Stories from New Zealand

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

Stories from around the world

Only way to go ...

I grew up in rural Aotearoa/New Zealand, where learning to ride and getting your first bike are rights of passage for kids - I can still remember my first attempt and the thrill of "getting it". I ... read more

Topic: Other

No looking back

After treatment for breast cancer I wanted a challenge, so I signed up for ride the night. But hubby pointed out that I didn’t really ride a bike without hitting things or falling off. So I joined ... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

1
10

Just a Reminder

During the Coronavirus Era, we need to remind ourselves of how grateful it is to be in one of the most safest countries in the world right now. And a part of this is to enjoy with much more apprec... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

5

My happy place

Before lockdown 1 I would regularly commute the 20 km to and from work either along the seafront or through Prittlebrook Greenway. Cycling through lockdown gave me space to breathe and forget the p... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

1
1

It’s time for change.

As many now use a car I think they forget that we that do not drive have to breath in all the fumes from cars and we have no choice to do so unless we want to live our life’s wearing a mask.
T... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

6
Image for story To clear the head.

To clear the head.

Took the mtb into the forest today. Needed a to get out. Especially after the football result last night. 😭☺ didn't set no time. Didn't set no distance. Just enjoyed the scenery and fresh air. Took... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

7

Motivation can be hard to find

Back in the day (15 years ago or so) I used to make sure that at least I managed the London to Brighton event, although I didn’t do much other cycling apart from training for that event. I love me... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

7
Image for story Watchtree February Challenge

Watchtree February Challenge

1st day of my keeping active Watchtree challenge managed 18 chilly miles along the Sustrans 72 cycleway :)

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

1

Another convert

The second person I lent my ebike out to for the commute from Massey to the city has also bought an ebike. Two fewer cars on the road; two happier people.

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

11
Image for story January Riding

January Riding

I got 765.6 KM in this month just shy of 800. I also picked up a new CX bike to round out my stable of bikes. I have really enjoyed riding this month cold and rain be dammed, good gear will get y... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

2
Image for story Weight loss, fitness boost and a new challenge -

Weight loss, fitness boost and a new challenge -

At the beginning of 2020 I set myself a modest challenge of riding 100 miles a month thinking I should be able to manage that. At the beginning of Lockdown 1, I had a really scary blood pressure ... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

1
11
Image for story Finding the need to keep going

Finding the need to keep going

hi, I've set a goal for myself to ride 2021 miles by my birthday on the 22nd June, which means riding about 12 miles a day from the 1st January. It's tough going during lockdown, cold, wet and dark... read more

Topic: My favourite place/route to ride

2
Image for story Riding in the cold and rain!

Riding in the cold and rain!

Well it certainly been a challenging month. Back on furlough!
Dodging puddles, trying to stay upright on the ice, fixing punctures following the multitude of hedge cutters out this month.
read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

3
Image for story Lockdown and Love to ride goal setting

Lockdown and Love to ride goal setting

Lockdown 1 led me to evaluate my exercise regime and what I could do to get fitter "just in case".

September I came across Love to ride. I started goal setting and giving and receiving hig... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

1
6
Image for story Rondje Benelux

Rondje Benelux

In augustus 2020 een mooie fietsvakantie gehad, door in 8 dagen de Benelux te doorkruisen met overnachtingen in hotels, op een camping en een B&B. Met een drager aan de zadelpen van de racefiet... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

1
6

Replacement commute

While my Son has been living with us, we have replaced his London commute for Quantock hills sunrise rides.
Stop and watch the sunrise with a flask of coffee is a great way to start the day.

