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Stories from Specialized

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

Stories from around the world

Only 29 years...

I loved riding around my village and woods as a teenager and recently made a decision to become healthier and improve my mood after my Dad passed away last year, combined with relocating to the Lak... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

Image for story I’m 10 again!

I’m 10 again!

Like many fifty something year olds I had not ridden a bike since school days so when my husband (a keen rider) and I stumbled upon a second hand Batribike (electric bike) perfect for me (I have mo... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Can't wait

Hi all it's me fohat just ordered my bike have not been on a bike for wow 12 years am 62 can't wait to get it I got 1 e bike I'm in to drones and have caravan up in Callander so many cycle tracks ... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Image for story A 47-Year Love Affair

A 47-Year Love Affair

In the spring of 1973, I was in my second year of college but struggling financially, as my student loan funds hadn't come through. Spring term was well underway when the money at last arrived, and... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Image for story Visiring Parishes

Visiring Parishes

I have taken up riding my after 57 years I threw away my bike after I passed my driving test because it was the only mode of transport I had as I lived in open hilly country side with no near nabou... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Image for story Thank you GSK

Thank you GSK

Thanks to GSK I have fulfilled one of my dreams – learning how to cycle!. Years ago, at GSK House, we were encouraged to cycle, and were offered free cycling lessons of which I took advantage.... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Image for story Excited!

Excited!

Haven’t ridden in years and never on a new bike! Only rode as a teen around the neighborhood, now 10+ years later my husband gifted me a Trek DS2 and I can’t wait to increase my mileage

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Image for story A20 Alps to Ocean

A20 Alps to Ocean

On 5 Feb we cycled from Tekapo to Twizel passed canals, lake Tekapo, Ohau and Pukaki; scenery to die for. 6 Feb we biked to Ohau Lodge with a side trip to Ohau weir which was closed but very pictur... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Riding in NZ

I've not taken a bike for several years, but the challenge now got me to try it again and it's really strange to ride on the wrong side of the road here in NZ, but I'll get used to it :)

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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From My Accident on Sunset Blvd. Hollywood CA. USA

About fifteen years ago, I left my work at the Arclight Cinema at close to midnight. On my way home on Sunset Blvd. I was riding my bike and ended up getting hit by a car. It was pretty bad that ... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Image for story Dusting off my Road Bike

Dusting off my Road Bike

I bought a bike around 10 years ago and rode it for a while but it has been sitting in my shed gathering dust. It is a great bike, light weight and was easy to ride when I bought it. I have had k... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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An exhausted Asthmatic

My lungs are shot - after 40 years of chest infections, and asthma attacks, I got an e-bike. I've not been on a bike seriously for many many years, mostly because I can't breathe properly. The ex... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Image for story I’m back

I’m back

Back to riding after ten years or so mainly thanks to all the share bike schemes around... Got my first ever brommie through cycle scheme and loving it!

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

Pedalling my way back to fitness

After a serious illness a few years ago, I put on a bit of weight and my fitness suffered because of damage to my lungs. I've been walking to work occasionally, but I finally decided to get a new b... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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For Mark

Mark is the reason I took up cycling after 30 years. When he calmly announced to the office he had a couple of months to live, we all asked what we could do. Laughing his head off he said “cycle fr... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Image for story Tri Guy loves to ride

Tri Guy loves to ride

My first memory of cycling as a boy was when I was doing a sprint and braked too quickly when I managed to do a somersault holding on to the handlebars and still landed the bike square on the pavem... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

Not getting younger

I guess like a lot of folks, I rode a bike as a youngster mainly to get around and go further afield. Dabbled with a mountain bike when kids were younger (usually one on the back in his seat). 4 ye... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Back to cycle commuting

I stopped cycling years ago when the dog gave me a pitiful look if I dared go for a ride rather than take him for a walk, and then children got in the way. As for commuting, a big hill and a relat... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Image for story Eroica and a 1979 Puch Prima renewed my life

Eroica and a 1979 Puch Prima renewed my life

In 2014 I had a minor car accident. Left me without transport to work and a need to get my body mobile. I was 52 and not ridden a bike in may years. Watching TV late one night, I saw "The Cyclin... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Image for story returning and loving it

returning and loving it

Really bad car smash last year and revoked driving licence. Decided fitness needs a boot up the backside and can't keep using the excuse of " not fit enough yet" !! invested in a new Pedal Assist b... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

1

Did I just do that?

So, I recently started a new job, about 5 miles from where I live (Leeds), previous to that I had spent the last 6 months working about 25miles away from home. On starting the new job I was tol... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Image for story Commuting to work (off road) in memory of my dad

Commuting to work (off road) in memory of my dad

Many years ago I used to cycle to work 16 miles each way and loved it. Until one day a driver thought he could be quicker than me and pulled out in front of me and I went through his windscreen. L... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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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

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Image for story New way to commute

New way to commute

After shying away from getting on a bike for far to long, a combination of climate emergency declarations, peer pressure and the need for exercise saw me take the plunge and buy a Brompton! The... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Image for story The Internal Coach

The Internal Coach

I have not biked in over 20 years, but this spring I got back on a bike to do a long distance race. Over the weekend I finished 53 miles to Reach the Beach. I have been working on the mental aspe... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Image for story It’s really an overgrown tricycle.

