fit a leaf bl... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

Image for story Don't Ignore the Symptoms...

Don't Ignore the Symptoms...

Yesterday I hopped on my sport-about for a quick errand and soon noticed a recurring bump in the rear wheel. After moving from concrete to asphalt, it was still there so I pulled over and sure eno... read more

Topic: Other

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Image for story Railway Paths in England

Railway Paths in England

Many former railway lines in North East England have been converted to paths for cycling and walking. This is an old rail map from the railway station at Beamish, superimposed with a nearly traffic... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Image for story YESSSSS I'M BACK

YESSSSS I'M BACK

My First time back on my bike since my hip revision surgery in January. I was very nervous but I just took it real easy and only did 4 mile, it's gonna take a while to build my leg strength as it ... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

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Image for story Where Theres A Will Theres A Way

Where Theres A Will Theres A Way

Who said delivering a hire bike couldn't be done by bike 😃 A great example from Bob at Wheely Active of using sustainable travel at its best.

Topic: My commute by bike

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Image for story Sunshine

Sunshine

Ride a bike rain or shine..hehehe

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Image for story Florida Monsoon Commute

Florida Monsoon Commute

My commute has always been a bit far, and sketchy for riding by bike even though I’ve always ridden quite a lot. The recent purchase of an e-bike has made it practical, except that it’s storm seaso... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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Image for story Enjoyed a nice riding to Beverley

Enjoyed a nice riding to Beverley

Finally had some nice weather so I take a nice bike riding to Beverley it was about 18-22km round trip. Can’t wait for my next adventure

Topic: Other

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Image for story Group ride

Group ride

I enjoy getting as many people to ride as much as possible

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Image for story Freedom comes on two wheels !

Freedom comes on two wheels !

I’m Fatima, I moved to Blackpool after I qualified as a doctor but I’m originally from Pakistan. I’ve been cycling since I was a child of around 3 or 4. I was tiny and the bicycle that my father ... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

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Image for story First 💯km!!

First 💯km!!

After telling my cycling buddies I'm going to do it for what seems an age I've finally crushed my demon! Far easier than I'd built it up to be in my head and loved every minute of the ride 😎

Topic: A happy riding memory

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Image for story Beautiful Interlaken Bike Ride

Beautiful Interlaken Bike Ride

I had the privilege to bike ride and see some of the beautiful sights in Interlaken, Switzerland in June 2024. Bike riding provides a unique experience enabling you to be more in touch with your s... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

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