Stories from Expired

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

I was so scared!

I hadn't ridden a bike since the 80s, when I was a teenager! I was so scared - it wasn't "like riding a bike" at all! But I found a local Adult First Ride class and dove in. After that class, and a... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Biking for fitness and freedom

50 years ago I had a bike accident losing brakes down a steep hill and ended up in the hospital! Biked with friends in high school then never biked again till now. February 2022 has changed my lif... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Image for story OVERCOMING FEAR OF RIDING A BIKE ON THE ROAD

OVERCOMING FEAR OF RIDING A BIKE ON THE ROAD

Late Sept 2018, I was riding my bike to work when a large came dangerously close to me on the side of the road that I had to hop onto the footpath. Didn't make it tho, I hit the curb so hard I was ... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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I just love riding my bike!

I decided to buy a bike for my birthday in April. I turned 46 and I think the last time I rode a bike may have been when I was 12!! But I was determined!! I wanted to ride for exercise and to im... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Image for story 100 mile summer

100 mile summer

I got my bike in July having wanted one for ages and not ridden since before uni. I decided to give myself a goal of 100 miles by my birthday (4 Sept). This was a big challenge for me so I signed u... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Bike ride

This is the first time in years that I have had my own bike and been able to get out on my bike with friends and support staff from where I live in Hatfield near Doncaster I am enjoying going out o... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Returning to Cycling with a New Attitude

Cycling used to be my main mode of transport - less effort than walking, easy to 'park' and accessible for any route; then I developed various chronic symptoms and over the course of a couple of de... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Image for story This Goose is Riding Again

This Goose is Riding Again

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

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Image for story Pre-pandemic bike ride in the Keys

Pre-pandemic bike ride in the Keys

Right before the pandemic, my sister and I traveled to Key West for the weekend. Not only was it both of our first times on bikes in a long time, but it was also the first time we had biked togethe... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Image for story Enjoying beautiful British canal routes

Enjoying beautiful British canal routes

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

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Image for story We’ve come far

We’ve come far

The night ended with the last few moments of twilight.

Those 2.59 miles felt good. It may not seem far to some, but to my son and I, grinning widely as he pulled off his helmet, these few... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Image for story I’m 10 again!

I’m 10 again!

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

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Image for story Visiring Parishes

Visiring Parishes

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

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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From My Accident on Sunset Blvd. Hollywood CA. USA

About fifteen years ago, I left my work at the Arclight Cinema at close to midnight. On my way home on Sunset Blvd. I was riding my bike and ended up getting hit by a car. It was pretty bad that ... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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It took me almost 28 years to ride a bike…

I vividly remember the dreaded day mum took the training wheels off my bike and took me and my brother down to a park in Brookfield to ride without the stability and reliance of those extra two whe... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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The last time

The last time i rode a bike before this challenge was in Germany, i (stupidly) wasn't wearing a helmet, fell off, hit my head on the concrete and got concussion. So this month was really about prov... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Image for story Hit my first 100 miles

Hit my first 100 miles

Prior to May 2023, the last time I had gotten on a bike was probably 15 years ago. A bike share program at work motivated me to try to ride a bike to work. I started commuting to work on Wednesdays... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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I biked the Otago Rail Trail

Apart from an occasional bike ride - as a family when my daughter was young, Covid lockdown rides. We decided to do the Otago rail trail in February. An event to remember next to my daughter start... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Khurram Wadee

I bought my current bike almost exactly eight years ago. I hadn't ridden one for over thirty years but I remember vividly the feeling of exhilaration and freedom I got when I first got back on the... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Image for story Getting back on the horse...or bike after a fall

Getting back on the horse...or bike after a fall

This past Saturday I went on my very first mountain bike ride. It was very hard, but very fun because of the challenges that the ozark trails present. While I did end up crashing my bike on some ve... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Image for story From pillar to post.

From pillar to post.

