Stories from the United Kingdom

I'm not a big fan of riding in the cold/wet of winter, but invariably the early miles allow fitness to flow later in the year and enjoyment of riding in the summer months. This year, the early mile... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

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A great tailwind and lots of cars stuck in traffic gave me a real smug feeling on this particular morning! I had to cover my face to hide a massive grin 😆 #winterwheelers

Topic: My commute by bike

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I don't drive, so if I didn't cycle I would rely on Public transport to get me to work, which is not always great. I do enjoy my 20 mile daily trip from Harlow to Ware PSC GSK site, even through Wi... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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Gavin Turner That's a good length commute, and it really does wonders for conditioning/legs to keep rotating through the winter. Com... read more

That's a good length commute, and it really does wonders for conditioning/legs to keep rotating through the winter. Come summer you'll be a machine! I too long for when I can trade the neoprene back in for something lighter and more breathable. Spring is just around the corner.

Living life by the bike has been very tough- especially with someone with disabilities/learning problems. Then i had a crisis as everyday had resulted in me being in distress,despite how i looked- ... read more

Topic: Other

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Richard Beale Thanks for letting us know your story. Dont worry about what others might think. Get out on your bike and enjoy the moment.

Thanks for letting us know your story. Dont worry about what others might think. Get out on your bike and enjoy the moment.

Philippa Talbot That's ok ( foud it tough to share as the world is very judgemental- but did it to raise awareness e,t,c) Thank you for... read more

That's ok ( foud it tough to share as the world is very judgemental- but did it to raise awareness e,t,c) Thank you for your comment, Nearly stopped again, but by commenting it's mede me go onto the Love to ride site again and have just seen my photo and it's reminded me of the freedom i can get in bits- thank you.

James Fegel I'm so glad I read this post! I had to quit strava for many of the reasons you mentioned. I got depressed and felt in... read more

I'm so glad I read this post! I had to quit strava for many of the reasons you mentioned. I got depressed and felt inadequate any time I looked at how far/fast/high other riders went. Now I just ride for myself and it's the best!

Philippa Talbot HIya James, Nice to hear about you and having a similar situation-put's what i was experiencing into context. Glad to r... read more

HIya James, Nice to hear about you and having a similar situation-put's what i was experiencing into context. Glad to receive the encouragement as still struggle if to get back out on it. Have cycling pencilled in over the next day or so and deciding which bikes am selling and wether to keep just my claude buttler and commute, or keep my budget roadie and cope with the bigger,faster,better strava type cyclists and accept i'll have my bad days with it. Smiley face/thumbs up emoji

Tom Darville Thank you for sharing your story especially a part of cycling with your condition no one really talks about. One of the bes... read more

Thank you for sharing your story especially a part of cycling with your condition no one really talks about. One of the best stories on here so far and I think extremely brave of you to write. Thank you but PLEASE keep cycling in what ever capacity makes you feel comfortable.

Philippa Talbot Cheers Tom- totally- Know it wasn't your intention at all- but it made me cry almost- which is a good thing! Nobody rea... read more

Cheers Tom- totally- Know it wasn't your intention at all- but it made me cry almost- which is a good thing! Nobody really does talk about autism and manages to give insight e.t.c. Took my first trip out for ages this a.m after i'd thought i'd given it up! Had to do a commute ( car in for m.o.t and maybe a blessing in disguise ) as although it was just a few miles commuting- i was on my bike and felt better doing local stuff and not so distressing having to force myself to be brave and like everyone else cycling- i even did a great freewheel down hill and the wind rush was great and worth getting out down to tesco's( other good supermarkets are available-smiley face)- high five!

Tom Darville I think this story is definitely worthy of a mini blog please keep us posted how you get on good or bad we will support you!

I think this story is definitely worthy of a mini blog please keep us posted how you get on good or bad we will support you!

Philippa Talbot Cheers Tom! Thumbs up emoji! Though would have to be mini if doing it via this post...not sure how else i'd go about it... read more

Cheers Tom! Thumbs up emoji! Though would have to be mini if doing it via this post...not sure how else i'd go about it. But my initial reaction when i received your comment was :-).Fingers crossed- fist bumps!

