Stories from the United Kingdom

I had a cycling accident at at the bottom of shooters hill road. I fractured my shoulder and lacked confidence to return to cycling for sometime. However, winter has returned and I am glad to say I... read more

Andrew Mathers keep it up and happy new year

keep it up and happy new year

After finding my forgotten bike and motivated by the opportunity to win a prize for each day ridden I signed up to take part in the latest challenge through work. Although the weather was far fr... read more

I purchased an e-bike this summer. I’m almost 50, over weight and terrified of the roads. This September I’m challenging myself to make the 18 mile journey to and from work 4 times a week plus a ... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Andrew Mathers good on you

good on you

Sue Polshaw me too, but luckily my commute takes me mostly off road. There are some right nutters on the roads!

me too, but luckily my commute takes me mostly off road. There are some right nutters on the roads!

Sylvia Mack Congrats for your initiative. E-bikes are amazing to help us get on the road and you cycle just as much if you use the assi... read more

Congrats for your initiative. E-bikes are amazing to help us get on the road and you cycle just as much if you use the assistance sparingly

Sarah Wills That's fantastic! Enjoy the ride :)

That's fantastic! Enjoy the ride :)

Markus Herscheid Great Picture! Love it!

Great Picture! Love it!

Beverley Halliwell Well done get out there and eat some miles !!

Well done get out there and eat some miles !!

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would like to thanks Essex pedal power for giving me the chance to get back on a bike

My dad bought me my first bike three years ago, the first I’d owned for years and at the grand old age of 48! I loved it and quickly became addicted. Then he died two years ago, and it has been my ... read more

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So roughly about 11 years ago i used to love to ride my bmx and my 26er like an idiot (Thought i was Emil lol) but anyway i had a nasty accident and this put the FEAR into getting back on a bike i... read more

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Untill.4 weeks ago I hadn't been on a bike for 20 years now I love riding my bike

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Rayaan Sarfraz u have quite the experience when can you ride me xX ;)

u have quite the experience when can you ride me xX ;)

Hi, I just finished my first ride around Southampton (28 miles). I'm so tired but very happy.

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I hadn't been on a bike for 22 years (following a nasty crash). But when a new colleague started cycling to work, he inspired me to get back on 2 wheels. At first I was terrible, as my brain rememb... read more

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I decided to reconnect with cycling during lockdown last year. I deliberated over which type of bike I wanted for a month or two, before deciding on a mountain bike. I live close to a country park... read more

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I got on my bike at 7am this morning. I am 48 and need to improve my fitness as I am a full time primary school teacher and single Mum with 4 kids. So life has just taken over. I live next to a ... read more

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Pauline Jorgensen everywhere is steep in the Valleys - well done!

everywhere is steep in the Valleys - well done!

Jason Blay Get's easier every time!

Get's easier every time!

Rosemary Lehan Being a teacher and a single parent of four children sounds pretty full on! Well done on your ride!

Being a teacher and a single parent of four children sounds pretty full on! Well done on your ride!

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I loved riding round the block on my red tricycle when I was a little boy. Then I got a bike and became a “virtual” sports commentator, as I fantasised my success in the Tour de France! At the age... read more

Deborah Garrod What an inspiring story! I too love cycling but after cycling to work every day for 13 years I stopped when I retired and d... read more

What an inspiring story! I too love cycling but after cycling to work every day for 13 years I stopped when I retired and didn’t start again until Covid-19. I hope to rekindle my fitness and enjoyment again like you by joining “Love to ride”.

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

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my first bike1959 had three wheels one gear and a bread bin on the back at 5 years old I love it I rode to school on the path its was old but it was mine , my second bike was built by me at 7 years... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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.

Sara Taylor I'm in the same situation, at the moment I'm a fairweather cyclist, using my spin bike in the winter, but I'm determined to... read more

I'm in the same situation, at the moment I'm a fairweather cyclist, using my spin bike in the winter, but I'm determined to get back to the tough cyclist I used to be!

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

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Fiona Cameron love your bike

love your bike

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

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Mark Karlisle That is so encouraging...well done you two

That is so encouraging...well done you two

Anne Davies Thank you Mark.... hope we get some dry days over the holidays

Thank you Mark.... hope we get some dry days over the holidays

I am 71 years old, a type 1 diabetic on 4 insulin injections a day, asthmatic, waiting for a knee replacement and had a double heart bypass So why am I cycling? Simply because I love it! I haven... read more

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Well to day managed to complete another ride this time I did 40 miles so it goes to show the right equipment you can go further. Now going to push for 60 mile ride before the weather breaks.

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I have ridden in all the places we have lived. Now the girls are independent riders and are very interested, so time to get the show on the road!