My first memory is crashing into my mom's washing line post, learning to ride my first bike. Once I'd found my legs though, that was it. I was usually zooming around the street then the estate or c... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Getting back on the bike

Around 7 years ago I had a nasty accident on a bike ride with my dad, nearly flying over a road barrier and off a cliff. I hadn't touched a bike since. Until this month. My partner has never learnt... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Living on a hill

I am so happy to have participated in this challenge even if it was just for one day. Ever since I moved to Makakilo, it's been so hard to bike. There are no bike lanes and very narrow sidewalks. I... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Lockdown inspired

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

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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The journey from purchase to home

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

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Riding for Fun

I have never ridden a bicycle before, I tired learning in 2016 but I fell off the bicycle and broke my ligament and I had to do an ACL operation. Since then I have not sat on a bicycle again but wh... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Image for story It’s really an overgrown tricycle.

It’s really an overgrown tricycle.

When it became necessary to avoid the gym & Pilates studio last spring, I need something to stay healthy. I should point out that I am 66 years old & several years ago had bilateral knee re... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Image for story A 47-Year Love Affair

A 47-Year Love Affair

In the spring of 1973, I was in my second year of college but struggling financially, as my student loan funds hadn't come through. Spring term was well underway when the money at last arrived, and... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Riding in NZ

I've not taken a bike for several years, but the challenge now got me to try it again and it's really strange to ride on the wrong side of the road here in NZ, but I'll get used to it :)

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Image for story Pumped up the tyres and back on the road after 3 years!

Pumped up the tyres and back on the road after 3 years!

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

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Image for story New way to commute

New way to commute

After shying away from getting on a bike for far to long, a combination of climate emergency declarations, peer pressure and the need for exercise saw me take the plunge and buy a Brompton!
read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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It gets worse

I rode to work. In the morning, it was wonderful. Cool and refreshing. I really enjoyed the freedom of wind in my chest hair, and bugs in my teeth. However, the afternoon was horrible. It was hot, ... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Stories from around the world

Image for story ITS POSSIBLE AFTER HIP SURGERY

ITS POSSIBLE AFTER HIP SURGERY

I had a hip replacement on 07/03/25 that is 11 weeks 1 day ago. Today I went out on my new bike and enjoyed it so much.
At Christmas I was on crutches and had been for over a year, I could bar... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Moving Through Anxiety

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

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Ages

About a month or so ago i suddenly realised how unfit I was due to not doing a lot with the kids and always being out of breath when I did. So I decided to buy a bike and start biking to work. Well... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Over 40 years!

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 Janu... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Image for story Steep stairs no longer a barrier to riding.

Steep stairs no longer a barrier to riding.

At around 74, I got back on my bike and found my office-sitting career that I started in my 50's meant I could no longer safely balance on a bike or my old 2-wheel recumbent. On & off I spe... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Relearning But Gaining Confidence!

I bought my first bike as an adult in October 2021! My last childhood bike was 20 some years ago but I barely used it. I had bad biking experiences in the past so I was obviously very nervous relea... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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I have no bicycle

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

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Ca fesait 2 ans

Ça fesait 2 ans que je n'avais pas fait de vélo pour aller a la job. J'ai fait une mise au point de mon vélo de ville et j'y suis aller et revenu et j'ai vraimentt bien dormi cette nuit la!

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Reunion with an old friend.

I grew up riding my bike. I would zip around my small town on and off road. With friends and on my own. My bike and I were inseparable. When I was on my bike, I knew joy. A joy I haven't felt in y... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Image for story This time last year...

This time last year...

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

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Image for story Why I Love to Ride

Why I Love to Ride

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 ... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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New lease of life!!

After 30 odd years of not having owned or even got on a bike... bought my first bike and joined the challenge, it is quite a challenge with all the gears and getting used to what works when LOL. Th... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Getting back into it

When Covid struck I lost my need, and likely desire, to ride to work. I therefore did not ride for several years. Post Covid I found I had developed an issue with my knee and thought exercise was d... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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It's been over 30 years

At 62, I just bought a bike and I'm wondering WHY it took me so long. Honestly, it's been since high school when I rode daily so I'm still getting used to the feeling but I love it! Aside from a co... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Image for story My new e-bike

My new e-bike

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... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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ESSEX PEDAL POWER

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

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Image for story Découvrir ma nouvelle vi(ll)e autrement

Découvrir ma nouvelle vi(ll)e autrement

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

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Bike Novice

A couple years ago I rented a Bike and was so bad at riding it I thought that was that. I ride the stationary Bike at the gym and decided that does not get me as much exercise as running. So Bike r... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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