UK

Stories from the United Kingdom

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

Image for story Whitley Bay

Whitley Bay

The sunrise cycleway was a pop up cycle route put in last year over summer along the coast between Whitley Bay and Tynemouth a 3 mile beautiful ride in North East England- this picture is of Fiddle... read more

Topic: My favourite place/route to ride

2
Image for story Always wear a helmet

Always wear a helmet

Commuting to work on the 1st February like I have done many times a van pulled right out on me , hit me full on !!! . It could of been a lot worse if I wasn’t wearing a helmet !!!!’

Topic: My commute by bike

8
Image for story ebiking in Quebec in Autumn

ebiking in Quebec in Autumn

We were happy our ebikes arrived in Quebec from Seattle just as we landed in Montreal. We assembled them while in quarantine and test rode them around the driveway. At last we were out on the open ... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

2
Image for story Danny and his Tandem

Danny and his Tandem

During lockdown I was able to support a visually impaired employee to get back out on the bike, this had a positive impact to both him and his pilot.
https://www.sustrans.org.uk/our-blog/person... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

2

Key worker

As a key worker cycling is my transport as well as my sport in the last two weeks I contracted covid due to my front line work was in bed for days and unable to cycle now that I have recovered cycl... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

6

My happy place

Before lockdown 1 I would regularly commute the 20 km to and from work either along the seafront or through Prittlebrook Greenway. Cycling through lockdown gave me space to breathe and forget the p... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

1
1

It’s time for change.

As many now use a car I think they forget that we that do not drive have to breath in all the fumes from cars and we have no choice to do so unless we want to live our life’s wearing a mask.
T... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

6
Image for story Cycling for work

Cycling for work

This January we got a brand new electric cargo bike at work to help deliver food to people in need. It means I'm doing loads more cycling and feeling great. Although it's an electric assisted bike,... read more

Topic: Carbon Crushers

7
Image for story Watchtree February Challenge

Watchtree February Challenge

1st day of my keeping active Watchtree challenge managed 18 chilly miles along the Sustrans 72 cycleway :)

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

1
Image for story staying Local

staying Local

So as Boris says we have to 'Stay Local' for our exercise to in the spirit of 'Staying Local' I decided to cycle the streets of Harehills Leeds which is where I live, This gave me quite an insight ... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

5

My story

Travel everywhere with bike work, shopping, visiting friends and family and long rides out the freedom you have when out on bike is amazing

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

1
Image for story Riding in the cold and rain!

Riding in the cold and rain!

Well it certainly been a challenging month. Back on furlough!
Dodging puddles, trying to stay upright on the ice, fixing punctures following the multitude of hedge cutters out this month.
read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

3

amazing brompton rides

I bought my first brompton over 2 years ago when my car broke down and before I bought my next car. I was commuting to work on bike. I rode bike to one place of work and rode the bike to take tram ... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

9
Image for story Fake communting for mental health

Fake communting for mental health

I used to cycle ten miles and back to my workplace at Newcastle University. I have been working from home since the first lockdown, in March 2020. I didn't commute at all the first month, which (ad... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

1
26
Image for story It's always worth it!

It's always worth it!

Sometimes I struggle to motivate myself to ride before work. It's early and dark and cold outside and my bed is warm. BUT, when I do make the effort it feels so good. I can't help but smile whilst ... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

5
Image for story Winner of the Carbon Crushers £300 voucher - How I spent it :)

Winner of the Carbon Crushers £300 voucher - How I spent it :)

I was lucky enough to win a £300 voucher by submitting my Carbon Crushers story about how since August I have ditched my petrol car and have been navigating life by using my bike, bus and on occasi... read more

Topic: Carbon Crushers

1
5

Cycling today in the rain 22/12/2020

After a day confined to the house, well the tropical fish did need cleaning and it was wet, I went for a 24 mile ride in the misty wet of the morning, the joy of getting on my bike after a week was... read more

Topic: Other

2

Cranks are amazing

I work at FareShare Sussex and Karola from Cranks mentioned that they were offering discounts to key workers during the summer. They provided discounts on bikes and services for ten of our voluntee... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

4
Image for story Beryl Lights  Top Customer Service

Beryl Lights Top Customer Service

Beryl are one of the main sponsors for Love To Ride and I received a #winterwheelers discount code, so went ahead and purchased a pixel 2 in 1 light. On my first outing the light got knocked off ... read more

Topic: Other

7
Image for story Flowers by bicycle delivery

Flowers by bicycle delivery

Popped into the local florist at the end of my 10th Winter Wheelers excursion to pick up a bouquet of flowers for the wife's birthday. Glad I bought a bungee cord to attach them to the handle bars... read more

Topic: My Bicycle Romance

4

Brrr! Chilly but beautiful!

I admit it... I am a lockdown rider! Started during the first wave - really felt the benefit.... then we moved house ...further away! New challenge to ride to work (17K each way) - but I have start... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

2

Oh my god so much Snot!!! LOL

It was a tad on the chilly side this morning as I rode the 10 miles in the dark to work. Ice crunching under the tires in places at zero degrees and crikey, didn't realise I could produce so much s... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

2
Image for story A muddy story

A muddy story

I knew the ride today would be a little muddy but it was a whole lot worse than I expected. As soon as I set off I felt the first splashed on my legs and I do have mudguards on my bike but on this ... read more

Topic: Other

2
2

#LightTheNight with an owl

Is #LightTheNight still running?! If so ... I was taking the cycle track home this evening. At one point it emerges from woodland to run alongside the railway embankment. Tonight there was a headwi... read more

Topic: Other

2
4

Cycling in December

5.5 miles on a nice fresh, dry morning - best way to start the day at work, but it would have been fun to carry on past the factory!