Jack Windle Hi Philippa thanks so much for sharing your story. As people's comments have shown it is really inspiring to hear stori... read more

Hi Philippa thanks so much for sharing your story. As people's comments have shown it is really inspiring to hear stories like yours and to be reminded that cycling is so much more than a sport: the fun and freedom it brings can be very therapeutic and liberating! If you'd like us to share your story on our blog or if there's anything else we can do for you at Love to Ride, please get in touch. Happy cycling!

Philippa Talbot Hi Jack, Recieved your email and wrote a long reply- not sure where i've sent it though?! It may have gone back to the ... read more

Hi Jack, Recieved your email and wrote a long reply- not sure where i've sent it though?! It may have gone back to the LTR team or has been sent to you. But Of course you can share it on your b log, but it was with more input to my life with autism and my bike. Hope you got my email? If not then maybe email the Love to ride team and ask them if they can forward it to you? Philippa

Philippa Talbot Hi again Jack- just checked my sent mail and have replied to you via the love to ride team- so hoping if you contact them, ... read more

Hi again Jack- just checked my sent mail and have replied to you via the love to ride team- so hoping if you contact them, you will be able to receive it. Best Wishes, Philippa

Robert Goodwin Obviously not an easy condition to live with, I hope you manage to find a way to cope with all the struggles and keep on bi... read more

Obviously not an easy condition to live with, I hope you manage to find a way to cope with all the struggles and keep on biking since despite the pressures that you feel most cyclists are decent honest non-judgemental people who would want you to succeed in doing whatever you want to do. Best wishes

Philippa Talbot Thank you for your encoragement e.t.c. Fingers crossed. Planning a commute into town today! Everybody is foibled and has a ... read more

Thank you for your encoragement e.t.c. Fingers crossed. Planning a commute into town today! Everybody is foibled and has a mild judgemental streek-human nature. But green eyed monster can get hold of people at the best of times.Though i understand what you are saying and cyclists in general can be very sociable and polite and friendly. Thank you for a nice natter. And yes Autism is a very distressing/difficult condition at times, but sometimes very wonderful. And i have better times in my ride than others with it. Kind regards, Philippa

Philippa Talbot Had a massive spell cycling again after massive struggles with me and my autism e.t.c. Had a spell of needing to just spen... read more

Had a massive spell cycling again after massive struggles with me and my autism e.t.c. Had a spell of needing to just spend my life cycling again and now am starting to want to retreat and put it to one side again! Must try and battle on despite starting to not cope with cycling and autism again, even if i don't want to!

Tom Darville Hi Philippa, what is it about cycling you do enjoy, which aren't effected by Autism?

Hi Philippa, what is it about cycling you do enjoy, which aren't effected by Autism?

Philippa Talbot Hi Tom-Just got in from busy cycling commute- so ready for a cuppa and rest- but apart from having a low budget bike hinder... read more

Hi Tom-Just got in from busy cycling commute- so ready for a cuppa and rest- but apart from having a low budget bike hindering me- it has it's plus points. But autistic wise it's too long a story to go into re how cyclcing e.t.c affects it- autism os widely missunderstood and a very complicated subject

Philippa Talbot No more comments on this story e.t.c. now please-thank you

No more comments on this story e.t.c. now please-thank you

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BEST RIDE EVER! Today I followed my friend and colleagues advice and to a ride on his daily bike commute along the Taunton and Bridgwater canal. Such a great ride. Did an 8 mile round trip to... read more

Topic: My favourite place/route to ride

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In July as a group of four I cycled from Whitehaven to Sunderland in a day. Whilst having fun on my bike I chose to raise funds for a cause close to my heart - Fibromyalgia. Today I had another gr... read more

Topic: Other

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Moonlight and mist when I set off on this morning’s commute. A couple of miles up the road, the mist began to thicken, finally, turning into seriously dense fog. It got so bad I could barely see th... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

Just a thought for those who are safety conscious about burglary and stalking. If you use Strava go to your privacy settings and create a privacy zone around your home location- this will keep yo... read more

Topic: Other

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Tom Darville I agree and always horrified when people show events on Strava when on holiday basically telling everyone your house is emp... read more

I agree and always horrified when people show events on Strava when on holiday basically telling everyone your house is empty for a week or more.

