Stories from the United Kingdom

As I got older I I decided to change bike bike from road bike to hybrid, first thing i did was replace tires 700c 25mm for low roll resistance, then I changed the cassette from the 11 -34 to 11-42 ... read more

Topic: Other

Wales was out of bounds for English cyclists for many months. Very frustrating for Bristol cyclists, given the enticing sight of the Welsh hills from Bristol and surrounding areas. But understandab... read more

Frank Milum Palmer sounds a lovely few days,quite envious

sounds a lovely few days,quite envious

Corinium Dobunnorum Loop of the Cotswolds- a step back in time exploring the deserted lanes of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Today's commute took us to Cirencester - the forecast was f... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

Beautiful Britain By Bike - Day Two. Corinium Dobunnorum Loop of the Cotswolds- a step back in time exploring the deserted lanes of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Today's commute took ... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

Having not rode a bike since I was 16 years old, 20 years on during the first COVID lockdown I rediscovered the joy of Bicycle riding! I was lucky enough to be able to borrow an electric bike fr... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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now i have lots of time I go riding sunday morning I put it on facebook and tell the new riders it's short easy ride and I carry tools for minor repairs. lot are interested but only a odd one turns... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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I got my second Covid jab when on bike in full cycling gear, you would think by the looks of people sit there cycling wear was not aloud

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

One evening around 4pm minding my own business cycling home from work, mid-October but still warm sunny. In the bus lane going past a long que of traffic through Cambridge feeling pleased with ... read more

Topic: Other

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Rosemary Lehan I too have been knocked off by cyclist but I was lucky and didn't get injured. It's frustrating that it happens though.... read more

I too have been knocked off by cyclist but I was lucky and didn't get injured. It's frustrating that it happens though. Keep up the good work!

Lee General thats why all of us should have insurance

thats why all of us should have insurance

Brian Abbott I too was in a bus lane when a van decides to turn across my path 5 broken ribs shattered collarbone and shoulder socket f... read more

I too was in a bus lane when a van decides to turn across my path 5 broken ribs shattered collarbone and shoulder socket fractured in two places allowing the arm to dangle. Exactly two years tomorrow 13 May 2019 and only settled has been agreed last week. Anyway back on the bike now.

David Brown glad your back riding!!!!

glad your back riding!!!!

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So far 657 miles Brings lots of smiles Never mind the weather As long as bike and I are together On every outing picking up litter The wind and temperature bitter Going round the BMX track ... read more

My dad is in my bubble. Speaking of 'bubble' - in a year of new vocabulary and small geography, on Easter Monday, I got to spend time with my dad. It was nice to focus on something different. (N... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

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A 27km night ride all the way to East London to see my 2 week old little nephew from a distance. Well worth it.

Hi, having recently parted ways with my Boardman hybrid comp I acquired a Voodoo Hoodoo off my Son. Whilst I had an old 2000's 26" MTB, the Voodoo is amazing and has lifted my spirits when it come... read more

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

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Alison Smith what a great idea :)

what a great idea :)

Yesterday we were officially allowed to meet up with one other household outdoors, so we jumped on our tandem (Child 1 on crossbar seat in front of me and Child 2 pedalling at the back) for a 10 mi... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

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#RideFree | First time in the office this year and delighted that it was also my first time on the hilly 25km ride that I was commuting together with my youngest, now at school in Sheffield too for... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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Managed it this week! Cheddar Gorge, Bleadon Hill and Burrington Coombe.

There once was a cyclist who liked to "Ride Free", Always stopped halfway for cake and coffee. He was always seen on his "freedom Machine", and that cyclist that loved to ride, was me! …. I'... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

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Mark Jones I'd pack your bags 😎

I'd pack your bags 😎

Adrian Lewis Panniers packed a long time ago!

Panniers packed a long time ago!

