Stories from the United Kingdom

Starting a new and finding my over the many proposed routes has driven up my time in the saddle. Now finally cracked it! 30.54 miles round trip and hope to smash the 1 hour barrier soon. The hidd... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

I had only planned to ride my bike a few miles throughout the month, but when the weather improved, I was able to travel farther. Evening rides have helped me feel better overall by relieving some ... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

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🚴 Go me! I’ve cycled the length of Africa! 🚴 A few years ago I got myself an E-bike for my work commute, to do my bit for the planet 🌍 With what I saved on parking the bike had paid for itself i... read more

Changing jobs lead to not being able to lead rides anymore, but I'm trying to make time and still want to help others get out and cycle. Happy miles all round .

Its a bit far to Ride to work, but as part of the bike month challenge, when i work from home i take the kids into school on their bikes. My son has been really motivated by the challenge and logg... read more

After my dad passed away in 2007 I was very unfit. I was recommended to get a bike by a friend to help get fitter in 2008, i hadn't had a bike in over 25 years.... . I struggled to do 2-3 miles, t... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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J Brim 👌

👌

I worked out the train stops nearest. Checked my sat nav & alternatives. Asked my boss where my bike could be stored safely. My clothing I could both cycle & wear at work. Challenge was on ... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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Just over 31 miles today & I even got my partner in crime to join me… When the sun is shining it would be rude not to.. Cheers 🥂

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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We had a beautiful sunny day yesterday here in Gloucester so my husband, daughter and I rode along the canal out to Wholly Gelato for an icecream. A really beautiful 25 mile ride in total, a comple... read more

Topic: Ride with kids

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Been cycling to and from work for about 4 weeks now! Please tell me the thigh muscle pain eases? I mean geez! Ha ha

Topic: My commute by bike

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Hedwig Ponjee Oh no! If you continue feeling sore maybe check if your bike is the right size for you and set up correctly in terms of sad... read more

Oh no! If you continue feeling sore maybe check if your bike is the right size for you and set up correctly in terms of saddle height etc.?

Now that the weather has improved somewhat I have taken back to two wheels for my commute. To say that the quickest route is a little (boring, congested, dangerous. Pick one or all three) would be ... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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Bryan Dotson Bonus miles!

Bonus miles!

I enjoy the ride at Ferry Meadow every time. So many places to see at any time of the year and every time there is something new and interesting.

Topic: My favourite place/route to ride

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Weather looking a bit indifferent but dry for the time being so let's see if I can stretch my legs, test the lungs and keep motivated for the longest ride of the year! Taking in the countryside a... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Any tips on riding past geese with goslings? Im cycling down bridgewater canal path daily but constantly at a stand off by protective parents! As daft as is sound im extremely nervous passing them.

Topic: Other

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Dave Burgess Good question, noticed the same on that tow path, If it's on wide sections I tend to keep moving but extremely slow veering... read more

Good question, noticed the same on that tow path, If it's on wide sections I tend to keep moving but extremely slow veering round them to give widest birth possible, but understand this is not possible on narrow parts

I'm new to bike adventures and am not super familiar with my new bike. I proved this on a recent long cycle up a steep incline in the borders of Scotland where I was struggling for so long only to ... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

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Seeing Earley Panda's picture below, here is some Strava Art we did a while ago between Wokingham/Bracknell

Nice ride around boughbridge with my wife

Windermere in the lake district. When you get treated to views like this and some fab riding just heaven.

Topic: My favourite place/route to ride

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I thought you'd like to see my morning commute scenery.....

Irina Savulescu Experiencing commute scenery jealousy :)

Experiencing commute scenery jealousy :)

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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First ride for Bike Month was a family one. 44yF 41yM 8yF 7yM, hooking up 2 Cube bikes and 2 kids bikes onto our secondhand towbar rack. Literally bought this this morning from marketplace and it's... read more

Topic: My favourite place/route to ride

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During a visit to London on Saturday, 29th April 2023, I happened to witness a quirky sight. A mass of dapperly dressed men, women, and children cycling through the city streets, only to discover t... read more

The sun is shining and its getting warmer just in time for the bike challenge! Took a ride to the local woods to a field of bluebells everywhere, now I can eat for the rest of the day 😊

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Beautiful morning on the bike & look what I came across whilst cycling along the Railway track ❤️

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Hannah Olley :) I cane across this too on my ride 😆 I plan to return this week with my own little edition to the little “magical forest 😆 “