Carvel Lonsdale Excellent point Tom!

Excellent point Tom!

Mozelle Langford Thank you for the great advice! Be safe out there!

Thank you for the great advice! Be safe out there!

Chris W Thanks for the tip, I've heard it mentioned just wasn't sure quite where to look for the setting.

Thanks for the tip, I've heard it mentioned just wasn't sure quite where to look for the setting.

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As part of "Team Speyside" within Moray Council I have thoroughly enjoyed the September cycling challenge. Before the challenge I was an occasional cyclist. Paul, my husband, and I bought bikes 3... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

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Anna Vince This is absolutely amazing to hear! Thank you so much for sharing, it has made my day :-D To go from not cycling much at a... read more

This is absolutely amazing to hear! Thank you so much for sharing, it has made my day :-D To go from not cycling much at all to cycling 65 miles in one day is seriously impressive, so I wish you all the best for your cycling "journey" - 75 miles will easily be in your grasp!

Sheila Johnson Thanks Anna, frosty mornings are already here and the nights drawing in so may have to stick to my hilly commute for a whil... read more

Thanks Anna, frosty mornings are already here and the nights drawing in so may have to stick to my hilly commute for a while. Living so far north in Scotland doesn't make cycling easy, especially where I live. I shall continue to commute by bike for as long as it's safe to do so. Sheil

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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September 2019: 900 miles from Dieppe to Bordeaux via La Rochelle. So many sights and impressions. What an adventure!

Topic: A happy riding memory

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From 7-15 Sep 19, I took part in the Deloitte Ride Across Britain cycling 980 miles in 9 days. It was the hardest thing I have ever done but it was an incredible experience which I would highly rec... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

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ride on a green lane and let go by speed

Topic: My favourite place/route to ride

1

After a week and a half of enforced working from home thanks to my 'crappy knee' (this is apparently actually in my official medical notes!) I'm back on my bike this week. My knee still isn't q... read more

I've joined the Lendwithcare Zambia Bike Ride taking place in May 2020. Its a 10 day trip, cycling 500 kms starting in Lusaka and ending at the fantastic Victoria Falls in Livingstone. We'll be sto... read more

Richard Leseney amazing !! well done !!

amazing !! well done !!

Jason's e-biking experience is encouraging and shows that age is no barrier when it comes to cycling... his story: "I learnt to cycle as a child and up until 4 years ago used a moped to get arou... read more

Topic: Other

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Diane Seddon Thank you for those inspiring comments

Thank you for those inspiring comments

Cycling makes me feel happy. I used to use a bike trailer to get my son to school and now he rides to school with me. My eldest son likes to do longer rides with me and explore.

Topic: My Bicycle Romance

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magnifique et très dur parcour VTT vive le sport !!!

Topic: A happy riding memory

Today we went to an open day at Kingston Maurward College - This is down in Dorset, and has a studio school attached. My eldest daughter - 15 is starting her last year in school and wanted to go to... read more

Topic: Other

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December 2015 I was almost 20 stone in weight, as someone once said I was built for comfort not for speed. Something had changed for me however and I was about to embark on something life changing.... read more

Topic: My Bicycle Romance

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No ride today. Gynae appointments and bicycles don't really mix!

Topic: My commute by bike

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petite ballade sous un magnifique soleil .... c'est là que le vélo est vraiment top !!

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

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Yesterday I discovered I get very grumpy if I don't get my daily bike ride! Bloody rain!

Topic: My commute by bike

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Jasper Post I know the feeling...

I know the feeling...

Richard Beale Riding in the rain is great. Give it a go.

Riding in the rain is great. Give it a go.

