UK

Stories from the United Kingdom

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

I ❤️ my bike!

Many years ago I said goodbye to my rickety, heavy, hand me down bike the night before my driving test. Over confidence of youth! But I did pass my test and never wanted to cycle again. Forty years... read more

Topic: Other

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Gaining confidence with every ride!

I hadn't ridden regularly for years until lockdown in 2020, the weather was amazing and we got out on our bikes as a family a few times during each week as many others did. Its dropped off a bit no... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Getting the wind up

My wife and I aren't used to longer rides but last year we decided to cycle across the New Forest to avoid public transport. We had booked a short stay in Fordingbridge and we took the most direct ... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

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Winding down after a day at work

My job is quite stressful and often I end the day with a long to-do list, lots of questions and some frustration. Jumping on the bike is a great opportunity to sort my head out, get some clarity an... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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Rain, rain, rain, but didn't get any wetter than driving.

I cycled my toddler to nursery in the pouring rain, but thanks to my waterproofs and the fact I could park right outside the door, I didn't get any wetter than if I'd driven and had to walk from wh... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

Image for story Manchester Gravel #MCRGRVL

Manchester Gravel #MCRGRVL

Most have re-discovered the benefits of cycling. One element has been taking things a step further and joining a local club. A cycling buddy of mine set up Manchester Gravel MCRGRVL on Facebook, ... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Image for story To keep my heart healthy

To keep my heart healthy

I have loved my bike through out lock down. I am the proud owner of a pace maker and have had a few cardiac problems. It has been my bike that has kept me going and healthy . It’s been brilliant t... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Image for story Crossing the Tyne

Crossing the Tyne

One of my favourite types of ride is to combine urban and rural areas, and that's very easy around Durham and Newcastle as cities and countryside are very close to each other. The Tyne foot tunnel ... read more

Topic: My favourite place/route to ride

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Image for story Sunshine on the Isle of Wight

Sunshine on the Isle of Wight

A group of us from work decided to tackle the Isle of Wight round the island route. A very early start was needed to catch the 08:00 ferry from Southampton. A gloriously sunny day and light winds e... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

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Image for story Fun memories of Moreton Corbett Castle, Shropshire

Fun memories of Moreton Corbett Castle, Shropshire

Today as part of my new challenge to visit as many villages and hamlets in Shropshire, I revisited a village that I had not been to for about 25 years. Within the village is a castle and when I la... read more

Topic: Other

Image for story Keeping the same challenge

Keeping the same challenge

One benefit to last year was the lack of cars on the road so with that and the great weather we had it gave me a chance to really get into cycling I managed to do 3000 miles for the year which was ... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

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Image for story Cycling to work is the best!

Cycling to work is the best!

For the past year, I have cycled to work in all weather - sun, rain, sleet and hail. Not only is it a great form of physical exercise, but it is also a fantastic way to clear your head and blow awa... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Get on Your Bike!

I severe lack of cash resulted in missing insurance payments on my car and the policy cancelled!
Luckily I had three bicycles in the shed all in various states of disrepair. Selecting the best... read more

Topic: Other

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Image for story Wild spaces in the city!

Wild spaces in the city!

I love living in Manchester, and I'm happy to have rediscovered cycling as it's a great new way to explore the city. There's so much freedom in heading out for a ride with no intention but to find ... read more

Topic: My favourite place/route to ride

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Image for story 16 years and going strong!

16 years and going strong!

My bike celebrated its 16 birthday! I got this bike when I was 16-I was a little disappointed to get a bike for my birthday but I have soon come to appreciate it as one of my best presents to date!... read more

Topic: My Bicycle Romance

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Image for story Summer ride

Summer ride

Lovely ride to Emberton Park with my daughter and brother in law

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Harriet

My bike romance is with my new and first ever bike, Harriet the chariot! I've gone from not being able to ride a bike at all, to daydreaming about her all day. I get up early to spend time with her... read more

Topic: My Bicycle Romance

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My first century

Trying to cycle more this month and on Saturday I cycled over 100 miles for charity. Didn't think I would ever get to this point but can't believe how much the enjoyment of a day in the sun and the... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

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Image for story Magnificent 7 go to Blackpool!

Magnificent 7 go to Blackpool!

Magnificent 7 go to Blackpool!
We literally had a blast with high winds and high spirits!
Love to Ride is all about removing barriers to get people cycling. I managed to convince 4 relati... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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The Road is Safer

I'm biking form home (Monton) to Tameside hospital. I've gone various routes across Manchester....I've got to say the safest fastest route has been into MC town centre and up Hyde Road...however do... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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Image for story The view on my route to work

The view on my route to work

I started riding to work when corona hits the UK. Its around 6 miles away and a bit shall i call it Hilly on my way to work (Harrow on the hill) but I love it when its home time because its shall I... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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Image for story Bike packing the South Downs Way

Bike packing the South Downs Way

Having been a keen cyclist for years for commuting, in a work based road club, and mtb trail riding with friends. With the lock down easing I decided to try a new challenge with my mtb friends. We ... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

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Image for story New bike new journeys

New bike new journeys

So today i went out on my new bike. Ive always had mountain bikes and still do but i fancied a road bike to try for a change as I've never had one. I bought a Specialized and today was my first tri... read more

Topic: My favourite place/route to ride

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G7 in Cornwall

I work in Falmouth not far from the media centre at the National Maritime Museum. It is very busy with the holiday makers, the police and all the transportation that goes with it. I find it easier ... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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Image for story My cat will be in heaven!

My cat will be in heaven!

