Illinois

Stories from Illinois

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

Image for story Centennial trail bike ride

Centennial trail bike ride

It was honestly so beautiful to see everything especially next to the canal and going over bridges and being able to see everything

Topic: A happy riding memory

1
8

Stories from around the world

My Best Friend and Me

I met Annie when we were kids. We bonded over riding our bikes together. Ever since then, we have done many bike trips together, the longest being a 3 day rail trail we did earlier this year. I hav... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

3
Image for story Made to Bruges!

Made to Bruges!

I love this picture. it's my friend and I in Bruges in Belgium. Earlier on in the year, I invited him to join me early Sept to go on a bike adventure. Over 4 days, we'd cycle in France and Belgi... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

5

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

4
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

1
7
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

4
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

8
Image for story Behind the bars and reality

Behind the bars and reality

Ohm Mountain ⛰ adventure

Topic: A happy riding memory

5
Image for story Cycling to Donnottar: A Tale of Friendship and Discovery

Cycling to Donnottar: A Tale of Friendship and Discovery

As the morning sun rose over Aberdeen, casting a golden glow upon the city streets, I and my friend stood ready, bicycles at the ready, anticipation bubbling within us like a freshly uncorked bottl... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

2
17
Image for story In Madrid, not UK, sorry!

In Madrid, not UK, sorry!

We hired bikes and discovered the lovely Casa de Campo then the very impressive new infrastructure along the Rio Manzanares. And the weather was fantastic too!

Topic: A happy riding memory

1
3
Image for story Moerangi MTB track. A steep but rewarding challenge.

Moerangi MTB track. A steep but rewarding challenge.

I love riding deep into the native forest. I recently rode the Moerangi MTB track in the Whirinaki Forest. We rode from Okahu Road to the summit and back again the same way. No e-bikes to be seen... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

4
Image for story Washington DC Bike Ride

Washington DC Bike Ride

I got to go to a national conference in Washington DC. Where I had one day to see the sites. I rented bikes through Capital Bikeshare's day pass. Mapped my ride out on Google maps to exchange m... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

7
Image for story Timber trail fun

Timber trail fun

One of the great rides in New Zealand, and one of the best days I've had on my bike. A little bit of planning, and you can see some of NZ's rail history, and our great wild environment.

Topic: A happy riding memory

1
6
Image for story Neigh bad

Neigh bad

My noble steed having a well-earned rest at the half-way point of a longish day ride in glorious autumn weather.

Topic: A happy riding memory

7
Image for story Last day of Biketober

Last day of Biketober

I have had a wonderful month exploring on my bike during Biketober. Took this photo today in a local Melbourne park on a beautiful day which is also the last day of this wonderful event/challenge.

Topic: A happy riding memory

5

Back in the 90's

One of my most joyful memories is when I lived on the Gold Coast, Australia in the 1990's, I would ride my bike along the coast road late at night during the week, no traffic, no people, just the s... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

2
Image for story London to Brighton 2023!

London to Brighton 2023!

For my dad's 67th birthday I entered us into the annual British Heart Foundations London to Brighton bike ride - 54 miles and plenty of hills with my uncle and aunt and friend. It also happened to ... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

1
13
Image for story Bike Riding Infrastructure Envy - Copenhagen

Bike Riding Infrastructure Envy - Copenhagen

Having just visited Copenhagen for a short break, I was enamoured, and slightly envious of the seamless and innovative cycle infrastructure available in Denmark's capital, Copenhagen - one of the "... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

16
Image for story Riding through nature

Riding through nature

This put a big smile on the face during my morning ride the other day. A doe crossed the road in front of me, and as I approached the crossing I noticed two fawns had ducted low in the grass waitin... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

7

We had visitors..

My daughter and her boyfriend visited Shannon and I. I have extra bikes, so we set them up, and rode to Old Sac, saw some murals, and then grabbed food on the way home. Shannon tracked the milage... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

1
12
Image for story From Jersey to cycle around whole Guernsey

From Jersey to cycle around whole Guernsey

I took my electric, cargo bike on ferry to Guernsey. Set myself a challenge I would Cycle around whole Island, and
. I did it! Took me like around 80km in 2 days, but I’m a photographer so I enjoye... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

14

100 Miles

I rode 100 in one day on June 17th 2018. [address removed]

Topic: A happy riding memory

4

100 +second night

The last time I rode over 100 klms was almost 50 years ago when I didn`t want to go to school so packed my duffel bag with what I thought I would need, along with the money from my after school job... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

9
Image for story A DIFFERENT POINT OF VIEW

A DIFFERENT POINT OF VIEW

Some days it’s two wheels, some days it’s three... cruiser, touring, trike, or 29’r. Most days it’s a ride to/from work. Other days it’s a ramble to somewhere or a race to nowhere. Riding to get ... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

2

My biking adventures

Roaming around Auckland: Viaduct Harbour + Mission Bay + Queen Street (Via Youtube channel: Global Gig)

Topic: A happy riding memory

2

Alps to Ocean solo

Sharing one of my happy riding memories from 2022 from Lake Tekapo to Oamaru covering 340km through stunning nature and chatter with friendly locals. A memorable ride through glacial lakes, dams, f... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

1
4
Image for story Why I ride and choose not to own a car?

