Stories from the United Kingdom

I rode socially with friends for years but they decided to emigrate to Australia. As I was about to lose my cycling buddies I looked up ‘Lets Ride’ on the web and found like minded local groups. ... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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More than 5 years ago i suffered from really severe anxiety and panic attacks, often 7 per day and even had them in my sleep and would wake up feeling like i was going to die. my attacks come in 2 ... read more

first_511449 last_511449 Thank you for sharing your brave and inspirational story.

Thank you for sharing your brave and inspirational story.

I do actually love riding to work although this is encouraged by the sunny days sometimes discourage but the threat of high winds storms thunder and lightening... but with every dark cloud there is... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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first_538293 last_538293 Love the determination! Go You!

Love the determination! Go You!

first_381041 last_381041 Well Done. Think you deserve a determination prize And I thought a chain malfunction was unfortunate on way to work last ... read more

Well Done. Think you deserve a determination prize And I thought a chain malfunction was unfortunate on way to work last week.

first_497798 last_497798 Driving in rush hour is no fun. Cycling in rush hour can be hazardous but it keeps you on your toes. I hope you are having ... read more

Driving in rush hour is no fun. Cycling in rush hour can be hazardous but it keeps you on your toes. I hope you are having better fortune now.

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Today we're doing our usual little commute to the childminders. Even though we live in the centre of a large town we can really quickly get out onto a beautiful canal and into the countryside on ou... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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first_546466 last_546466 This brings back memories of taking my own daughter to nursery on the bike in the nineties , she’s 27 now (yes I’m old). We... read more

This brings back memories of taking my own daughter to nursery on the bike in the nineties , she’s 27 now (yes I’m old). We still have a laugh about making up names of people at houses we passed and her endless stream of questions as we cycled along. I love that we share those memories.😊

I work from home now and normally walk on a Thursday but got a quick ride in this morning before an early team meeting at 8am for cycle to work day instead.

Only a 9.6 mile ride but knocke... read more

Topic: Other

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On September 26th I will head out to ride across country again. In 2010 I rode my 1930s delivery bike from Holyhead to Lowestoft over the course of a week. The worse day was on the flat of the fens... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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King Alfreds Way

Between lockdowns last year my youngest son rode KAW (King Alfreds Way) with a friend, they did it rough camping and in three days.

Being inspired and needing to ... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

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first_83106 last_83106 good for you - sounds like it has started you along the "anything is possible" path.

good for you - sounds like it has started you along the "anything is possible" path.

Thank you Love to Ride for the June Bike Challenge and all those lovely prizes. Sad to say I had no luck in the raffles, but hey that is not what it is all about. I was trying not to be competiti... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

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Monday 28th June, lovely morning ride to work the start of Wimbledon YEY,(my other passion). I had my lucky Wimbledon monogramed hand towel in my back pack, sad but i love it :) cycled to work only... read more

Topic: Other

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After the death of my son I struggled with my weight, confidence and mental health. Since riding I have lost all the weight, my mental health is much better and I am training for my first triathlon.

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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first_521898 last_521898 Well done its people like you whom inspire others to achieve who think they couldnt when they can .

Well done its people like you whom inspire others to achieve who think they couldnt when they can .

first_419972 last_419972 You are a star and don't forget it. #thisgirlcan

You are a star and don't forget it. #thisgirlcan

first_259697 last_259697 You need a new challenge now for 2022!

You need a new challenge now for 2022!

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I thought it would be a great idea to cycle from Stockport to Scotland in order to wildcamp with some mates and avoid taking a 6 hour car journey over the border, so I did!

Day 1 consisted... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

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first_521898 last_521898 Impressive...well done you

Impressive...well done you

first_486801 last_486801 Wow that make a my bike rides look a bit lame. Well done

Wow that make a my bike rides look a bit lame. Well done

I’ve lived in Dunfermline for over twenty years and before that Edinburgh. Most of my cycling has been back and forth between the two for work and the odd ride along a local track.

Since t... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

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Find somewhere you can have a pit stop and share snacks, enjoy nature and chat. Important to encourage each other and make memories.
Open spaces, running water and Heron watching.

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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I've ridden >350 (virtual!) miles on my Peloton bike in June; pretty pleased with that!

