Illinois

Stories from Illinois

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Stories from Illinois

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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

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Ages

About a month or so ago i suddenly realised how unfit I was due to not doing a lot with the kids and always being out of breath when I did. So I decided to buy a bike and start biking to work. Well... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

3

Over 40 years!

My husband and I bought ourselves some e-bikes in August after spending some time in France on e-bikes with my brother and his wife. Absolutely loving it! I am 61 and hubby turns 60 in January. T... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Image for story Steep stairs no longer a barrier to riding.

Steep stairs no longer a barrier to riding.

At around 74, I got back on my bike and found my office-sitting career that I started in my 50's meant I could no longer safely balance on a bike or my old 2-wheel recumbent. On & off I spe... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Relearning But Gaining Confidence!

I bought my first bike as an adult in October 2021! My last childhood bike was 20 some years ago but I barely used it. I had bad biking experiences in the past so I was obviously very nervous relea... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Image for story My new e-bike

My new e-bike

I purchased an e-bike this summer. I’m almost 50, over weight and terrified of the roads. This September I’m challenging myself to make the 18 mile journey to and from work 4 times a week plus a ... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Image for story Hit my first 100 miles

Hit my first 100 miles

Prior to May 2023, the last time I had gotten on a bike was probably 15 years ago. A bike share program at work motivated me to try to ride a bike to work. I started commuting to work on Wednesdays... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Ca fesait 2 ans

Ça fesait 2 ans que je n'avais pas fait de vélo pour aller a la job. J'ai fait une mise au point de mon vélo de ville et j'y suis aller et revenu et j'ai vraimentt bien dormi cette nuit la!

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

3

Reunion with an old friend.

I grew up riding my bike. I would zip around my small town on and off road. With friends and on my own. My bike and I were inseparable. When I was on my bike, I knew joy. A joy I haven't felt in y... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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With my dads encouragement

My dad bought me my first bike three years ago, the first I’d owned for years and at the grand old age of 48! I loved it and quickly became addicted. Then he died two years ago, and it has been my ... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Image for story New old aches

New old aches

Last time I was on a bike was 18 years ago. I sold it after a scare with traffic and relocating from the South to the North Island. I have borrowed a bike to compete in this challenge. The improvem... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Image for story Peachtree Creek Greenway - PART ONE - December, 2018

Peachtree Creek Greenway - PART ONE - December, 2018

After years of grassroots work by local cyclists and bicyclists, the ground-breaking ceremony for the first section of the Peachtree Creek Greenway took place on December 19, 2018. The Greenway loc... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Story of fear and bravery

So roughly about 11 years ago i used to love to ride my bmx and my 26er like an idiot (Thought i was Emil lol) but anyway i had a nasty accident and this put the FEAR into getting back on a bike i... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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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 28 miles

28 miles

Hi, I just finished my first ride around Southampton (28 miles). I'm so tired but very happy.

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Image for story Keeping up with my daughter!

Keeping up with my daughter!

My oldest daughter learnt to ride her bike this Easter. I’ve not ridden for 20 years, but I finally had to get back on the saddle to keep up with her! Luckily you never forget do you! I’m super ... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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I biked the Otago Rail Trail

Apart from an occasional bike ride - as a family when my daughter was young, Covid lockdown rides. We decided to do the Otago rail trail in February. An event to remember next to my daughter start... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

4

jelly legs

Friday was my first ride on my bike for a long time, actually since my heroic bike challenge of 7km last year. After finally fixing a slow leaking tyre, installing a side mirror and purchasing a o... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Image for story Too easy

Too easy

I haven't biked in 4 years due to my push-bike being stolen. Now that this challenge is on, I decided to purchase a cheap and used push-bike (for $80! 😉) just to tackle this challenge. I'm very com... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Inspired by Charlie

I hadn't been on a bike for 22 years (following a nasty crash). But when a new colleague started cycling to work, he inspired me to get back on 2 wheels. At first I was terrible, as my brain rememb... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

5

Khurram Wadee

I bought my current bike almost exactly eight years ago. I hadn't ridden one for over thirty years but I remember vividly the feeling of exhilaration and freedom I got when I first got back on the... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

5
Image for story Tour of Britain

Tour of Britain

i got to ride at the finish of Tour of Britain when it came through Warrington i have since been on the new cycle paths around Warrington

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

5

Got back on the saddle after a fall

So just over a week ago, I fell off my bike having only ridden two times in the September Challenge and before was when I was a kid (many many years ago!). I injured my leg quite bad and had to ta... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Image for story Getting back on the horse...or bike after a fall

Getting back on the horse...or bike after a fall

This past Saturday I went on my very first mountain bike ride. It was very hard, but very fun because of the challenges that the ozark trails present. While I did end up crashing my bike on some ve... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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#Goals

I got on my bike at 7am this morning. I am 48 and need to improve my fitness as I am a full time primary school teacher and single Mum with 4 kids. So life has just taken over. I live next to a ... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Image for story Why I Love to Ride

Why I Love to Ride

After finding my forgotten bike and motivated by the opportunity to win a prize for each day ridden I signed up to take part in the latest challenge through work. Although the weather was far fr... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

2

New lease of life!!