Why I ride and choose not to own a car?

If you know me, you’d probably know that I’ve become an avid cyclist over the years and my work involves looking at ways to encourage people to consider the daily choices they make around transport... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

1
12
Image for story National Trust Cafe Ravenscar

National Trust Cafe Ravenscar

Recommend a stop at this lovely cafe on Stage 1 of the Moors to Sea Cycle Route in Ravenscar. Outstanding food and service from staff, and the views from beyond the cafe are spectacular. Chec... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

6
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

6
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

10
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

1
8
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

2
7
Image for story Fernyhalgh Wood

Fernyhalgh Wood

The way I believe in the circle ⭕ as the cycle exists.make the world better place for everyone to be happy 😃. Enjoy the ride with a lot of memories.

Topic: A happy riding memory

5
Image for story Not UK, sorry, now in Seville!

Not UK, sorry, now in Seville!

We hired bikes for 24 hours and discovered this great place in the best way. Only the very crowded tourist heart better on foot, otherwise there is a fantastic network of paths all over the city. A... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

7
Image for story Bikepacking in Patagonia Chile

Bikepacking in Patagonia Chile

First time bikepacking and it was the Carretera Austral in Patagonia Chile.. wet and steep as. Fuelled by empanadas, I biked 600km through towns sadly impacted by a volcanic eruption, a flash fl... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

1
8

Not taking a break

I have been cycling for the past couple of days now. I usually ride my bike around my neighborhood, but I get so tired that I have to take a break halfway, for about 5 minutes, then continue with t... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

2
6

Happy Christmas all you cyclists

Had a 5 mile ride in the dark Christmas eve. Really really windy I feel sorry for santa and his reindeer fighting through that wind tonight. I will make sure refreshments are left out for th... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

6
Image for story Dunwich Dynamo (1st July 2023) by Tandem

Dunwich Dynamo (1st July 2023) by Tandem

I think that it was at Needham Lakes that I hit my nadir. We had pulled up abruptly on the beast (a Dawes Galaxy Twin Tandem that had been a successful drunken ebay bid a few years ago) and I’d lef... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

4
Image for story I never expected to be a 'cyclist'

I never expected to be a "cyclist"

I live in a two person, one cat, zero car household. While I have long had the goal that I want to live my life without relying on a car to move in a city, I always expected that goal would be sati... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

3
23

Be the Change & Inspiration

Today was a highlight of my rides though an instructor(ride to university)said that they were also planning on purchasing an ebike because of my riding everyday & cause I say it's so much fun! ... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

5
Image for story Raleigh - Burnt Cape Ecological Reserve NL

Raleigh - Burnt Cape Ecological Reserve NL

Terre-Neuve, l’un de ses bouts du monde


Topic: A happy riding memory

Solo female rider from Delhi covered 1700 kms from Delhi-HYD in 33 hrs

I am Kusum Pali (32), from West Delhi, on June 18th 2023, I would like to share my experience as a fearless Indian female solo rider. As a solo female rider on my Royal Enfield Thunderbird 500... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

1
2

I'm hole again! Tour de Donut fun!

I had so much fun riding the Tour de Donut again last weekend. Got to reconnect with riding buddies I haven't seen since last fall, get some pedalling in, and eat lots of donuts. I'm the one with t... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

5
Image for story Bruges-Amsterdam

Bruges-Amsterdam

Faire l'expĂ©rience d'un circuit vĂ©lo-bateau c'est une belle aventure. Ni le vent ni la pluie ne nous ont empĂȘchĂ© d'apprĂ©cier ce parcours aux paysages fabuleux. Le groupe Ă©tait sympathique et nous... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

4

Easter Egg rides

Many moons ago I used to take friends on bright rides around D.C. at night. We’d see the monuments, natural springs at the capital, from SE to NW finding the little things you wouldn’t otherwise se... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

3
Image for story Interview - Fietsambassadeur Noord-Veluwe

Interview - Fietsambassadeur Noord-Veluwe

Dit is Johan, een doorgewinterde fietser die het heerlijk vindt om op zijn sportieve stadsfiets door het bosrijke gebied van de Veluwe te fietsen. Zijn fiets is zijn favoriete manier van vervoer; “... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

4
Image for story Riding the new extension of the Coastal Trail

Riding the new extension of the Coastal Trail

The Coastal Trail was completed from the Saint Marks Trail, near Saint Marks Florida, alongside Rt 98 to Medart , Florida, several years ago . During the past year, crews have been working to exten... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

4
Image for story Strelley way Nottingham Rural Riders

Strelley way Nottingham Rural Riders

First time riding with Rural Rides. We had a lovely time, a lot of happy chatter. Discovered new routes through the city, as well. We had an exceptional leader! Sunshine all the way.

Topic: A happy riding memory

10

Speeding Towards Adventure: The Thrill of Biking at a bike track.

As soon as I stepped onto the bike track at a Primary School, I felt the cool breeze hit my face, and my heart began to race with excitement. The sun was shining, and the grass was a vibrant green.... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

4
Image for story West Coast Wilderness Trail

West Coast Wilderness Trail

Recently I cycled the West Coast Wilderness Trail with my husband and friends. It was the most amazing experience and the weather bomb just added to the excitement. The hospitality and friendly W... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

3