I haven't been out Mountain Biking proper for 20 years since I was a student. Three of us decided to go out this weekend to Clapham and ride an old favourite route. A little nervous to begin with... read more

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Our wonderful champion at Network Rail, Garry Ball, recently shared the story of his partner Kelly. After many years of him gently encouraging her to get on a bike, she has really taken to cycl... read more

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Rajesh Dadia Well done 👍

Well done 👍

I loved riding around my village and woods as a teenager and recently made a decision to become healthier and improve my mood after my Dad passed away last year, combined with relocating to the Lak... read more

Throughout my working career I have never had the opportunity to ride to work until now.. Working at the University Of Southampton Science Park, I have always felt the want to travel by bike to inc... read more

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

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I used to ride my bike every day during 2020, when the roadways were quiet and the sun was shining. It was amazing seeing spiders flying overhead with silk parachutes and hearing birds singing - so... read more

Jo Atkins What a heartfelt story as cycling is freedom for sure 🙂 I empathise whole heartedly with everything said as I’ve had the sa... read more

What a heartfelt story as cycling is freedom for sure 🙂 I empathise whole heartedly with everything said as I’ve had the same with having long Covid - keep cycling u r doing brilliantly xx

Helen Held Glad to hear that you are back on your bike this month. We completely agree about the sense of freedom.

Glad to hear that you are back on your bike this month. We completely agree about the sense of freedom.

My husband and I bought ourselves some e-bikes in August after spending some time in France on e-bikes with my brother and his wife. Absolutely loving it! I am 61 and hubby turns 60 in January. T... read more

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I love bicycles. I used to drive one without holding onto it handsfree throughout the street when I was 12 years old. A neighbour clapped for my circus skills and that was my last day on a bicycle.... read more

Peter Kelly Check Facebook etc. You might pick one up that's within your budget

Check Facebook etc. You might pick one up that's within your budget

George P Local councils often have a scheme where you can have one on loan for free for a while, or work out an alternative way of p... read more

Local councils often have a scheme where you can have one on loan for free for a while, or work out an alternative way of paying. Try checking out their transport advice :)

A Montréal depuis moins d'un an, j'avais pris l'habitude de visiter la ville à l'aide de Tiktok et à ses bons coups : les adresses les plus cultes, les vues panoramiques les plus "instagrammable", ... read more

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Fleur Merl Super moyen de se motiver. Bravo!

Super moyen de se motiver. Bravo!

Let's get fit again!

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Went on a bike ride with the old dear great to be back in the saddle been out every day since

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Jenny Norman If your old dear is the lady in the back of your picture? she is looking fabulous not even a wrinkle, I thought she was yo... read more

If your old dear is the lady in the back of your picture? she is looking fabulous not even a wrinkle, I thought she was your girlfriend. 😍

Debra Willison You made my day🥰

You made my day🥰

I got back on the bike this weekend by cycling around Portland in Dorset with my parents. Lots of greenery and cliffs along this cycle route - a bit different to a daily commute! Still not brave en... read more

My oldest daughter learnt to ride her bike this Easter. I’ve not ridden for 20 years, but I finally had to get back on the saddle to keep up with her! Luckily you never forget do you! I’m super ... read more

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Lotta Vaananen That said friend was recently dragged to an incredible 100-mile ride by the author of this piece who is a true superwoman a... read more

That said friend was recently dragged to an incredible 100-mile ride by the author of this piece who is a true superwoman and definitely more than capable of keeping up with her daughter now! In fact us mere mortals somewhat struggle to keep up with her now... Now there's an inspiring story indeed!!!

i got to ride at the finish of Tour of Britain when it came through Warrington i have since been on the new cycle paths around Warrington

So just over a week ago, I fell off my bike having only ridden two times in the September Challenge and before was when I was a kid (many many years ago!). I injured my leg quite bad and had to ta... read more

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I havent been on a bike in years, as I used to commute to work in my car. But due to the COVID pandemic, I started a new career and a new way of getting to my new job on my bike.

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Christopher New I started commuting by Bike last year too, for the few days I've been able to go in. A great way to start the day off!

I started commuting by Bike last year too, for the few days I've been able to go in. A great way to start the day off!

I'm a keen runner, taking on marathons dressed as 'Scissorman' to raise funds for the Little Princess Trust. When the charity launched a London to Paris ride, that sounded just right for my next ch... read more

After my ex wife remove old fence lots of wood was to be remove so as I met some caravan traveler on my cycling ride I ask do they have enough wood for there wood burning stove no was the answer. I... read more

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Today I Rode My Bike After A Year Of Waiting For This Pandemic To End. I Have Forgotten at First How To Ride A Bike But Now I Have Gotten The Hang of It. Thank You For Listening To My Story And I H... read more

Alan Jackson You never forget how to ride a bike! lol

You never forget how to ride a bike! lol

So, a while back I was in a rut. A deep rut. I'll spare the "warts and all" but essentially it was the best of times, it was the worst of times and I had lost my job, my relationship, my kids and m... read more

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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

Claire Sharpe Hey Anna, this is great news. There are a lot of helpful tips if you tap Info in the top bar on the website and head to Tip... read more

Hey Anna, this is great news. There are a lot of helpful tips if you tap Info in the top bar on the website and head to Tips. Good luck and let us know how you get on!