Jack Van den Berg Rain? just a minor inconvenience... I have no car, so my commute to work is either by bike or walking. I prefer the bike.

Rain? just a minor inconvenience... I have no car, so my commute to work is either by bike or walking. I prefer the bike.

Joyley Prince It's the specs that do it........can't see through them!

It's the specs that do it........can't see through them!

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Having not really rode a bike since I was in my Teens - I decided to get back to it and start riding to work. 8 weeks later and 62 trips completed I am feeling fitter, have lost weight and saved mo... read more

Topic: My Bicycle Romance

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Jack Van den Berg Well done... I have been commuting since January 2018 and I am loving it... then I get it in my head to go for a long ride,... read more

Well done... I have been commuting since January 2018 and I am loving it... then I get it in my head to go for a long ride, like today!

I read of a guy who ran a marathon every day for a year,that and Steve Abrahams attempting 80,000 miles in a single year,since then I have ridden nearly 40 mile a day for almost four years without ... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

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I cycle to work because I enjoy the speed and predictability of my commute. I also enjoy being outside and active, especially after a long day inside. I enjoy going off road via the Philadelphia g... read more

This will be my second year cycling to work. Until this morning I would jump on the train if it rained, but I decided this morning would be different, I didn't think about it, got dressed and cycle... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Marina K Hi Geraldine! Be careful cycling in the rain. I also thought the rain won't melt me but my bike wheel slipped in the ra... read more

Hi Geraldine! Be careful cycling in the rain. I also thought the rain won't melt me but my bike wheel slipped in the rain. I fell, broke my wrist and injured my knee a few weeks ago which meant no cycling for 2 months and I'm still in pain :(

Geraldine Purcell Lynch Hi Marina, I am so sorry to hear this, how awful. Wishing you a speedy recovery and hope you will be back on your bike in n... read more

Hi Marina, I am so sorry to hear this, how awful. Wishing you a speedy recovery and hope you will be back on your bike in no time. Geraldine.

Jack Van den Berg When you live on the coast.... winds can be damn blowy. I have had to contend with sideways rain before, and as much as I h... read more

When you live on the coast.... winds can be damn blowy. I have had to contend with sideways rain before, and as much as I hated it, it makes you committed to keep moving. At least when I get home I have a hot shower waiting.

Show 1 more comments

[address removed]

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Barbara Hampton [address removed]

[address removed]

Barbara Hampton In 2015 I was diagnosed with FSHD which is a muscle wasting condition. I was lucky enough to have cycling in my life, so in... read more

In 2015 I was diagnosed with FSHD which is a muscle wasting condition. I was lucky enough to have cycling in my life, so in order to try and keep myself active I commute to work at least 3 times a week

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 interested du... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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John Newell this is why Richard Ballantine thought that hanging was too good for bike thieves...

this is why Richard Ballantine thought that hanging was too good for bike thieves...

Tom Darville It is good enough as long as it's followed by being drawn disemboweled and quartered like the good ole days

It is good enough as long as it's followed by being drawn disemboweled and quartered like the good ole days

In a few weeks time I will be cycling the 100 miles of the South Downs Way in 3 days to raise money for Raleigh International. This is tough off road with lots of hills. Trying to fit in training b... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

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Steve Carpenter Hi, did it about three years ago in two days!!! bad weather to start then sun came out when we got to Amberly so we carried... read more

Hi, did it about three years ago in two days!!! bad weather to start then sun came out when we got to Amberly so we carried on, next day was great, very hard ride but well worth all the wet and pain, hope it goes well for you, Steve

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 journey... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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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 cycle... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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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 and ... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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Not such a successful ride today......yesterdays little trip was nice, wanted to push myself a bit more today! There's a local beauty spot I've wanted to visit for ages but never seem to get a ch... read more

Topic: Other

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Students in higher education are at an age vulnerable to mental illness as 75% of mental health difficulties develop before the age of 25. 16-25 is the key age group to target with preventative & e... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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My life changed when I was introduced to riding with Breeze network, not many miles but with encouragement from leaders and cycling buddies, I soon got the bug and enjoyed cycling into the wolds an... read more

Topic: Other

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Steven Dewar Brilliant story, very inspiring, well done!