:) I cane across this too on my ride 😆 I plan to return this week with my own little edition to the little “magical forest 😆 “

Theresa Banks Oh how amazing I’ll have to check on it when I go buy again 😊

Oh how amazing I’ll have to check on it when I go buy again 😊

I’m new to electric bikes and I’m just looking for tips to save me from falling off again , what’s the best way to come down a hill 😆 got a little scared when coming down one and braked and the bac... read more

Topic: Other

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Sarah Wills Always break gradually and don't feel afraid of keeping the brakes lightly applied throughout your descent if you can. Happ... read more

Always break gradually and don't feel afraid of keeping the brakes lightly applied throughout your descent if you can. Happy riding!

Hannah Olley 😆 I shall give it a go thank you :)

😆 I shall give it a go thank you :)

Heidi Grimes If you fancy a group ride with other new starters please check out Move More Jersey cycling. Lots of rides with some lovely... read more

If you fancy a group ride with other new starters please check out Move More Jersey cycling. Lots of rides with some lovely people. Good luck and happy riding Heidi x

Emily Hamilton I was so nervous going down hills when I first got my e-bike! I'd sing in my head Fleetwood Mac 'You can go your own pace!'... read more

I was so nervous going down hills when I first got my e-bike! I'd sing in my head Fleetwood Mac 'You can go your own pace!' and just go as slow as I felt comfortable with. Apply the breaks gently and always look where you want to go when going around a corner. Good luck!

Jim Freer Try maintaining your balance by using the attack position (Google it) which spreads your weight evenly between the front an... read more

Try maintaining your balance by using the attack position (Google it) which spreads your weight evenly between the front and back wheels and use both front and back brakes at the same time. If you are still skidding it may be time to change to some grippier tyres

Kayleigh Renouf I have a fairly heavy cargo bike and when I first bought it I had a scare like this, I now go a lot slower on hills, brake ... read more

I have a fairly heavy cargo bike and when I first bought it I had a scare like this, I now go a lot slower on hills, brake gently but often to control my speed. I used to be worried about annoying people in cars cause I was going slowly but honestly, 30 seconds longer to ensure your safety is nothing. Also when you break try to shift your weight back and not forwards, it will help the back wheels stay in contact with the road

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A favourite cycle route. Smooth, quiet lanes in the countryside. Free carpark at Slimbridge then swap the car for the bike. Good day out.

Topic: My favourite place/route to ride

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I cycle to and from work every day Monday to Friday without fail unless if I have a problem with m bike and it needs a repair. The cycle to work involves a lovely cycle route along Morecambe Prom t... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

Thought we'd give our bikes a ride out into the countryside but needed a destination - we decided upon the Hot Numbers Roastery near Shepreth. The ride was lovely with respectful car drivers and fr... read more

I ride to help with my mental health as I have struggled with it all for as long as I can remember.. which then was made worse by covid, losing a friend, my husband health battle and nearly losing ... read more

Topic: Other

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I moved to Cambridge over ten years ago. The thing I love about Cambridge is I can cycle everywhere. It's funny when I have to walk and it seems to take forever especially on the routes that I usua... read more

Today the early help hub attended the our conversation conference. It was decided that we would commute as a group, which was an thoroughly enjoyable and team building experience! Both experienced ... read more

Topic: Other

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This year I'm upping my game and putting myself outside my comfort zone. I'm not going to climb Monte Zoncolan or Alpe d'Huez but I am going to ride more organised rides instead of just heading out... read more

The sun was shining on Saturday in Peterborough which was perfect for this led cycle ride. Peterborough City Council arranged for Eric from Sustrans to lead the ride from the city centre to Nene Pa... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

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My brother & sister moved to the UK sometime ago so I play this game when I am out on my bike…I take photos of places I pass & then send it to them asking Where am I? It’s so much fun waiti... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

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If you haven’t already paid Jersey a visit you must put it on your places to go list… Lots of beautiful scenery & country lanes to explore…beaches & pubs!! Todays ride 25 miles according ... read more

Topic: My favourite place/route to ride

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What a difference the sun makes when out cycling…. 22 miles this morning & look how clear France is from St Catherine’s… Keep bouncing back & forward from E-bike to my manual… love them bo... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

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Amazing what things you see when cycling solo!!

