City of Ventura

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Image for story First ever 100km Ride

First ever 100km Ride

As the British summer seems to have vanished temporarily I wanted to share my ride from two weeks ago when the sun was shining!

First time I'd ever cycled 100km after starting cycling last... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

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Image for story Solstice Ride

Solstice Ride

Usually we try to arrange a ride around the Summer Solstice, last year we couldn't do it due to the restrictions. So, this year we got up before the crack of dawn, met in time for the drab and grey... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

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Image for story Mental Health and cycling

Mental Health and cycling

Covid-19 lockdown affected me in a way that I never thought it would. It brought back memories of being in isolation and made my depression and anxiety much worse. I started cycling to help clear m... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

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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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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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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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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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story

story

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

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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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Just explore.

Until lockdown I did most of my cycling commuting to work. After lockdown I was working from home and used my bike more for exercise. I have found loads of local, and not so local, routes from my f... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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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

1

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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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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Image for story Why I decided to get moving #womenwhoride

Why I decided to get moving #womenwhoride

Lockdown one hit me hard- I developed anxiety and depression through a mix of teacher and mum guilt. This left me both a mental and physical wreck. I was prescribed fluoxetine and it helped however... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

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Image for story The early bird catches the Ram!

The early bird catches the Ram!

Last week I got on my bike for the first time this year in order to join in with the Great Get Together Ride for Refugee Week. I haven’t worn a watch since lockdown last March so a quick glance at ... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

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I ā¤ļø 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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Image for story Bike motivation

Bike motivation

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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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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Betancuria

Before the dark days of Covid - I used to take regular holidays to Fuerteventura, where my favorite ride was to the highest point of the island Betancuria.

Topic: My favourite place/route to ride

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Image for story The things we do

The things we do

My other half is absolutely cycling mad. As a result we now shuttle between Sheffield and Nottingham. It’s a lovely trip, especially in the sunshine of an early summer evening. If you’re ever looki... read more

Topic: My Bicycle Romance

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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 Closed to cars but not to bikes!

Closed to cars but not to bikes!

My work commute started with a perfect weather morning, cruising down Falls Road while it’s closed off to cars, but bikes can get through. I stopped to admire the wildflowers along the Jones Falls.... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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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 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

1
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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Image for story GAPC&amp;O Ride -345 miles

GAPC&O Ride -345 miles

In June 2021, I rode my bike (345 miles) from Pittsburgh to DC in 4.5 days with camping all along the trail. It's a beautiful trail with no motor vehicles. Every mile of this trail is full of natur... read more

Topic: My favourite place/route to ride

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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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