UK

Stories from the United Kingdom

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

Image for story Cycling can be a little wooden....

Cycling can be a little wooden....

I am so excited about this! I felt 5 years old again!! 🪵 🌲 🚴

Is it bamboo? No

Is it heavy? No

Is it nice to ride? Hell yes! 🤩

Built from wood here in Hampshire i... read more

Topic: My Bicycle Romance

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Image for story #WomenWhoRide

#WomenWhoRide

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

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

7

Take the frst step

Sold the car in late april, cycling to work since. Best may ever weather wise. Someone is trying to tell us something.

Topic: My commute by bike

1

I cycle for my dog!

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

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Image for story The commuter

The commuter

I've always enjoyed cycling since been really young and and I've always cycle to work. Recently I cycled about 3 miles to work and back everyday and thought that was amazing and it was at the time.... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

9
Image for story Sunshine, smiles and a few miles

Sunshine, smiles and a few miles

For many years I rode my bike as hard as I could whenever I could. However the last 18 months have brought a big change to my riding, various reasons, mostly non-pandemic related.
Now my focus... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

2
Image for story Pedalling west...

Pedalling west...

During the dark months of the latest lockdown I conceived a ridiculous plan to cycle solo from the Chalice Well at Glastonbury to Penzance Lido.

I've allowed myself right days for this ta... read more

Topic: My Bicycle Romance

1
Image for story Way of the Roses

Way of the Roses

After three years planning and lock downs we completed the way this June. Setting off from Whalley we rode to Morecambe, took the usual start photo and cycled to Lancaster for our first nights stay... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

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Image for story Gravel adventure

Gravel adventure

Wanting a change from 1000's of road miles and still been able to commute to work in the winter, I invested in Gravel bike this year.
Amazing peice if kit. My most adventurous ride so far was a... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

5

Building energy for biking

I would love to say before I contracted Covid I was an avid cyclist. But, I don't lie and neither would my bike if you saw it.
Cycling to work a few times a week, weather permitting of course(a... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

6

Bridgewater canal

I started to take on cycling in 2018 when my car broke down and bought a bike (Brompton) to cycle to work, while I tried to buy another car. I have never looked back since. During the Spring and Su... read more

Topic: My favourite place/route to ride

2

Building a bike

Not quite a riding story but the story of how I built my bike and what that means to me.

While I was at university, I helped a friend out moving house and, as a result of him downsizing, h... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

2
Image for story On the mend

On the mend

Great to get out and jog a short distance today. As someone who comes from a family with a history of biking, I never really understood the appeal of running. Firstly, cycling thighs aren't really ... read more

Topic: Other

1
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

4

I ❤️ 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

3

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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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

4

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

2

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

1
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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

1
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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

13
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

2
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 Return to cycling

Return to cycling

I have always had a bike since I was a child. I would ride all the time with friends or on my own not so much to get places but more for the enjoyment of cycling.

However like with a lot ... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

2
Image for story The South Downs and Beyond

The South Downs and Beyond

I live in Brighton on the south coast and am very lucky to have the sea and the South Downs on either side of this City. There is nothing bettwer than cycling along the coast through Shoreham Harbo... read more

Topic: My favourite place/route to ride

2

Making Time

Spare time is somewhat of a luxury when you have a 5 year old, 3 year old and 5 week old. Finding enough time to get out on a bike ride has proven to be challenging these last few weeks but with th... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

1

Goals in a covid world

Since the start of the initial lockdown in the U.K. i have been riding more than at anytime in my life.
I set my goals (distance) wise based on missions on another app and so far have ridden vi... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

4
Image for story Tandems in the Trossachs!!

Tandems in the Trossachs!!

Kim, Rachael, Mike and myself are just back from a splendid 5-day tandem ride from Balloch to Nairn. We followed SUSTRANS cycle route 7 for most of the way.

We drove up to Balloch, at the... read more

Topic: My favourite place/route to ride

3
Image for story Finding time

Finding time

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

6

Traffic-free route around Manchester Airport

This is one of my favourite rides because it goes through some pleasant countryside on quiet lanes, smooth tracks and cycle lanes. You can also pop into the ice-cream aviation park for an ice-cream... read more

Topic: My favourite place/route to ride

3

From prog rock to the New Forest

Pandemics are not good things I know. However the prospect of being locked in last March, with no prospect of exercise prompted me to put some effort in. From running up and down the drive listenin... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

5
Image for story Northern Ireland alternative for Covid Era bike tour

Northern Ireland alternative for Covid Era bike tour

If your planned trip to sunnier climes has been cancelled or deferred because of covid travel restrictions. I can recommend Northern Ireland.
Quiet roads, lovely scenery, respectful drivers an... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

2
Image for story The New Forest

The New Forest

As part of cycle June I have also been taking part cycling 100 miles for dementia during June. With this in mind I mounted my Cycle on the back of the car and headed with my husband to the New For... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

2
Image for story Charity challenge

Charity challenge

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

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

5
Image for story E-bike makes national park more accessible

E-bike makes national park more accessible

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...

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

1
Image for story Doing it for Breast Cancer

Doing it for Breast Cancer

Signed up to do 300km in the Month of July for the Charity . . Looking forward to the challenge and getting my partner involved too 🤞💝🌈

Topic: Other

1
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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

5
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

5
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

5
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

2

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

4
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

1

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

1
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

3

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

1
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

5
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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