Stories from XTesting

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

Stories from around the world

how else?

I was more or less born on a bicycle. I used to work at 60 km away and commuted by train. It got me fat and I picked up just any flu or cold that was around. All those people sneezing and coughing ... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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Image for story I'm now making my commute longer its so enjoyable!!!

I'm now making my commute longer its so enjoyable!!!

12 years ago my wife bought me a birthday present of a dark blue Raleigh man’s commuting bike complete with postman pat bell. I have enjoyed cycling to work ever since and am now onto my third bi... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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Image for story Why I Cycle to Work

Why I Cycle to Work

The main thing about cycling to work for me is that I enjoy the extra time in bed in the mornings!

My cycle in to work takes 11–12 minutes - compared to either a 40 minute walk in or bus j... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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Image for story Why I Cycle to Work

Why I Cycle to Work

When I cycle to work I feel more refreshed and ready for the day ahead. Cycling home I can relax and enjoy the exercise — or if it’s been a difficult day I can take it out on the pedals!

I... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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Image for story Why I Ride to Work

Why I Ride to Work

I commute by bike to and from work every day, all year round!
I love cycling and my ride invigorates me for the day ahead, and de-stresses me on my way home as I ride past green spaces, lakes a... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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Friday Feeling!

Heavy legs, post gym aches and 5 days of continual cycling.

Roll on rest day :)

No complaints however, the roads were nice and quiet too!

Topic: My commute by bike

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Image for story More Surprises...

More Surprises...

Part of my commute home used to be by Sarehole Mill (part of the inspiration for Lord of the Rings) in Moseley Birmingham. There is a short cut around the back that either goes through the ford, if... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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Windy but warm

Challenging cycle in especially with my panniers that act like sails of a boat! Still mild enough for t-shirt though. Wind is tough to cycle in but still enjoying being outside exercising in summer... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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Started Cycling this year

I started cycling to work this year and I've never felt better!

Topic: My commute by bike

Damp but better than the tube by MILES!

Another commute to work by bike, this morning in rain. Less cyclists but slower journey. All things considered I don't mind the rain it's always better than getting the tube!!

:)

Topic: My commute by bike

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I dont drive so my bike is my car

I was happy to change jobs in 2018 meaning I could cycle 20 miles a day to work and back. Helping me stay stress free, fit and help the environment. Even through winter I set myself a personal goal... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

Bike to Work

I am now back to my daily "Bike to Work" habit. Enjoying it in the summer weather and across new small 'bike-friendly' streets I am discovering day after day (also thks to some smart Apps).
Hap... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

Image for story Why bike commute?

Why bike commute?

It’s monday evening and I’m on call for emergency radiology. Usually a few scans at 6pm and I can get home. Today was different. Almost continuous stream of referrals from various doctors mainly in... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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Saving the gym membership (and the environment)

I have loved switching from the train to the bike for my commute. Not only is it saving a lot of cash from train tickets, but also means the calories burnt, means I can cancel the gym membership to... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

St. Michael's School by bicycle

I started cycling to work in June 1999 with a Raleigh 10 speed. I upgraded to a Dawes Audax when I had an accident. I have cycled to work ever since, now I am waiting for my Spa cycles Audax, my bi... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

Everyday challenge

Hour on a bike
Day or night
Rainy day or sunny bright
Weather good
Weather bad
Always happy
Never sad

Topic: My commute by bike

It beats being stuck in traffic

I cycle to work every day all year round come sun, rain or snow, except maybe for a few days in winter when it's just too hazardous, and have done for many years. Honestly I don't always enjoy it t... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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Many reasons

There are many reasons that I cycle to work. It is a great way of incorporating exercise in to my daily routine. This gives me time to enjoy other activities after work such as gardening.
It is... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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Morning Swim and Commute!

Commuting to work on my bike, in the summer especially, allows me to cycle to the pool to continue my triathlon training. I cycle to the pool, then cycle direct to work and sometimes pop home at lu... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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A more challenging route

I swapped my car parking permit for a set of cycle-to-work incentives (basically you get a few free daily parking permits if you are a bike user) last September and I've been mainly cycling (with a... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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Back on the bike

It has been quite a few years since I commuted to work but have managed to get back in the saddle again. Have been commuting by bike at every opportunity over the past 6 weeks and aiming to keep i... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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Image for story Come rain or shine

Come rain or shine

As a year-round commuter, I'm used to taking on all weathers. Energy-sapping heat, bone-chilling cold and everything in between. Having the right gear helps of course, but sometimes you just have ... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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Recovering from an accident

Getting back on my bike after being knocked off by a car. Definitely feeling it in my legs after six weeks off, but feels GREAT to be back out again!

Topic: My commute by bike

Image for story Racing the robins

Racing the robins

Cycling to work gives me the best start to every day. I'm lucky enough to commute via a cycle path that takes me out of the busy city for just a short while and it's bliss. Last week, a little robi... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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My Road to Recovery

Coming from a cycling family it won't be a surprise that I have been a cyclist all my life. However my cycling activity was curtailed after a cancer diagnosis and prostrate removal in March of this... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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Stolen

I may not had a Carbon bike, but my 30 year old 531c framed bike was a joy to ride to and from work and weekend jaunts into the Dales.