Brilliant story, very inspiring, well done!

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

I am 62 years old and have rheumatoid arthritis and recently my walking has become very painful, so I asked the nurse what would help me to still get exercise and she recommended cycling. I had a ... read more

Steven Dewar Fantastic to hear how well you are getting around, a real inspiration, the yorkshire wolds are lovely.

Fantastic to hear how well you are getting around, a real inspiration, the yorkshire wolds are lovely.

Gill Wood Actually reading through this site I think perhaps I should not be on here as I don't work due to the rheumatoid arthri... read more

Actually reading through this site I think perhaps I should not be on here as I don't work due to the rheumatoid arthritis please let me know if I should not post on her, many thanks. I just thought the site was to encourage others to ride their bikes more. Sorry if I was wrong.

John Newell anyone who inspires others to ride a bike belongs here. You certainly do.

anyone who inspires others to ride a bike belongs here. You certainly do.

Richard Beale I quite agree

I quite agree

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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!

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

We've cycled through the seasonal summer without the ice, And at rare times the sunshine which was nice, Getting up extra early to cycle by the deer, Or the birds of prey swooping past my ear... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

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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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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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Clare Cassidy That's a lovely thing to have done, well done.

That's a lovely thing to have done, well done.

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

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

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

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

After coming off my bike 4 weeks ago and having 3 weeks of treatment and an X-ray, I finally rode my bike again yesterday and managed 17 miles around the hill. Such a good feeling to be back cycli... read more

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!! :)

I like cycling down the canal towpath. The end.

As I were younger I did a lot of riding, mostly mountain biking but also road or trials riding.. Life takes over and the kids grow, now its time to get back on the bike. It's been road bikes for th... read more

Topic: My Bicycle Romance

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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

I started riding to work 2 years ago with the aim to get fit and now as a 50 year old with 4 bikes and my second Ride London under my belt and plans to do the Fred Whitton Challenge next year I don... read more

I turn 40 this year. To celebrate, I'm setting off tomorrow to ride from Brighton to Paris. I've always wanted to complete the Avenue Verte route - and I've done the London - Newhaven section, so i... read more

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

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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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). Happy ... read more

About five years ago, I moved to a new house to be only 3 miles away from work. It made sense to buy a bicycle and begin commuting in a healthier way and so I purchased a cheap bike (£89) from Ha... read more

Topic: Other

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Lucy Giuliano Thank you for sharing this story Garry, glad to hear the Cedric 450 is still going strong!

Thank you for sharing this story Garry, glad to hear the Cedric 450 is still going strong!

They say if you're tired of London then you're tired of life... I fully agree! The energy of the city, and the (some may surprising) beauty of the city - the plentiful parks, the river, the histori... read more

Topic: My favourite place/route to ride

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

As a child I rode my bike everywhere, I loved the feeling of freedom my bike gave me, however once I'd learnt to drive and had a car that became my preferred way of getting around - it was so much ... read more

Having been a keen cyclist for several years I applied for the Ride London last August, only to find out 4 day's later I had breast cancer. Active treatment finshed in November. February this year ... read more

I never imagined I would actually write about why I ride, but here it is. At university in London, I commuted by bike using my dad's old Peugeot from the 70s. It was a proper retro machine, and... read more

My story is simple. I’m a people person. I like chatting, and my geographic knowledge and sense of direction is horrific. To cycle more, and have more fun whilst doing it, I joined a fundraising ... read more

Topic: Other

I bought my first road bike 4 months ago and have fallen in love with it/cycling. Up till recently I have been overweight, and at school was often bullied about it. I have struggled to get rid of t... read more

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

I have been training hard over the past few weeks and dragging others up hills . In the last week I have achieved pb's up a couple of the hills . So good for my friends and good for me

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

I never used to get out of my third gear but since getting a new bike, i cant get enough, high energy music and clear roads are unmatched.