Been lucky to work from home during the pandemic, but really look foreword to being able to #RideFree after a day of sitting at my desk

Hi There, I'd like to share this circular route, as lots of people in Manchester and Stockport will love it. It takes in part of the Trans-Pennine Trail, Fallowfield loop and Peak Forest Canal, is... read more

Topic: My favourite place/route to ride

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Luke Rider Hello, any chance you can send me the website link? Thanks

Hello, any chance you can send me the website link? Thanks

Anthony Picot Hi Luke I didn't find it on a web site, but put it together by looking at maps. It may be tricky to see some of the joining... read more

Hi Luke I didn't find it on a web site, but put it together by looking at maps. It may be tricky to see some of the joining lefts and rights between the main three parts. Give me a shout if you have any questions. Happy riding!

Martin Morris Unfortunately i dont seem to be able to expand the map big enough to read it on my pc. I dont suppose you have it as a GPX ... read more

Unfortunately i dont seem to be able to expand the map big enough to read it on my pc. I dont suppose you have it as a GPX file do you Anthony?

Anthony Picot Hi Martin! Yes I do. How can I get it to you? BW Tony

Hi Martin! Yes I do. How can I get it to you? BW Tony

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

Topic: Other

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Scott Manley That looks amazing.

That looks amazing.

satpal hans Thanks :-)

Thanks :-)

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

Topic: Other

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Scott Manley I do this a lot, nothing like a breakfast or lunch sat next to your bike so mewhere. Have fun

I do this a lot, nothing like a breakfast or lunch sat next to your bike so mewhere. Have fun

Susan Cullen I agree nothing like a snack with nature I take binoculars to look at the birds too.

I agree nothing like a snack with nature I take binoculars to look at the birds too.

Alison Smith I always take a bring and snack if feels like a proper outing then!

I always take a bring and snack if feels like a proper outing then!

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We love our electric bikes. Yesterday we cycled 35 hilly miles round trip, with a very large heavy fruit cake and picnic lunch for 4, to surprise my Dad for his 87th Birthday. We have done 1000... read more

Set out this morning on my challenge to ride my longest ride 50 miles in a single activity. Packed lunch, bottles of water and an afternoon treat Eccles Cake. Heading out of the city towards the c... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

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Setting off from Shipley Country Park Visitor Centre down and over the lovely canal bridge on the Erewash Canal (1) at the Bridge Inn, then following the Erewash Valley Trail path over to the Notti... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

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Lucy Giuliano Thank you for sharing, that sounds like a very well deserved hot chocolate!

Thank you for sharing, that sounds like a very well deserved hot chocolate!

Sue Cooper Sounds similar to routes I have taken this week but slightly different how many miles is this route?

Sounds similar to routes I have taken this week but slightly different how many miles is this route?

Jane Gott Around 26 - 28 miles

Around 26 - 28 miles

Jackie Walton I cycled round Shipley park and nutbush trail a few times. Is a lovely route. Can get all down to attenbourgh nature reserv... read more

I cycled round Shipley park and nutbush trail a few times. Is a lovely route. Can get all down to attenbourgh nature reserve down the area at canal which is a good day out.

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Sycamore Gap is a special place, so special that thousands of people around the world visit. But not on my cycle ride to visit this special place, the Sill was closed the military road was felt ab... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Yesterday was the 2nd anniversary of a commute home that put me in hospital for 3 days with broken ribs collar bone and a broken shoulder socket. A white van driver turned across my path as I rod... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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Beautiful Britain By Bike - Day Three. A historic tour of Somerset & Dorset. Today's commute took us to Somerton, Ancient Royal Town of Wessex. Our adventure began under blue skies as we s... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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A historic tour of Somerset & Dorset. Today's commute took us to Somerton, Ancient Royal Town of Wessex. Our adventure began under blue skies as we set off towards the old Roman town of Ilch... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

The North Wessex Downs. I'm on annual leave so am taking the opportunity to explore a few new places. After a 75 minute commute to Pangbourne, we set off to explore the quiet country lanes of West... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

I know many have had a devastating time recently, there are sad stories all the time on the news, but I have had a wonderful time through it all. My wife and I gave up alcohol on 31 Dec 19 (was ... read more

Susie Cumming Thanks for your encouraging story, David - great stuff!

Thanks for your encouraging story, David - great stuff!

Catherine Bossert Beautiful, David! I, too, find being on the bike takes me back to being a kid where times were simpler! And yes, I wish I d... read more

Beautiful, David! I, too, find being on the bike takes me back to being a kid where times were simpler! And yes, I wish I didn't stop either.