Topic: My commute by bike

1
6
Image for story Screaming through the tulips

Screaming through the tulips

First time on a bike in 7 years was in Amsterdam, April 2015. I can't drive so have zero clue how roads * actually * work. So to say I was flung in at the deep end was an understatement! However, I... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

1
6

Another good reason to ride to work

One good reason why I like cycling to work (not the only reason) is that it leaves the car at home for my dear wife to use. Sadly, this has not been applicable over the past year when I have been m... read more

Topic: My Bicycle Romance

2

Solo Trip to Asia

Pre Covid ( November 2019) I wrapped my bike up and flew to Chiang Mai in Thailand. Over the next 15 days I cycled solo and unsupported up and down mountain passes, through jungle and past paddy fi... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

2

Only way to go ...

I grew up in rural Aotearoa/New Zealand, where learning to ride and getting your first bike are rights of passage for kids - I can still remember my first attempt and the thrill of "getting it". I ... read more

Topic: Other

No looking back

After treatment for breast cancer I wanted a challenge, so I signed up for ride the night. But hubby pointed out that I didn’t really ride a bike without hitting things or falling off. So I joined ... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

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Confidence on the Road bike

After being in a roundabout road collision years ago; I became very shy about riding the road bike stored in the back of the shed. I have always cruise around town on my hybrid and take the mountai... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

2
Image for story To clear the head.

To clear the head.

Took the mtb into the forest today. Needed a to get out. Especially after the football result last night. 😭☺ didn't set no time. Didn't set no distance. Just enjoyed the scenery and fresh air. Took... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

7

Motivation can be hard to find

Back in the day (15 years ago or so) I used to make sure that at least I managed the London to Brighton event, although I didn’t do much other cycling apart from training for that event. I love me... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

7
Image for story Cycle for a good cause

Cycle for a good cause

The past few months have been tough for everyone, but coronavirus has hit those affected by dementia the hardest and continues to disrupt lives. So that's why I'm getting on my bike and taking on C... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

3
Image for story Finding the need to keep going

Finding the need to keep going

hi, I've set a goal for myself to ride 2021 miles by my birthday on the 22nd June, which means riding about 12 miles a day from the 1st January. It's tough going during lockdown, cold, wet and dark... read more

Topic: My favourite place/route to ride

2
Image for story Riding in the cold and rain!

Riding in the cold and rain!

Well it certainly been a challenging month. Back on furlough!
Dodging puddles, trying to stay upright on the ice, fixing punctures following the multitude of hedge cutters out this month.
read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

3
Image for story Years in thr saddle

Years in thr saddle

I love to ride my cycle. I have rode cycles for so many years. But since moving north. I started cycling to work everyday. I have been doing the same route now for nearly 17 years. In all the weat... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

1

Replacement commute

While my Son has been living with us, we have replaced his London commute for Quantock hills sunrise rides.
Stop and watch the sunrise with a flask of coffee is a great way to start the day.

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

1
Image for story Poem (inspired by the new bike) i

Poem (inspired by the new bike) i

There is no other way to go
Over the mountains
Through the snow
Between the valleys
And the glens.
Round the lakes
And back again -

Scenic routes
Are made by ... read more

Topic: Other

5

HELP !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Its a pandemic , Im getting fatter and lazier ! Soooooo no more - Im getting my bike out, which I haven't ridden in over a year .... any tips for A: gradually building up my non existent stamina a... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

4
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Image for story 2021

2021

This year will be simple.
1. continue my 5 mile commute at 5am to the station with my 3st rucksack.
2. Cycle 1000 miles at weekends over a year, before my wife wakes up at 9am, dressed as a... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

1
4
Image for story Lockdown release and a weight off my shoulders

Lockdown release and a weight off my shoulders

I’ve clocked over 3,000 km since getting a road bike in February. Lockdown gave me empty roads and time to build up fitness. I’m over forty and am fitter now than in 20 years, having lost around a ... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

7

Wonderful Winter WINDY Raining Painful Ride

I went for a ride Saturday morning...I looked out the window and thought Nooooooo But forced myself to go it was windy wet and challenging....and then I had a major blow out and now in need of a n... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

4
Image for story Weirfields and Attenborough Nature Reserve  Beeston Nottingham

Weirfields and Attenborough Nature Reserve Beeston Nottingham

Owen's place, a very special place I ride to frequently. A friend of my son, Owen selflessly helped 2 children to safety that got trapped on Beeston Weir. This I am sorry to say led to Owen loosin... read more

Topic: My favourite place/route to ride

2
Image for story Many more miles

Many more miles

Since lockdown back in March Cycling has been my crutch. Done loads of miles & visited some amazing places

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

5
Image for story #oldgirlon2wheels

#oldgirlon2wheels

My husband and I only started cycling in August 2020. The bikes had been on the garage wall for at least 15yrs. We are in Somerset about 9 miles from Bath and Wells so its hilly. We started on the... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

2
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Image for story #WinterWheelers - don't be lazy!

#WinterWheelers - don't be lazy!

I needed to get some things from the shop.
It would have been easy to opt for taking my car:
- easier to carry groceries in the car
- it's 2 degrees, quite cold!

BUT no, I chos... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

6

lightthenight

I commute from Colden Common to Bishops Waltham 2-3 times a week. Good lights are essential as the Winchester Road between the two places is unlit, although, now some of the farm houses and buildin... read more

IMPORTANCE OF CYCLING

I cannot stress enough how cycling has got me through the last months.
I am self isolating and cycle on my own but meet up with friends when it is allowed for coffee and cake. I try to cycle f... read more

Image for story Biking to work

Biking to work

It's me and my bike when l bike ride the 4 miles each way to work .sometimes early on the morning when its still dark l travel along the road side, how many people are up and say good morning .On w... read more