Illinois

Stories from Illinois

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

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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 đŸ€ž

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

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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

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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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Image for story Amsterdam

Amsterdam

Holiday

Topic: My Bicycle Romance

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Image for story St Helier constant roadworks/closures

St Helier constant roadworks/closures

There's no better feeling than passing all of the endless queues of stationery vehicles in St Helier , caught up in the constant roadworks and closures .

Topic: My commute by bike

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Image for story Cycling holiday with public transport

Cycling holiday with public transport

We decided to cycle The Hebridean Way this year and use public transport to get to and from the start. We had pre-booked the train from Dyce to Oban and 18 tickets to proof it (for 2 of us)! So w... read more

Topic: Other

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Riding to porch fest

On May 19 I went to the Modesto porch fest and rode to listen to different bands with me. I encouraged my friends to join us but didn’t want to go at first but they changed their minds so they rode... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Image for story campus bike circles

campus bike circles

Enjoying the efficient bike circles (aka roundabouts) on the campus of UC Davis.

Topic: My commute by bike

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Un dĂ©fi mensuel qui dĂ©bute bien la saisonđŸ€©

Le vĂ©lo a toujours Ă©tĂ© pour moi une source de recueillement et souvent individuelle. Je rĂ©alise combien de partager ces moments avec la famille est d’autant plus grandissant et inspirant! Un Ă©tĂ© qu... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

Garmin connect challenge 200km

Have to admit the last 5.3 miles were the hardest when I added up the miles and was short of a challenge trophy. I just had to find a reason to ride out again. My excuse to my self was I had no ce... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

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Image for story Off-Road Expedition: Discovering the Majesty of the Falls of Feugh

Off-Road Expedition: Discovering the Majesty of the Falls of Feugh

The Falls of Feugh in Banchory Aberdeenshire...... Venturing off-road to the Falls of Feugh in Banchory, Scotland, offers a thrilling journey through rugged terrain and stunning landscapes. As t... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

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Image for story Dreams come true

Dreams come true

Pedal the way up

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Image for story Doing the Weekly Shop

Doing the Weekly Shop

I bought my cargo bike (actually a trike) a couple of years ago now, and use it for the weekly shop and anytyelse I need to carry something bigger around locally. We have a great shared use cycle ... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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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

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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

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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

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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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"Back" to it!

Just a quick note, I had to share my news with someone. I am back on my bike! After a period of nearly 9 months with a dodgy leg from a back injury I am back on a bike and loving it! I went on a... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Laissez les bons temps rouler...

Depuis 2021, je participe au défi : Mois de mai en vélo. Je n'ai pas manqué une journée de vélo en 124 jours (4x31 jours) et j'ai roulé plus de 1000km sans assistance électrique à chacun des défis.... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

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Image for story Many Bicycling Benefits of The Peoples Food Co-op Kalamazoo

Many Bicycling Benefits of The Peoples Food Co-op Kalamazoo

The People’s Food Co-op (PFC [address removed]) has, since its inception, supported a way of life that includes and promotes practical cycling. For many years the PFC has sold (for $5 no less!) an... read more

Topic: Carbon Crushers

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Image for story Tour De Coffee Culture done and dusted for '24

Tour De Coffee Culture done and dusted for '24

Better late than never, but was good to do. 129km in a day.

Topic: Other

Image for story #EveryDayCyclingFife

#EveryDayCyclingFife

The Everyday Cycling Fife campaign launched at Tree in the Park on Saturday, 25th May, to encourage Fifers to get out on their bikes for everyday journeys. Getting more people out of cars and onto... read more

Topic: Carbon Crushers

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Loving the countryside

I've always loved riding bikes, but after retiring in 2020 I took bike riding to another level. I live out in the country away from city traffic so getting on my bike each morning and taking a rid... read more

Topic: My favourite place/route to ride

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Image for story I love underpasses BUT
.

I love underpasses BUT
.

Our bayou trails have lots of underpasses to cross big roads. And they’re great .. no stopping .. no cars .. and a quick ride downhill. But after heavy rains low spots can have mud or dirt that ... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Image for story Confidence

Confidence

We're working on building self-confidence and I think bike riding is a great addition to our parenting tool bag!!

Topic: Ride with kids

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Image for story Behind the bars and reality

Behind the bars and reality

Ohm Mountain ⛰ adventure

Topic: A happy riding memory

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Image for story More to Experience

More to Experience

My commute by bike lets me see the different, the unusual, the overlooked, the bypassed. This morning the USGS was measuring stream flow on Langham Creek. I was able to stop and watch for a few... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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