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

1
Image for story Poem (inspired by the new bike) i

Poem (inspired by the new bike) i

There is no other way to go
Over the mountains
Through the snow
Between the valleys
And the glens.
Round the lakes
And back again -

Scenic routes
Are made by ... read more

Topic: Other

5

Another convert

A friend was getting frustrated with his car commute from Massey to the City and the $12 per day parking costs. He was quizzing me on ebikes, so I lent him mine to see if it was a goer for him befo... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

8
Image for story GIVE A GIFT

GIVE A GIFT

Mother Teresa of Calcutta once said, ā€œEvery time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.ā€ How many chances do we have to give this gift or even more... read more

Topic: Other

12
Image for story Why I ride

Why I ride

I was inspired to start riding in September of 2019 from a simple post of a friend and his bike. Bringing it back a few years I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in June of 2016. Things that we... read more

Topic: Other

2
18

Be Careful Fellow Commuters!

I feel like drivers are more distracted this past week than usual. I’ve had many more near misses the last few days and was even hit (while I was stopped at a stop sign). Whatever the case or the c... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

4
Image for story Don't use your car to go to the office.

Don't use your car to go to the office.

It's possible... it just takes longer, but you get the added benefit of a ride to take the edge off of having to drive there.
I ride to the park and ride, get on a bus (6' apart with a ma... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

4
Image for story Winner of the Carbon Crushers £300 voucher - How I spent it :)

Winner of the Carbon Crushers £300 voucher - How I spent it :)

I was lucky enough to win a £300 voucher by submitting my Carbon Crushers story about how since August I have ditched my petrol car and have been navigating life by using my bike, bus and on occasi... read more

Topic: Carbon Crushers

1
5
Image for story 2021

2021

This year will be simple.
1. continue my 5 mile commute at 5am to the station with my 3st rucksack.
2. Cycle 1000 miles at weekends over a year, before my wife wakes up at 9am, dressed as a... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

1
4
Image for story Winter wheelers

Winter wheelers

Thanks so much for the lovely early Christmas present. Was even raining for my first ride in the new proviz jacket. Fabulous.

Topic: Other

13

Key worker

As a key worker cycling is my transport as well as my sport in the last two weeks I contracted covid due to my front line work was in bed for days and unable to cycle now that I have recovered cycl... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

6
Image for story Getting married on a bike!

Getting married on a bike!

I met my fiancƩ Chris through cycling over 3 years ago. We have had many many cycling adventures since including riding coast to coast in the UK in various directions and cycling 4,000km across Eur... read more

Topic: My Bicycle Romance

2
9
Image for story Fietsen / wandelen in corona tijden

Fietsen / wandelen in corona tijden

Fietsen was gisteren te gevaarlijk i.v.m. de sneeuwval en gladheid.
Toch heb ik ontzettend genoten van mijn wandeling langs de Linge in Tiel. Dit is overigens ook heel goed per fiets te doen. E... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

2
1

Confidence on the Road bike

After being in a roundabout road collision years ago; I became very shy about riding the road bike stored in the back of the shed. I have always cruise around town on my hybrid and take the mountai... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

2
Image for story Tri-It!

Tri-It!

Kia Ora whānau,
This is my e-trike, Trinity. She's the reason why I am loving the Bike Challenge this year. She makes riding up (and down) the hills a real breeze. Prior to having her in my lif... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

3
12
Image for story Cycling for work

Cycling for work

This January we got a brand new electric cargo bike at work to help deliver food to people in need. It means I'm doing loads more cycling and feeling great. Although it's an electric assisted bike,... read more

Topic: Carbon Crushers

7
Image for story Biking the twin coast cycle trail

Biking the twin coast cycle trail

We took advantage of the beautiful weather over summer and biked the twin coast cycle trail after Christmas. It is beautifully scenic, I particularly love the ride from Kawakawa to Opua. I love exp... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

8
Image for story Cycle for a good cause

Cycle for a good cause

The past few months have been tough for everyone, but coronavirus has hit those affected by dementia the hardest and continues to disrupt lives. So that's why I'm getting on my bike and taking on C... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

3
Image for story Winter Riding

Winter Riding

This time of year creates its own set of special of riding conditions. However, it also gives one a new perspective on the world. Riding the snow covered trail provides a peaceful environment to ... read more