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

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Cycling in my local semi-rural area, sticking to cycle paths as much as possible, I’ve seen a few wonderful (in the literal sense) things. A few years ago I was commuting home at dusk. My route too... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

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Only a short story but I switched over to cycling after a running injury. Currently waiting on knee surgery. I used running as it improved my mental health. when I got injured I knew I couldn't jus... read more

Topic: My Bicycle Romance

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Following on from my previous story, “Getting back on a bike at 58”. I’m now 60 and loving all the freedom my bike gives me. I now ride my lovely Liv Avail AR 1 (purchased just before lock down 1).... read more

Topic: Other

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We wanted to take use our ebikes to get into London from the Crystal Palace campsite but were worried about security while we were in the opera seeing La Boheme. I was also concerned about traffic... read more

During the pandemic it has been really humbling to hear of the hard work of so many in the NHS and other important services. It left me wondering how I could help.

One obvious way was to u... read more

I live in Cornwall and one day a week I ride a 15 mile circuit on country roads crossing the A3072 at a busy junction. On this day I had just crossed the main road and noticed a small bird in the ... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

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Yesterday I rode the well known guided busway that runs between St Ives and Cambridge in Cambridgeshire.
One way it is 14 miles.
Because it runs along an old trainline, it's pretty flat the... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

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Lockdown has been tough on me and my family, so I'm trying to keep moving and positive, cycling and running are big outlets for that, a time to unwind and switch off, part of that has been to fundr... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

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A newbie’s insight into the wonderful world of riding…


Hello, my name is Jude, and I’m addicted to cycling. It’s a new thing and I’m definitely hooked!

It all started one Sat... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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first_554723 last_554723 great read, very encouraging and positive, thanks for sharing. I too am new to cycling and loving it.

great read, very encouraging and positive, thanks for sharing. I too am new to cycling and loving it.

I wanted to share with you a story of why the bicycle is such a great thing. I know you all know this anyway, but here goes...

I work as a Bikeability Cycling Instructor. One of the things... read more

I got a new job a few months ago. It means a different commute route. Every morning I now have the pleasure of part of the route being along the canal. The cygnets and ducklings are growing well an... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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My granddaughter is only 11 yrs old and she always wants a cycle with me so off we went round Canvey island a full 11 miles, & she didn’t moan once .
She can’t wait till we do it again

Topic: A happy riding memory

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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

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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first_521298 last_521298 everywhere is steep in the Valleys - well done!

everywhere is steep in the Valleys - well done!

first_568203 last_568203 Get's easier every time!

Get's easier every time!

first_497798 last_497798 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 have only owned a car once when I was at college for a total of two years. I'm now 32 so that is a long time without driving! I used to get public transportation everywhere and walk everywhere. I... read more

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.

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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first_592412 last_592412 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!

Before I got my Scooter 🛴 me
and my partner was spending a fortune in bus fare 🚌, since I made the jump from Buses to Scootering we have saved a absolute fortune which can go on nice things and... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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I wanted to do John O'Groats to Land's End during 2 holidays.
In May 2021 I cycled with my husband from home to Land's End 339 miles in 5 days -weather rubbish -hail, wind, rain, thunder.
I... read more

I've been a cyclist for many years and commuted regularly for a decade. I've ridden many of the great French climbs as well as Mount Diablo in California, have enjoyed cycle touring in several coun... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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first_521898 last_521898 I salute you, being on the brink several years ago it was difficult getting back out there and building the strength back u... read more

I salute you, being on the brink several years ago it was difficult getting back out there and building the strength back up...it mattered to me and im riding more and more...although today nearly took out by a private Ambulance (funeral car) which reversed into me...however m cycling back home later hahahahs Cycling an illness one drives the other to achieve a goal....you keep going it so worth it for your total wellbeing.

first_493241 last_493241 Good on you Mark, keep it going and stay safe

Good on you Mark, keep it going and stay safe

first_279316 last_279316 Chapeau!

Chapeau!