Growing up for me was tough I was born 1954, if I wanted things I had to get them my self at 7 years old. I spent a lot of time in scrap yard with grandad old bikes were coming in every day and I h... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

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I retired so i decided I don't need a car. I always have had a bike (over 60 years) but now I do all my shopping on bike with a trailer, I do 12 miles round trip for dog food, 45kgs on the six mile... read more

Topic: Other

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Half way to a Proclaimers song. Lockdown 1 came, working from home and missing my hour daily walk. Out came the old bike. Quiet roads, bliss and beautiful Lincolnshire Countryside. But how fa... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

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Martin Criddle Great going Lisa

Great going Lisa

Love that the rule of 6 allows me to see some of my favourite people. My cousin and I did the sites of London. In 35km, we rode alongside the Thames, saw St Pauls, spotted the Shard and Tate Mode... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

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After 30 years I've taking up bike riding again and finding it enjoyable riding a few miles a day between 2-5 miles and hopefully do a lot more in the very near future if you want to ride after... read more

roger fentem Well done Alan, like you I had a 30 year break between cycling periods. I took it up again at age 70 and am doing about 250... read more

Well done Alan, like you I had a 30 year break between cycling periods. I took it up again at age 70 and am doing about 2500 km a year.

I did not think I was competitive, but now realise I am a bit. 3 older brothers, youngest and only girl. Completing the March challenge during lockdown, with an aging body and bike (30 years ol... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

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Rosemary Lehan Well done! Keep going and catch them up☺️

Well done! Keep going and catch them up☺️

Last spin today for the 'Ride it out'. Big thumbs up for all participants from me and thanks to NSC for the logistics and organising the good weather!

So good to be able to ride in good weather again. Hope that others have (re-) discovered cycling over the past year.

I had an urgent package that needed to be in Liverpool that day. I contemplated a courier service and then my inherent reluctance to spend money kicked in. I am a Black Country Mon and we don't par... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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Rosemary Lehan Good work! It is these mad ideas that make life interesting!

Good work! It is these mad ideas that make life interesting!

While riding my bicycle recently, my pedals were wobbling from side to side indicating to me that the bottom bracket bearing had worn out. I told my husband and he said ‘I’ll change it, how hard c... read more

Alan Jackson What a great story, I'm glad it's not just me that is frustrated by inanimate objects! 10/10 for persistence.

What a great story, I'm glad it's not just me that is frustrated by inanimate objects! 10/10 for persistence.

Can you believe on my day off work I end up cycling to the office? I am very lucky to have a quiet beautiful route to commute, through a nature reserve, following a river peddling along a canal an... read more

Topic: My favourite place/route to ride

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Been lucky to work from home during the pandemic, but really look foreword to being able to #RideFree after a day of sitting at my desk

At the end of the workday, down to the valley to tackle the climb back over the top of the hill. Almost got up it in time for the sunset. #RideFree

Topic: Other

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During these difficult times it’s way to think you can’t have adventure. Proof this is not true is right here, last night I left home after work on a ride at around Ten o’clock, slept under the sta... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

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I have cycled some new routes recently and have been looking for small country lanes and roads that link to old routes trying to avoid busy roads and traffic. I have cycled some beautiful countrysi... read more

I had lots of adventure plans for last year which sadly did not happen. Was feeling a bit low with the lockdown. So packed up my bike with my new lightweight camping gear, which was feeling sad at ... read more

Set out this morning on my challenge to ride my longest ride 50 miles in a single activity. Packed lunch, bottles of water and an afternoon treat Eccles Cake. Heading out of the city towards the c... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

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I have been working for Royal Mail during the pandemic. I cycle at work each day, saving money, reducing congestion and keeping healthy. #RideFree

Topic: My commute by bike

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Over lockdown I've done one too many local walks, so it was exciting to make a plan with my new ebike to go further afield. We had driven to Hyde Hall in Essex but it looked manageable by ebike fro... read more

From home in Oakwood, Derby to Swan Lake in West Hallam then follow the route along the Erewash canal to Trent Lock amazing scenery you feel you are abroad on holiday and mostly on the level. Loads... read more

Topic: My favourite place/route to ride

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