Solent

Stories from Solent

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

Brrrrr

That was a chilly little commute this morning! Took a slightly different route to stay within the the houses rather than out on the exposed coast and found out it's all uphill!! Glad I've ordered... read more

Topic: Other

3

rain and bad traffic

Today was a perfect cycle commute. It looked like rain but it didn't happen. The traffic was appalling, with new added roadworks, and extra traffic lights on St. Denys rd. I like best, the days... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

7
Image for story Picnicking

Picnicking

When I want inspiration to head out on a solo ride I choose somewhere I would like to have a picnic. I check the map, plan a route using quiet lanes, pack some food and head out on a mini adventure.

Topic: Other

13
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

15

Ice Cycle

Last month I was cycling and slipped on a slippery wooden bridge on an icy day and busted some ribs, hurt my leg but otherwise my bike broke my fall and itself. So I've been bicycle shopping again... read more

Topic: Other

6

From walking to cycling everywhere

I have only owned a car once when I was at college for a total of two years. I'm now 32 so that is a long time without driving! I used to get public transportation everywhere and walk everywhere. I... read more

Topic: My Bicycle Romance

11

Riding everyday

I have been riding my bike every day since 1.1.15 when I decided this would be my bike challenge. I say every day but I crashed my bike that September and had to be brought home in an ambulance and... read more

5
Image for story #WomenWhoRide

#WomenWhoRide

A couple of hours happily getting lost in the Levels (Somerset!) Whilst it's important for the media to call out harassment of women doing their thing out and about, let's make sure it doesn't crea... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

7

Getting the wind up

My wife and I aren't used to longer rides but last year we decided to cycle across the New Forest to avoid public transport. We had booked a short stay in Fordingbridge and we took the most direct ... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

4
Image for story Keeping the same challenge

Keeping the same challenge

One benefit to last year was the lack of cars on the road so with that and the great weather we had it gave me a chance to really get into cycling I managed to do 3000 miles for the year which was ... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

3
Image for story Custom reflective detailing

Custom reflective detailing

I was reading about riding safety in the dark, and lots of people said that we are very good a recognising and seeing faces, so I thought I would combine this idea with reflective details. With ... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

1
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Image for story Ride Free

Ride Free

Taking my own breakfast and detouring off my usual beaten track. Gradually gaining more confidence :-)

Topic: Other

3
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Image for story Riding isnt for the day time

Riding isnt for the day time

Night riding is fast becoming, thanks to Covid my favorite time to get out on my bike. There is no one about and you have most places to yourself. At night your senses become more alert and you hea... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

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
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. Still... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

3

lightthenight

I commute from Colden Common to Bishops Waltham 2-3 times a week. Good lights are essential as the Winchester Road between the two places is unlit, although, now some of the farm houses and buildin... read more

LightTheNight

I'll never forget how I felt when I was racing along an unlit country lane and my front light went out. I think the batteries died suddenly, and so did my confidence... it was terrifying. I freewhe... read more

Topic: Other

1

A better place

When the unthinkable happened and the roads fell quiet, it was a unique glimpse of what is possible, of the world we could have. The birds sounded louder, the air tasted sweeter and cycling was saf... read more

Topic: Carbon Crushers

5

Riding with the family

I have been riding since I was a child and my partner is the opposite I managed to convince her to ride to work and to the shop and we take both are kids out all on bikes for the day. Better for ar... read more

Topic: Carbon Crushers

1
Image for story Not what you would expect to see in Hampshire

Not what you would expect to see in Hampshire

#ExploreByBike So over lockdown I start exploring so new route on my mountain bike and f oik and found myself riding around the foot paths around marwel zoo. I never realised there were paths tha... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

6
Image for story #ExploreByBike - Victoria Country Park

#ExploreByBike - Victoria Country Park

After a bad day or a stressful week, An escape on my bike, I must seek! Off I head, before it gets dark, To the Royal Victoria Country Park. On the way, there are hills so steep - Sometimes I ... read more

Topic: My favourite place/route to ride

2
6

Normality

At the start off lockdown I chose to keep heading out each morning and get in the mileage I would have cycled to work. As time went by I persuaded my partner that we should head out on the weekend... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

1
4
Image for story Cycling in a post car world

Cycling in a post car world

For the first time in a long time I had intended to cycle in and out of work everyday this week but with the office closed for the foreseeable I've swapped my commute for an early morning ride, lov... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

6
Image for story Saver

Saver

So last July I changed my commute from Southampton to London from using the company car to cycling the 5 miles to the station and training it in... I even now cycle the occassional 15 miles to P... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

2
6

My Cycle Journey

I started cycling 4years ago this week. My hybrid bike's first outing was to SkyRide 2015 and this year will be my 5th event(now Let's Ride), and my third working it in some capacity. It has been 4... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