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South East Wales anyone?
Now, apologies to anyone living in or near Cwmbran but it is not the first place to think of when you want to go for bike ride.... Wrong! There is a gem that threads i... read more

Topic: My favourite place/route to ride

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When it's bucketing down with rain and it looks less than inviting outside it's hard to get out of the door on the bike. But if you can manage that first bit and the first five minutes when you are... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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After getting into cycling recently, I set myself a challenge...ride 300km in July for breast cancer now.
I had rides planned, secured sponsors, got all excited...then disaster struck. My pet c... read more

Topic: Other

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first_541069 last_541069 Great commitment and hope you recover speedily for both yourself and a truly worthwhile cause.

Great commitment and hope you recover speedily for both yourself and a truly worthwhile cause.

Purely by coincidence, it has been postponed twice due the pandemic, six of us have just completed a four day ride (26th.-29th. June) from Weston-Super-Mare to Padstow in support of the RNLI.
O... read more

first_419972 last_419972 Well done, I have done some big rides for the RNLI, Hunstanton to London via the Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex coasts and West... read more

Well done, I have done some big rides for the RNLI, Hunstanton to London via the Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex coasts and West to East = Anglesey to Lowestoft. I hope you raise a shed load of money.

My husband Harry & I have just completed the penultimate stage of our very own tour around Cornwall! We're cycling all around the peninsula with our our rucksacks on our backs, up & down th... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

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first_161451 last_161451 Thanks for sharing Joanne! How were the hills!? I'm planning a similar trip at the end of the month :-)

Thanks for sharing Joanne! How were the hills!? I'm planning a similar trip at the end of the month :-)

I commute most days to work and have been doing so my around 4 years, slowly building up the amount of days and slowly building up how many miles I do. Direct it is 11 miles each way but I often do... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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Hope you don’t mind, but it’s me again. 🙃
Following on from my previous story when I said my goal was to achieve a 💯 mile ride. Well yesterday I achieved it. I went out for a cycle with my Paul... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

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I was a regular biker 10 years ago. used to do 100 mile ride once a year for charity. I couldn't get onto bike riding until this year.

I found group of friends doing Saturday rides. We st... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

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While travelling is still tricky and we're both a bit nervous about being around too many people, my daughter and I have been doing weekly Tuesday bike rides. I'm taking one day off work every week... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

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first_69204 last_69204 Good work, it's good to get out with family especially close family.

Good work, it's good to get out with family especially close family.

Just reached a goal of 1000 in the June bike challenge. Stopped at the top of Cherry Willingham by-pass bridge and cheered to myself. Despite the challenge, it means more to me when someone gree... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

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first_549506 last_549506 I did 1000 too but only in the good weather It was very hard but i did have plenty time am retired

I did 1000 too but only in the good weather It was very hard but i did have plenty time am retired

I’ve been meaning to get out and do a local overnight trip on the bike, and finally got round to doing it last night. Brilliant to be out off-road on deserted bridleways, didn’t need lights until a... read more

Topic: Other

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I'll keep this short, I didn't hear a car from my left side, hmm going deaf? coincidently my bike would not balance... off to the Dr. numerous tests resulted in an MRI scan. Aha, it's NOT the bike... read more

Topic: Other

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first_377935 last_377935 Just did a bit of reading on Acoustic Neuroma...rare...So glad they caught it. Keep 'um turning, nice and easy :)

Just did a bit of reading on Acoustic Neuroma...rare...So glad they caught it. Keep 'um turning, nice and easy :)

I have been living in Milton Keynes since 2002. Busy life style and work commitments meant that the car was my main transport option. However, following a change in my work circumstances, I sudde... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

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I am fortunate to have a very rural route to work (for most of it anway). Narrow, single track road with passing places, trees and fields with farm animals, etc. Earlier this year as I headed along... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

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My friend Ciara is one of a number of female riders recently joined Claydon Cycling Club in Buckinghamshire as part of the club's new Academy program. The initiative encourages would-be cyclists t... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Memories of my Ride London 100 mile ride back in 2018...

I’m a very casual cyclist, not in a cycling club and don’t go out with any groups of cyclists, so for my first cycling sportive to ... read more

A round trip organised by Cliff and supported by his sister Nancy and experienced rider Dave we headed out of Prescott to the Mersey taking in Huyton Hale and Halton perfect weather for a run out a... read more

Any day that I can leave my car at home is a good one, but with a journey of 17 miles on the motorway, it took some thought and planning to commute by bike. I began by riding to the station and I t... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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