Robin Burnett Don’t worry about how fast you are (or aren’t) going, Use your gears and let the bike take the strain - you can do it!

Don’t worry about how fast you are (or aren’t) going, Use your gears and let the bike take the strain - you can do it!

Terry Reynolds Just enjoy padded shorts a must!!!!

Just enjoy padded shorts a must!!!!

Pauline Jorgensen We did the same in 2020, just take it slowly and enjoy it, if its really hilly try an Ebike mine is fabulous and means I ca... read more

We did the same in 2020, just take it slowly and enjoy it, if its really hilly try an Ebike mine is fabulous and means I can keep up with my hubby who is tall and fit

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I never meant to stop cycling, it just happened. After cycling to and from work during my gap year, then around university during my undergraduate and postgraduate years, I stopped when I got a job... read more

Since putting the bike away a few years ago with growing family responsibilities, I've now begun taking my daughter by bike to School. We both have a great time and have had to make the route longe... read more

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Fiona Cameron love the chats my daughter and i have when we are biking together

love the chats my daughter and i have when we are biking together

24 years ago I left MK. Cycling was difficult and unpleasant in my new area. In the last 5 years, none at all. Soon to be moving back to MK - with a bit of luck and a following wind! It's ... read more

I eventually made my first bike ride in nearly 40 years. After getting over my nervousness and a few rides round the garden to see if I stayed on the bike I went early last Sunday morning so as to ... read more

At the start of the year I decided to get more active improve my fitness and lose some weight I started with eating healthier then cleared the garage and put in some exercise machines I had but had... read more

Lottie Price Good luck to you, Michael! A new bike always feels a bit odd at first, but you'll get used to it after a few rides. And co... read more

Good luck to you, Michael! A new bike always feels a bit odd at first, but you'll get used to it after a few rides. And congratulations on your 17km walk! That's awesome.

John Kershaw Good luck Michael

Good luck Michael

Julie Bailey Good luck! I was in the same place as you in March, recently I reached 500 miles, I feel better than I have in many many y... read more

Good luck! I was in the same place as you in March, recently I reached 500 miles, I feel better than I have in many many years, good luck!

Debora Moritz Hi Michael, I'm in a similar situation. I'm 38 years old and learning to ride an old bike in London for the first time. I'v... read more

Hi Michael, I'm in a similar situation. I'm 38 years old and learning to ride an old bike in London for the first time. I've been doing it in parks for 10 minutes every other day. It's challenging, but I know that with practice it will get better and enjoy the rides. I wish you luck enjoying cycling around your beautiful Country. :)

Rob Fox Go for it my friend - take it steady, you'll soon find your confidence. You'll look back and wonder why you were ever nervo... read more

Go for it my friend - take it steady, you'll soon find your confidence. You'll look back and wonder why you were ever nervous. Good luck

Ron Dixon Best of luck Michael, it can be very daunting at first, just aim for getting off your drive and going to the end of your st... read more

Best of luck Michael, it can be very daunting at first, just aim for getting off your drive and going to the end of your street and back, fingers crossed for you

Kayla Mc Gowan good luck firstly.pick a nice flat pavement route to make your first ride easier.If youve a friend who has a bike get them ... read more

good luck firstly.pick a nice flat pavement route to make your first ride easier.If youve a friend who has a bike get them to go with you or a family member or one of the kids in your family.that might help take your mind off your nervousness. Plus youl be chatting as you ride so not be worrying as much hopefully.start off short flat ride to build your confidence and fitness up.good luck and dont give up.x

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So, I haven't ridden a bicycle in roughly 10 years. The love to ride guys helped me pick and choose the bike and my boyfriend is an experienced cyclist. I took the plunge, he has terrible sense of... read more

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Hi all it's me fohat just ordered my bike have not been on a bike for wow 12 years am 62 can't wait to get it I got 1 e bike I'm in to drones and have caravan up in Callander so many cycle tracks ... read more

Kathy Tier Hey James. Good for you. I'm a mere whippersnapper at 58, but I got an e-bike at 50 & we've done about 5,000 miles toge... read more

Hey James. Good for you. I'm a mere whippersnapper at 58, but I got an e-bike at 50 & we've done about 5,000 miles together. I hope you love your new bike & have a great time exploring :)

Thanks to GSK I have fulfilled one of my dreams – learning how to cycle!. Years ago, at GSK House, we were encouraged to cycle, and were offered free cycling lessons of which I took advantage.... read more

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Jack Windle This is amazing, thanks for sharing!

This is amazing, thanks for sharing!

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