Whilst out on a 40 mile cycle ride today, I happened upon a new place for my cat to stay when I am next able to go away on my cycling holiday to Croatia.
Called the Willow Tree Cat Hotel, it re... read more

Topic: Other

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Image for story early morning ride

early morning ride

A firm favourite of mine is to get up at 5am (yes 5am) and ride over to Todmorden and back home. The roads are lovely and quiet, I know where all the pot holes are (to avoid) and this is a perfect ... read more

Topic: My favourite place/route to ride

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Image for story Steve's 41 club Dementia UK 706 mile challenge.

Steve's 41 club Dementia UK 706 mile challenge.

I work at Johnson Matthey at Clitheroe and a lot of colleges have seen me coming into or leaving work in bright coloured lycra. Instead of my bright car.

And you have wondered why …
read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

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Image for story Feels like Faith

Feels like Faith

I used to be a happy cycler as a young person, I'd cycle to visit my grandparents during the week and take a break from schoolwork. I'd also cycle many kms every Saturday just to hang around the ne... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Commuting

Commuting to / from work daily a total of about 22miles - even when the weather is bad, always makes me feel as though I have achieved something. The worst bit is trying to keep my bike clean!! I s... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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Image for story Developing riding skills

Developing riding skills

Watching your child develop there riding skills is a wonderful experience apart from the occasional fall!!! So on to the new challenge of taking your hand off the handle bars in preparation for sig... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Encouraging others

Got my bro on bike after about 25years...
'it's changed my life'
'I'm loving it'
'I've met a new group of friends'
'I'm so much fitter'
'I'm a better role model for the kids'<... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Image for story Take time to ride each day

Take time to ride each day

I wasn’t looking forward to returning to work in London this month but the warm weather and being back on my bike really helped.
London is a fabulous city to ride in. Just ride safely and res... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Biking has been a god send

I took up mountain biking when my dad became terminally ill as a distraction / release from the stresses. I have met some great new people and discovered some wonderful places on my doorstep. Bikin... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Image for story Devon holiday

Devon holiday

We left the hot and sunny North East to torrential rain in Devon, however we cycled to Seaton and the sun got out!
Hurrah!

Topic: A happy riding memory

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Image for story Kielder first ride.

Kielder first ride.

Kielder reservoir has always been on my list of places to ride. Finally got the chance to tick it off the list!! With my brother, my fiancees dad and brother, we set off with gusto😁 After a couple ... read more

Topic: Other

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9 years

Nine years ago I gave birth to my miracle baby but due to a genetic defect my heart started to fail. I entered a dark time of joy in my baby but not knowing what was wrong. I was told if I had pas... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Image for story The art of the working lunch!

The art of the working lunch!

I ride because bicycles give me freedom.
I’m Ben, and I work for Trafford Council.
I came into the Town Hall today, and for lunch I fancied a bit of a change. I grabbed my sandwiches, hoppe... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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1000 this month

This month I am trying for the 1000 miles but looks like I may not make it last month was easy 600 miles so I thought an extra 400 would be easy, It's not easy I have the time as I am retired I am ... read more

Topic: Other

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Image for story Riding for work

Riding for work

I love my job. I get to train colleagues and volunteers on our new e-cargo bike from Iceni Cycles. We got funding last year to trial an electric bike and electric van to see if they could add to ou... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Riding in the rain

I'm a relatively novice bike-rider, having picked it up because of a bad knee which is making running and walking difficult on some days. Having logged a few rides before work I thought I'd set off... read more

Topic: Other

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A lock of air.

I left my cherished love (a raleigh pursuit) combination locked to a cycle parking rail in George street Oxford, as I went to an afternoon showing at the cinema opposite. When I emerged into the af... read more

Topic: My Bicycle Romance

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Image for story Breath of freash air

Breath of freash air

I have been riding my bike to work for nearly 20 years and every day it feels so refreshing and gives you a buzz.

The winter months can be challenging but with the right clothing and attit... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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Image for story I’ve just sold my car!

I’ve just sold my car!

After cycling to work for a year and using only one family car we decided it was time to part with my micra! It had been sat unused for over a year due to the pandemic, and it made me realise didn’... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

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The Outlaw

Most of 1st lockdown I must of cycled and average of 5 hours a day for fun and exercise. The fun was being out the house, the Mother-in -law was isolating with us for 12 whole long weeks, the exerc... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

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Image for story Vietnam

Vietnam

I'm not your sleek, fast athlete but I have done a fair bit of cycling so when an opportunity came along to go on a cycling holiday up the Mekong Delta I jumped at it.
We were a group of 10 wo... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

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Cry for help!

I cycle to work on the quietest route possible. One frosty morning I heard a feeble cry of “Help!” , coming from a garden. I stopped my bike and found a lady in her 90s and dressed in her night at... read more

Topic: Other

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Cats' eyes

I had biked out a few miles to Writtle from Chelmsford to my first in-person-post-lockdown Book club this week but was a bit concerned to notice on the way that there was no.street lighting on the ... read more

Topic: Other

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Image for story Not Croatia but a great day out in North Wales

Not Croatia but a great day out in North Wales

Met up with 14 other friends who I normally get together with for a week's cycling holiday touring the Croatian Islands. Unfortunately, we have had to cancel again this year, so today we headed ac... read more

Topic: Other

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A bike ride to Cyprus

In 2008 me and my husband cycled 2000 miles from Lincolnshire to Cyprus. I wasn’t what you’d call a cyclist and was very overweight when we set out. Over the course of 3 months we cycled down to Po... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

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"A small hill"

My partner and I went to Devon to visit his family this weekend. I've recently gotten into cycling so was excited to go for a ride with them, as they're veterans of the sport. After about 30 minute... read more

Topic: Other

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