Stories from the United Kingdom

I've been a cyclist for many years and commuted regularly for a decade. I've ridden many of the great French climbs as well as Mount Diablo in California, have enjoyed cycle touring in several coun... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Mark Karlisle I salute you, being on the brink several years ago it was difficult getting back out there and building the strength back u... read more

I salute you, being on the brink several years ago it was difficult getting back out there and building the strength back up...it mattered to me and im riding more and more...although today nearly took out by a private Ambulance (funeral car) which reversed into me...however m cycling back home later hahahahs Cycling an illness one drives the other to achieve a goal....you keep going it so worth it for your total wellbeing.

Find somewhere you can have a pit stop and share snacks, enjoy nature and chat. Important to encourage each other and make memories. Open spaces, running water and Heron watching.

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

3 generations riding, youngest grandaughter Hallie,4, youngest daughter, eldest son (Hallie's dad), myself and Hallie's other Nanny, first time on a BMX for Jackie and she did brilliantly. Plus we... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Whilst riding through a local park my path was blocked by a group of women chatting. I stopped and talked bikes gave them my number if they needed a bike buddy. About a month on we started riding t... read more

My friend Ciara is one of a number of female riders recently joined Claydon Cycling Club in Buckinghamshire as part of the club's new Academy program. The initiative encourages would-be cyclists t... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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I wanted to share with you a story of why the bicycle is such a great thing. I know you all know this anyway, but here goes... I work as a Bikeability Cycling Instructor. One of the things I lov... read more

I'd arranged to meet my boyfriend at our local pub after work. I commute by bike, but despite having a bike and a short commute, he didn't. After we'd had food and a few drinks, we were leaving and... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Cycling 100 miles through the night was amazing but the time in the saddle is not so good, erm if you know what I mean! Hopefully, my derrière will forgive me soon! Obviously, missing all the traf... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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I have ridden horses all my life but as my pal "GG" was in his final years, and I knew I never wanted to own another one, I needed something to take me to all the places he and I visited. Sooooo...... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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#WomenWhoRide As a 50 something woman, who has a failing transplant and isn't in the best of shape, riding bikes gives me the headspace to deal with my daily stresses. While out on the bike I am e... read more

I started cycling more regularly (rather than quick commutes and around town) when I signed up for a charity challenge in Kenya for a unique and amazing small charity. Getting started was a bit s... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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I started riding recently with three other women. I knew one of them already. We have all become friends now and we use our weekly ride as therapy! We talk about everything. From children, to diffi... read more

My 10yo has his 'bikability' sessions this week at primary school and he wanted to cycle to school. I wasn't happy letting him go alone, so dusted off my own trusty bicycle and we took off early on... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

Prior to lockdown I used to commute 2 to 4 times a week but then with lockdown I ended up working from home which made the opportunity for biking difficult with the number of meetings, mostly tedio... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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I love riding trails and DH on my bike, but what I’ve really enjoyed recently is showing other ladies this love of MTB in Cann Woods. We have a Devon Ladies MTB group on FB where we arrange rides.

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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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

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

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' Just some of t... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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 respec... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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

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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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 relatively n... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Sunday morning trip out to Sledmere House, NR Driffield East Yorkshire for a take out coffee and breakfast with the chaps.

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

I rode into my training session today as it was a lovely day clear skies and 18c at 8.30 when I set off. Now at lunchtime I’m less than half a mile from site sat at the side of the River Ouse. I’m ... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

There’s’ nothing like the freedom of being on two wheels and enjoying the outdoors with others

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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After the death of my son I struggled with my weight, confidence and mental health. Since riding I have lost all the weight, my mental health is much better and I am training for my first triathlon.

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Mark Karlisle Well done its people like you whom inspire others to achieve who think they couldnt when they can .

Well done its people like you whom inspire others to achieve who think they couldnt when they can .