After 30 odd years of not having owned or even got on a bike... bought my first bike and joined the challenge, it is quite a challenge with all the gears and getting used to what works when LOL. Th... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Getting back into it

When Covid struck I lost my need, and likely desire, to ride to work. I therefore did not ride for several years. Post Covid I found I had developed an issue with my knee and thought exercise was d... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

5

It's been over 30 years

At 62, I just bought a bike and I'm wondering WHY it took me so long. Honestly, it's been since high school when I rode daily so I'm still getting used to the feeling but I love it! Aside from a co... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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I was so scared!

I hadn't ridden a bike since the 80s, when I was a teenager! I was so scared - it wasn't "like riding a bike" at all! But I found a local Adult First Ride class and dove in. After that class, and a... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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I have no bicycle

I love bicycles. I used to drive one without holding onto it handsfree throughout the street when I was 12 years old. A neighbour clapped for my circus skills and that was my last day on a bicycle.... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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ESSEX PEDAL POWER

would like to thanks Essex pedal power for giving me the chance to get back on a bike

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Image for story Découvrir ma nouvelle vi(ll)e autrement

Découvrir ma nouvelle vi(ll)e autrement

A Montréal depuis moins d'un an, j'avais pris l'habitude de visiter la ville à l'aide de Tiktok et à ses bons coups : les adresses les plus cultes, les vues panoramiques les plus "instagrammable", ... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Bike Novice

A couple years ago I rented a Bike and was so bad at riding it I thought that was that. I ride the stationary Bike at the gym and decided that does not get me as much exercise as running. So Bike r... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Getting back to it

Let's get fit again!

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

2

Enjoying the great outdoors

I just discovered Ebikes and it got me excited to ride again. I also live near a greenway that has a path connecting it to my neighborhood. We now have 3 generations riding!

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Image for story 25 years after spinal fusions I got back on a bike

25 years after spinal fusions I got back on a bike

Back on a bike after 25 years! 'Excited' to ride a bike again doesn't come close to expressing how I am feeling as tears of joy stream down my face, thrilling, freeing, and hopeful.... a life long ... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Image for story Bike ride with mother

Bike ride with mother

Went on a bike ride with the old dear great to be back in the saddle been out every day since

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Biking to the Bill!

I got back on the bike this weekend by cycling around Portland in Dorset with my parents. Lots of greenery and cliffs along this cycle route - a bit different to a daily commute! Still not brave en... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Cheeky

Did a 40k ride not going to lie i loved it but my cheeks didnt 🤣

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

6

Biking for fitness and freedom

50 years ago I had a bike accident losing brakes down a steep hill and ended up in the hospital! Biked with friends in high school then never biked again till now. February 2022 has changed my lif... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Image for story OVERCOMING FEAR OF RIDING A BIKE ON THE ROAD

OVERCOMING FEAR OF RIDING A BIKE ON THE ROAD

Late Sept 2018, I was riding my bike to work when a large came dangerously close to me on the side of the road that I had to hop onto the footpath. Didn't make it tho, I hit the curb so hard I was ... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Image for story A Rail Trail tale

A Rail Trail tale

I have just completed 5 days on the Otago Rail Trail, on a push bike, and I was elated to reach Middlemarch in one piece, albeit with a few bruises and wobbly bits along the way. I am in my early 6... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Image for story Feel the fear and do it anyway!

Feel the fear and do it anyway!

Tūwhitia te hopo, mairangatia te angitū! Feel the fear and do it anyway! My name is Jill Walters and I am the Organisational Development Lead at Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council. I live ... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Image for story Back on a bike after 35 years

Back on a bike after 35 years

I haven't been on a bike since my early teens, when I had a bad accident with a car and nearly killed myself, I've also never had to learn to drive, a car. but with the passing of my wife in 2020, ... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Image for story Discovering again

Discovering again

It's probably been over a decade since I've been on a bike, let alone ridden one regularly. I do remember how much I used to enjoy it when I was quite a bit younger though. Now that I am north of... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Image for story Trakatak Professional Bike

Trakatak Professional Bike

I decided to reconnect with cycling during lockdown last year. I deliberated over which type of bike I wanted for a month or two, before deciding on a mountain bike. I live close to a country park... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

5

I just love riding my bike!

I decided to buy a bike for my birthday in April. I turned 46 and I think the last time I rode a bike may have been when I was 12!! But I was determined!! I wanted to ride for exercise and to im... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Image for story 100 mile summer

100 mile summer

I got my bike in July having wanted one for ages and not ridden since before uni. I decided to give myself a goal of 100 miles by my birthday (4 Sept). This was a big challenge for me so I signed u... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Cycling to work

I havent been on a bike in years, as I used to commute to work in my car. But due to the COVID pandemic, I started a new career and a new way of getting to my new job on my bike.

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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