1
10

Coldest day

A bit chilly this morning, hard frost on everything. Even though my face was crying with the cold, the rest of me was toasty. I have a waterproof helmet cover and that really keeps my head warm,... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

1
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Image for story Heading somewhere old and new

Heading somewhere old and new

The weather looks good and I’ve a picnic packed. Where shall I head? I fancied being by the sea and hit on the idea of using a ferry. There are a number to choose from around here, but today I fanc... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

11

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

4
Image for story New bike day

New bike day

New eBike day. Oooh the hills are so easy now

Topic: My Bicycle Romance

11
Image for story Picnic lunch with my bike

Picnic lunch with my bike

After all this time, I am still working from home. Usually I go out on my bike or for a walk every day around lunch time to make sure I see some daylight and to get my exercise. To mix it up a bit,... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

8

Keeping going.

Only a short story but I switched over to cycling after a running injury. Currently waiting on knee surgery. I used running as it improved my mental health. when I got injured I knew I couldn't jus... read more

Topic: My Bicycle Romance

9
Image for story Cycling can be a little wooden....

Cycling can be a little wooden....

I am so excited about this! I felt 5 years old again!! 🪵 🌲 🚴 Is it bamboo? No Is it heavy? No Is it nice to ride? Hell yes! 🤩 Built from wood here in Hampshire is my new BEAMZ Trust CIC... read more

Topic: My Bicycle Romance

11

From prog rock to the New Forest

Pandemics are not good things I know. However the prospect of being locked in last March, with no prospect of exercise prompted me to put some effort in. From running up and down the drive listenin... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

5
Image for story Take time to ride each day

Take time to ride each day

I wasn’t looking forward to returning to work in London this month but the warm weather and being back on my bike really helped. London is a fabulous city to ride in. Just ride safely and respec... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

2

Those were good times...

This might be an unpopular opinion, but for me, lockdown had its beauty. Especially when it comes to cycling. Usually when out on the street, I have to face the anger of "car-people" that cut you o... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

4
Image for story Stress reliever

Stress reliever

Always find getting out on the bike and taking in an awesome sunset does wonders for the mind.

Topic: Other

2
4
Image for story Ode to a Cargo Bike

Ode to a Cargo Bike

There once was a man named Phil, Who cargo-biked up a ruddy big hill, He had no e-assist, But you’ll get the gist, He nearly blacked out while the kids in the front were so chill.

Topic: My commute by bike

9
Image for story Ride Relaxed

Ride Relaxed

Looked like the sunniest day we'll have for a while and hubby had the day off so we packed gifted cakes, bought coffee and went for a leisurely bimble to Royal Victoria Country Park and back. Lovel... read more

Topic: Other

4
4
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. Still... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

3
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 knigh... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

1
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Image for story lightthenight

lightthenight

I commute 3hrs each way to work most days. And whats the best bit the 5 mile cycle to the station at 5am and home by 7pm Even better is when it's dark.. then you can add all the lights you... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

4

Breaking the bonds

I used to ride daily to the office and back. A journey of about 8 miles. Not a lot, but enough to keep me fit and the pounds off my waistline. Then Lockdown happened and the need to cycle was g... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

4

Lockdown helped me ditch the car!

Since lockdown started, I've managed to almost completely switch to commuting by bicycle! The quiet roads and pop up cycle lanes have made me feel happy enough to get myself to work via pedal powe... read more

Topic: Carbon Crushers

7

Lock Down Rides

I started cycling again about 3 years as I was training for a sprint triathlon which included 10km ride. At 55 I hadn't cycled much since I was 18! Found I enjoyed being out and about again even on... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

5
Image for story #ExploreByBike

#ExploreByBike

Great weather to #ExploreByBike, first ride down the southern coast, and #ExploreByBike beautiful towns and villages.

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

2
Image for story Meeting midway

Meeting midway

Meeting midway is about visiting more distant friends safely. We get social again, planning to meet-up & picnic in unfamiliar territory. Our two brothers travel by bike to meet for the first ti... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

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Image for story Indoor lands end to john O'groats

Indoor lands end to john O'groats

I'm using my time off work due to all this madness to ride my turbo trainer using real footage or routes from around the world on rouvy to raise money for mind, mental health charity. As I sure wit... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

5

Two years commuting by bike!

I started commuting by bike about two years ago. I love it! You get to work feeling alert and ready for the day, there's no tedious traffic to get stuck in and I've saved to much money and CO2. I'v... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

7
Image for story Let’s ride!! 🚲

Let’s ride!! 🚲

So today was the day I got back on a bike after many years! I took part in a cycling event held at Southampton (letsride) it was perfect to get me back into cycling. I train quite a bit at the gym,... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

8

Stories from around the world

This was crazy...

At a cycle park, well, me and my brother managed to race against each other, but then we heard screaming. We realised it was our sister rushing behind us... Thankfully, with our bikes, we managed t... read more

Topic: Other