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

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Well where to begin, border book store and i spy a touring book, eurovelo 1 it looks great, so dust of my touring bike (steel frame) some new tyres and splash of oil on the chain and let the adven... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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On 5th Aug 2023, I’ll be riding 1000 miles from Lands End to John O’Groats. I’ve been talking about it for years so I finally took the plunge, booked it and decided to try and raise some cash for L... read more

George Stewart good luck Paul hope the wind is behind you

good luck Paul hope the wind is behind you

I currently ride a hybrid bike with way more gears than I actually use which has lead me to start thinking about single speed or a bike with only a handful of gears to use......and does having an e... read more

Topic: Other

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George Stewart i have a fixed wheel also a marin belt drive, i must say the fixed is great fun and very little maintenance but murder in a... read more

i have a fixed wheel also a marin belt drive, i must say the fixed is great fun and very little maintenance but murder in a tail wind, the belt drive is nice but hardon the bottom bracket with the tension but again on the canal path the dirt is not a problem and very little to clean also you can change gear at traffic lights without turning the pedals, which is nice, But i do find it more effort to keep a good pace, but saying that it also has a front hub dynamo (shift work) and it works a treat so i would sayfixed wheel is good fun bit hard core at the start but to have gears and little maintenance then a belt drive plus no oil on your legs. hope that helps

David Townsend Thank you for your comment George it has given me something to think about. I didn't even realise that there are internal g... read more

Thank you for your comment George it has given me something to think about. I didn't even realise that there are internal gear hubs as an option. I will have to some more research. Thanks.

My kids (7 & 6y old) were asking nearly for a week just before bed time if they could go out for a cycle with me. So last Monday on the bank holiday I took them out and they loved it. And o... read more

Stewart Ord love the "bat bike". do they do an adult version?

love the "bat bike". do they do an adult version?

Back in Oct 2020 I was brought to my knees by something I never hope to experience again ,wow this thing knocked me for six,to the point I was not eating or drinking or taking my statins,one of my ... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

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Six months after becoming very poorly with covid I am back on my bike. I have had to switch to an e-bike to help manage my loss of fitness and ongoing covid recovery. Was so lovely to get out on it... read more

Topic: Other

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Bike park Wales is amazing

Topic: My favourite place/route to ride

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Second time I have ridden into work, managed one day last week, aiming for pedalling in at least two days this week.

Not only did I have to revert to a manual bike on the 1st day of the challenge but I also sponsored Barney who is a trainer guide dog…. 😍

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

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Let's get fit again!

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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in 2017 i quaified as a british cycling ride leader and have had the pleasure of helping many people who are new to cycling or lacking confidence to enjoy getting out on their bikes, my favourite b... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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I will be thirteen years sober in June of this year. And for the past three years - I've acknowledged my recovery 'birthday' by setting myself a challenge on my bike. My love for road cycling be... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Laura Cisneros What an amazing man you are! Bravo! Inspiring story friend.

What an amazing man you are! Bravo! Inspiring story friend.

John Thomson Thank you Laura! Great to meet you!

Thank you Laura! Great to meet you!

Shona Park What a fantastic story of courage and determination! Incredible journey and so happy for you! :)

What a fantastic story of courage and determination! Incredible journey and so happy for you! :)

Sam Robinson Such an inspirational story John - and what an incredible achievement and adventure

Such an inspirational story John - and what an incredible achievement and adventure

John Thomson Thank you!

Thank you!

Steve Pendergast Good for you! Thanks for sharing your story. May you enjoy many more years of sobriety!

Good for you! Thanks for sharing your story. May you enjoy many more years of sobriety!

John Thomson Thanks Steve! Many more to come and more rides too!

Thanks Steve! Many more to come and more rides too!

Sudhanshu Mardikar Your is truly an incredible story!

Your is truly an incredible story!

Kirsten Horner What an amazing story and an incredible man. A huge well done for all you have overcome and achieved

What an amazing story and an incredible man. A huge well done for all you have overcome and achieved

Adrienne Stafford Absolutely INCREDIBLE!!! Wow!

Absolutely INCREDIBLE!!! Wow!

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I have agreed to do the Somerset to Dorset coast to coast cycle challenge for the air ambulance…. Such a great charity.. it’s crazy to think how the air ambulance is self funded and really relies o... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

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Tryphina Cooper The views must be amazing! All the best and I am sure it will go very well!

The views must be amazing! All the best and I am sure it will go very well!