Earley Panda cycles for a safe cycling campaign and male mental health awareness while spreading joy and creating GPS Doodles. Panda met Hooch (Captain Tom's dog) when Panda cycled to Captain To... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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To encourage all the mums how brilliant it is to ride with your children: 1. you forget that your wheels are twice the size of theirs as you go steaming ahead and instead think you must be so supe... read more

Through my local Sustainable Travel and Road Safety Officer I have organised some loan Ebikes for school staff. The interest has exploded now staff have seen the smiles on their colleagues faces as... read more

A newbie’s insight into the wonderful world of riding… Hello, my name is Jude, and I’m addicted to cycling. It’s a new thing and I’m definitely hooked! It all started one Saturday night, gl... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Bernadette Marsden great read, very encouraging and positive, thanks for sharing. I too am new to cycling and loving it.

great read, very encouraging and positive, thanks for sharing. I too am new to cycling and loving it.

My cycling story began a long way back on a large 3 wheeled tricycle, then always rode a variety of bikes, often where I wasn't supposed to! Local dirt track was for boys, not girls and mum said 'n... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Maura Murphy Fabulous. I have always cycled but never tried BMX . It sounds fun. Would I be too young at 64 ?

Fabulous. I have always cycled but never tried BMX . It sounds fun. Would I be too young at 64 ?

Ten years ago, I had a heart attack while refereeing a football match, thankfully, I made it to the hospital, where a stent was fitted. I was told that it would take me three months to get fit agai... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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So i pinched this idea from someone else, while in the first lockdown last year i would normal go out of a ride along the local trails on the Gravel bike. But once the weather had started to change... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Simon Atkin Ha ha, I do that too. I just label them in Strava as WFH Commute.

Ha ha, I do that too. I just label them in Strava as WFH Commute.

I've had my fair share of tragedies over the years, then being diagnosed with Menieres disease, this means I am prone to severe vertigo attacks. I have always ridden horses for years and am lu... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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I love cycling in all it’s forms and I have bikes for everything - commuting, road, gravel, bikepacking and MTB. So I really hope I can encourage my 18mo son to take it up too. I can’t make him of ... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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After many years feeling like a bit of a social outcast cycling round Cardiff to many different universities, offices, schools, pubs, cinemas and so on, this year I was happy to be offered a dream ... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Tom Morris Sorry about that- didnt realise email addresses weren't allowed. Hit us up on social at Sustrans East Midlands.

Sorry about that- didnt realise email addresses weren't allowed. Hit us up on social at Sustrans East Midlands.

A couple of hours happily getting lost in the Levels (Somerset!) Whilst it's important for the media to call out harassment of women doing their thing out and about, let's make sure it doesn't crea... read more

I'm not what you would call an enthusiastic cyclist but I started cycling to work when I adopted a rescue dog. Not wanting her to be home all day alone, but also knowing that she would not enjoy d... read more

Fantastic bike ride along the water's edge by Titanic on a hire bike as on holiday, June 21.

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Hired 2 e-bikes in the Lake District. Allows a beginner to enjoy massive mountain passes and keep up with an experienced rider. Allows for far more exploring than driving and walking...

Always love the outdoors and riding my bike makes me feel so good with enjoying the outdoors fresh air.Never really been into long bike rides only short ones with my bike being my vehicle to gettin... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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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

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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John Willoughby That Bridge looks familiar is it near the Moorings

That Bridge looks familiar is it near the Moorings

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

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

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

Great mixed ability ride in the Calderdale valley as part of the #ridedrinkpie club. All levels, all off road suitable bikes, mixed ability. This weeks ride was great, new members, people wantin... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

I rode into my training session today as it was a lovely day clear skies and 18c at 8.30 when I set off. Now at lunchtime I’m less than half a mile from site sat at the side of the River Ouse. I’m ... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Having been building up her cycling abilities over lockdown Judy my sister-in-law has come on in leaps and bounds since this time last year. Even took on her first sportive in September, which took... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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First ride out probably since before the pandemic last weekend and it was lush! I got out of the habit of cycling to work a while back and forgot how glorious it can be getting out in the countrysi... read more