Stories from the United Kingdom

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.

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

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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 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

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 bit the bullet and bought a bike! Second hand from a lovely chap who didn't need it anymore. 5 miles from my house. Bus there. Bike back. I hadn't been on a bike in probably 12 years! Didn't real... read more

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

This year my youngest child will begin senior school meaning I would be a little more free with my time for getting to work so I decided I’d like to cycle to work and in February I applied for a bi... read more

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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

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!

My colleagues encouraged me to get back on the road today! I dusted my bike down, pumped up the completely flat tyres and joined them on a lunchtime bike ride. Managed 9.7 miles not to shabby and l... read more

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From the title, it sounds more than madness. Well, it is true, but more than exaggerated :P I started commuting to and fro place when I was in uni. Before I went to university I always wanted my... read more

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I started riding a bike regularly last year after our car was written off. I pulled the old beater mountain bike out the shed and gave it a go. I quickly upgraded to an inherited hybrid I found mys... read more

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My first memory of cycling as a boy was when I was doing a sprint and braked too quickly when I managed to do a somersault holding on to the handlebars and still landed the bike square on the pavem... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

I guess like a lot of folks, I rode a bike as a youngster mainly to get around and go further afield. Dabbled with a mountain bike when kids were younger (usually one on the back in his seat). 4 ye... read more

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Mark Hurst PS I'm almost 52

PS I'm almost 52

I stopped cycling years ago when the dog gave me a pitiful look if I dared go for a ride rather than take him for a walk, and then children got in the way. As for commuting, a big hill and a relat... read more

I had been looking for something I could do on my own to help with my fitness, I had tried the gym which was so boring and even bought new trainers thinking running would be my new thing but that w... read more

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After a number of years off my mountain bike (Kids happen) I am really enjoying getting back out on 2 wheels, including the switch to something a little racier through the Cyclescheme, I am lucky e... read more

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Really bad car smash last year and revoked driving licence. Decided fitness needs a boot up the backside and can't keep using the excuse of " not fit enough yet" !! invested in a new Pedal Assist b... read more

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Used to commute to work everyday 20 miles but 2 accidents, a broken back, have made me rethink. Still trying but more social now so enjoying the cake stops. Happy rides😎

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When I was a younger man - unfortunately rather a long time ago, I used to cycle a lot. I commuted by bike from Beckenham in SE London to Kensington every day (c. 24 miles return). In about 198... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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!!!!

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I always loved bikes and specifically cross-country (XC) which I trialed frequently back in Portugal where I come from, but XC is an expensive hobby, so mountain biking was my first option as a uni... read more

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Lucy Giuliano Thank you so much for sharing your story Ivan, I'm really glad to hear you're back on your bike and loving it!

Thank you so much for sharing your story Ivan, I'm really glad to hear you're back on your bike and loving it!

I loved how peaceful the world became during the first lockdown. Beautiful blue skies, empty roads. It was perfect for cycling and I didn't own a bike. Living in a flat it just seemed like a nightm... read more

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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

Having not been on a bike of any kind for over 25 years over the Covid period I noticed a lot more people cycling, I started to think about my old Giant MTB from the late 80s and decided to look on... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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 F 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

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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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Like many fifty something year olds I had not ridden a bike since school days so when my husband (a keen rider) and I stumbled upon a second hand Batribike (electric bike) perfect for me (I have mo... read more

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Paula Hallett Such a positive story, well done on re-disovering cycling.

Such a positive story, well done on re-disovering cycling.

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 :)

I have taken up riding my after 57 years I threw away my bike after I passed my driving test because it was the only mode of transport I had as I lived in open hilly country side with no near nabou... read more

Geoffrey Grabham My first time on a bike in 57 years

My first time on a bike in 57 years

James Walker Great news, getting you healthy and out and about

Great news, getting you healthy and out and about

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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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

After a serious illness a few years ago, I put on a bit of weight and my fitness suffered because of damage to my lungs. I've been walking to work occasionally, but I finally decided to get a new b... read more

Mark is the reason I took up cycling after 30 years. When he calmly announced to the office he had a couple of months to live, we all asked what we could do. Laughing his head off he said “cycle fr... read more

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Clare Cassidy That's a lovely thing to have done, well done.

That's a lovely thing to have done, well done.

Today I rode just over 15 miles to Newcastle and back home again, my bum hurts like no tomorrow but I actually loved it the cycle route is right next to the river tyne its also so diverse I've ridd... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

I have only just recently bought a bike after years of thinking I should be cycling to work. I had ruptured two ligaments in my ankle in a footballing injury at the beginning of last year and have ... read more

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As a child I rode my bike everywhere, I loved the feeling of freedom my bike gave me, however once I'd learnt to drive and had a car that became my preferred way of getting around - it was so much ... read more

In 2014 I had a minor car accident. Left me without transport to work and a need to get my body mobile. I was 52 and not ridden a bike in may years. Watching TV late one night, I saw "The Cyclin... read more

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Really bad car smash last year and revoked driving licence. Decided fitness needs a boot up the backside and can't keep using the excuse of " not fit enough yet" !! invested in a new Pedal Assist b... read more

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So, I recently started a new job, about 5 miles from where I live (Leeds), previous to that I had spent the last 6 months working about 25miles away from home. On starting the new job I was tol... read more

Many years ago I used to cycle to work 16 miles each way and loved it. Until one day a driver thought he could be quicker than me and pulled out in front of me and I went through his windscreen. L... read more

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So today was the day I got back on a bike after many years! I took part in a cycling event held at Southampton (letsride) it was perfect to get me back into cycling. I train quite a bit at the gym,... read more

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Jo Meekley Hi Amy Louise! I'm so glad Let's Ride encouraged you to get back on your bike. I hope you'll be riding for Cycle Septembe... read more

Hi Amy Louise! I'm so glad Let's Ride encouraged you to get back on your bike. I hope you'll be riding for Cycle September - we've got some great Southampton exclusive prizes up for grabs! If you're looking for more rides take a look at the Events tab to see what's happening this month. The Breeze coaching sessions might be useful too if you're just finding your feet again. Good luck and happy riding! :)