No more, D lock smashed off and insurance not interes... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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Wobbly Cyclist diary entry 3

Yesterday I discovered I don't like cycling in the rain.
Today I discovered I'm going to need long sleeves for the early mornings from now on!

Topic: My commute by bike

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Image for story Why I Cycle to Work

Why I Cycle to Work

Cycling to work can be quicker than driving, and it’s a convenient way to fit training into my day without impacting my family. It saves money and it’s a healthy and great start to the day.
To ... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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Image for story Why I Cycle to Work

Why I Cycle to Work

I try to cycle to work at least once a week, but generally do it twice, whenever I don’t have to use the car to ferry children around to various places before and after work!

I love riding... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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How I got started

I didn't learn to cycle as a kid. I tried, but I didn't get on with it and gave up instead. Then in 2010 I got a new job at the hospital in Leicester. I gleefully turned up on my first day and disc... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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Is it possible?

Once upon a time, I swam 2 miles, twice per week at speed. I thought this chlorine in the pool is a bit much! I thought, I wonder if its feasible to cycle the 25 miles each way to work and back. So... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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Doing it for yourself

As a commuter, I often have problems with punctures and with overall bike maintenance. My ambition is to be able to carry out simple maintenance tasks myself, without having to take the bike into ... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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One month into cycling, chasing those PRs

I recently got my first road bike on cycle to work and I am commuting 7 km across central Edinburgh to work. My commute starts with a lovely big hill out of the Dean Village. The first time I did i... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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Image for story Cycle to Work Day 2019

Cycle to Work Day 2019

Maybe like me, your work is desk-based. Sometimes my cycle commute is the only exercise I get during the working day.
It’s partly because of being office-bound that I like to spend time outdoo... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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Long way round

For those with children and a '9-5' office job, it's difficult to make 'me' time, let alone motivate yourself to use the time to exercise. For me the balance came by ditching the car and commuting ... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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Not as bad as I thought!

I put off commuting by bike as I thought it would be just a little too far to do both before and after work. Ive done it a few times now and even the first ride wasn't as bad as I thought it would ... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

The hills have flies

When the local Authority I work for relocated to an "environmental centre" outside town, the number of Folk cycling to work dropped off. This is due to the office being on a steep hill and having l... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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Loopline Love in

Not as exciting as the title suggests, but I use Tyldesley and Roe Green Looplines for a large part of my commute to work. These are some of the finest cycle paths I've used anywhere and they're in... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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Having made the journey

I'm concluding a two year, one man quest to improve the changing facilities at work. Feel great when I get there but no so great putting damp gear on on my way home. Apparently the funds have been ... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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Cycle path improvement

After 2 years moaning to the council about a hedge overgrowing over a cycle path, they have eventually cut it back. But not only that they have also cleaned the path of vegetation meaning it is no... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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Morning hellos!

I'm fortunate enough to be able to commute on two wheels to work and take the same route over the River Mersey each day. I love to see the rise and fall of the river and the little pockets of wild... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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Fitness boost

Commuting by bike is a great way to increase your overall fitness for other activities. The more you do, the more you'll find yourself not just wondering where this road or path goes but trying it ... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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Beating the buses

It is a long commute from the west end of Glasgow to Leith in Edinburgh. It is not all done by bike. I cycle to my local railway station and take my bike on the train to Edinburgh Waverly. From ... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

Image for story Wildlife in all its forms

Wildlife in all its forms

While the nights are light, and the fields remain dry, my commute takes me across the wildflower meadows of Cambridgeshire.
Once out of my estate, and having successfully (hopefully) negotiat... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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Image for story Green in the city

Green in the city

I've been computing by bike now for four weeks. It's just under 10kms through two of London’s parks. Over the past four weeks, I have noticed a real change, when I get into work, and when I get hom... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

Image for story Cycling to the BL at Boston Spa

Cycling to the BL at Boston Spa

Cycling to the British Library at Boston Spa is a treat. The library is excellent; the staff helpful; the coffee very good. There is no public transport from York. But the best route for a cyclist ... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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Enjoying my new e-bike

Having jacked in the cycle commute a couple of years ago because of the gradient struggle in the City of Seven Hills, I'm now back on a new e-bike and loving it. It might well be cheating, but my ... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

Wheel Replacement Saving

Had to replace my wheels on my hybrid commute bike as the rims were dilapidated. "29ers" were cheaper than "700c". NB unless you are running narrow tyres they are same ;)

Topic: My commute by bike

Park Life

I am so lucky to be able to commute to work via a beautiful park, a moment to appreciate the open space en route to work.

Topic: My commute by bike

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Image for story Some days I go to work just so that I can do my bicycle commute

Some days I go to work just so that I can do my bicycle commute

People think I am crazy. a middle-aged (yes I have to write that now) female riding over 11 miles each way to work and back, year round. It took a little while to figure out that
1. there was ... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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