It’s really an overgrown tricycle.

When it became necessary to avoid the gym & Pilates studio last spring, I need something to stay healthy. I should point out that I am 66 years old & several years ago had bilateral knee re... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Image for story New bike then time to ride

New bike then time to ride

This year my youngest child will begin senior school meaning I would be a little more free with my time for getting to work so I decided I’d like to cycle to work and in February I applied for a bi... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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1st Ever Time Riding To Work

Throughout my working career I have never had the opportunity to ride to work until now.. Working at the University Of Southampton Science Park, I have always felt the want to travel by bike to inc... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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#bikingdoesn'thurt!!!

2020 has been challenging but for me 2019 was terrible! Got divorced, developed an overuse injury from walking daily with my new pup and friend/her dog. Injury persists but just figured out that ... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Just like a kid again

Havent been on a bike since my teens. Now my friends and I are in our mid 40's. All rediscovering our love of being on a bike and going on a adventure.

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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I'm so jazzed about biking again; small steps!

In the last four years I had my meniscus re-attached in both knees and never realized it would take this long to heal. Left knee is doing great after three years and is now supporting my right knee... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Image for story Utilising our Cycle Trail

Utilising our Cycle Trail

Really enjoyed my first ride out on a bike for a really long time! Borrowed a bike from the local business and Wow! they sure make some amazing bikes to ride these days don't they! Will cer... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Jelly Legs

It’s been many years since I have rode my bike... so long that it had cobwebs on it. I took it to the bike shop for a checkup and 6 days into the challenge I went for my first ride on Waitangi Day.... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Image for story A false start, then up from there!

A false start, then up from there!

About 15 years ago I was on holiday in Europe with my boyfriend at the time. I hadn't been on a bike in many years, but we went for a ride on bikes that came free with our accommodation. I was a bi... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Image for story  Blakes first ride on a bike

Blakes first ride on a bike

We finally got the bike seat attached to the bike! Usually Blake and I just play at home while my husband goes for a run. Now that we have a bike seat- running/ biking is now a fun family activity.... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Image for story My Biketober experience

My Biketober experience

I was told about this challenge from a friend. I was happy to know that there was a community of cyclists for I haven't been on a bike in 8 years. Everytime I rode my bike for this challenge other ... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Image for story Pumped up the tyres and back on the road after 3 years!

Pumped up the tyres and back on the road after 3 years!

My colleagues encouraged me to get back on the road today! I dusted my bike down, pumped up the completely flat tyres and joined them on a lunchtime bike ride. Managed 9.7 miles not to shabby and l... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Image for story Got back on and never stopped

Got back on and never stopped

From the title, it sounds more than madness. Well, it is true, but more than exaggerated :P I started commuting to and fro place when I was in uni. Before I went to university I always wanted my... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Freedom to ride

I started riding a bike regularly last year after our car was written off. I pulled the old beater mountain bike out the shed and gave it a go. I quickly upgraded to an inherited hybrid I found mys... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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It took me almost 28 years to ride a bike…

I vividly remember the dreaded day mum took the training wheels off my bike and took me and my brother down to a park in Brookfield to ride without the stability and reliance of those extra two whe... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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from Newcastle city centre & Back

Today I rode just over 15 miles to Newcastle and back home again, my bum hurts like no tomorrow but I actually loved it the cycle route is right next to the river tyne its also so diverse I've ridd... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

Feeling fitter everyday

I have only just recently bought a bike after years of thinking I should be cycling to work. I had ruptured two ligaments in my ankle in a footballing injury at the beginning of last year and have ... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Image for story New lease of life

New lease of life

I had been looking for something I could do on my own to help with my fitness, I had tried the gym which was so boring and even bought new trainers thinking running would be my new thing but that w... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Image for story No matter the Weather - Glad to be back

No matter the Weather - Glad to be back

After a number of years off my mountain bike (Kids happen) I am really enjoying getting back out on 2 wheels, including the switch to something a little racier through the Cyclescheme, I am lucky e... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Image for story returning and loving it

returning and loving it

Really bad car smash last year and revoked driving licence. Decided fitness needs a boot up the backside and can't keep using the excuse of " not fit enough yet" !! invested in a new Pedal Assist b... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Image for story Hard to get back on

Hard to get back on

Used to commute to work everyday 20 miles but 2 accidents, a broken back, have made me rethink. Still trying but more social now so enjoying the cake stops. Happy rides😎

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Image for story Twenty Wasted Years!

Twenty Wasted Years!

When I was a younger man - unfortunately rather a long time ago, I used to cycle a lot. I commuted by bike from Beckenham in SE London to Kensington every day (c. 24 miles return). In about 198... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

Started cycling!

I'd been commuting from Glasgow to Edinburgh for 9 years, putting on 5 stone as a side effect. Following a house move, I started cycling to work in April 2019. Although on the first day, I was so u... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Image for story Return to cycling

Return to cycling

Always used to bike everywhere as a kid then life happened and it all got put to one side until a few years ago. My friend convinced me it would be a good idea to take up mountain biking! I went ou... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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The last time

The last time i rode a bike before this challenge was in Germany, i (stupidly) wasn't wearing a helmet, fell off, hit my head on the concrete and got concussion. So this month was really about prov... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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