Topic: Other

1
1
Image for story #665Challenge

#665Challenge

I'm a local tennis coach so wanted to do a tennis related bike ride challenge to keep my fitness up during this lockdown. I set myself a 665 mile challenge (665 relates to the longest ever tennis m... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

1
Image for story staying Local

staying Local

So as Boris says we have to 'Stay Local' for our exercise to in the spirit of 'Staying Local' I decided to cycle the streets of Harehills Leeds which is where I live, This gave me quite an insight ... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

5

My story

Travel everywhere with bike work, shopping, visiting friends and family and long rides out the freedom you have when out on bike is amazing

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

1
Image for story Riding in the cold and rain!

Riding in the cold and rain!

Well it certainly been a challenging month. Back on furlough!
Dodging puddles, trying to stay upright on the ice, fixing punctures following the multitude of hedge cutters out this month.
read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

3
Image for story Years in thr saddle

Years in thr saddle

I love to ride my cycle. I have rode cycles for so many years. But since moving north. I started cycling to work everyday. I have been doing the same route now for nearly 17 years. In all the weat... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

1

amazing brompton rides

I bought my first brompton over 2 years ago when my car broke down and before I bought my next car. I was commuting to work on bike. I rode bike to one place of work and rode the bike to take tram ... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

9
Image for story Fake communting for mental health

Fake communting for mental health

I used to cycle ten miles and back to my workplace at Newcastle University. I have been working from home since the first lockdown, in March 2020. I didn't commute at all the first month, which (ad... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

1
26

Break free of gridlock with an ebike

I was getting tired of the parking lot otherwise known as the northwestern motorway - and because my working day is ā€œbookendedā€ by school dropoff and collection times I couldn’t change my hours to ... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

1
13
Image for story It's always worth it!

It's always worth it!

Sometimes I struggle to motivate myself to ride before work. It's early and dark and cold outside and my bed is warm. BUT, when I do make the effort it feels so good. I can't help but smile whilst ... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

5

HELP !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Its a pandemic , Im getting fatter and lazier ! Soooooo no more - Im getting my bike out, which I haven't ridden in over a year .... any tips for A: gradually building up my non existent stamina a... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

4
7

25km woon-werk te ver?

25 kilometer woon-werk fietsafstand vond ik altijd ā€˜te ver’. Ik ging altijd met de trein tot in juni 2020 de mondkapjesplicht in het OV werd ingevoerd. De mondkapjesplicht, op zich al vervelend, w... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

6
Image for story Another cycling challenge

Another cycling challenge

I heard from a friend this morning about - and have just signed up to - another Suffolk County Council cycling challenge - the St Elizabeth Hospice Winter Cycling Mission - to cycle the equivalent ... read more

Topic: Other

4
Image for story 1000th Love To Ride trip milestone

1000th Love To Ride trip milestone

Since signing up on Love To Ride I have now logged my 1000th ride.
I’m a keen cyclist / commuter ( though the commute has been curtailed due to working from home )so I have been trying to get o... read more

Topic: My Bicycle Romance

1
8
Image for story Winter Wanderland New Belgium Brewing Bicycle Raffle Prize

Winter Wanderland New Belgium Brewing Bicycle Raffle Prize

Thank you! San Diego County Bicycle Coalition/Love to Ride for my new New Belgium Brewing Bicycle. I appreciate everything you do to advocate for better bike infrastructure, educating riders and c... read more

Cycling today in the rain 22/12/2020

After a day confined to the house, well the tropical fish did need cleaning and it was wet, I went for a 24 mile ride in the misty wet of the morning, the joy of getting on my bike after a week was... read more

Topic: Other

Image for story Fiets met spatborden

Fiets met spatborden

Omdat ik vorig jaar dichter bij huis ging werken, kon ik nu lekker vaak op de fiets naar het werk. Via het fietsplan kon ik met wat voordeel een fiets aanschaffen. Ik had een prima en gave fiets (i... read more