Stories from England

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

7

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

2

Having been a keen cyclist for years for commuting, in a work based road club, and mtb trail riding with friends. With the lock down easing I decided to try a new challenge with my mtb friends. We ... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

4

Getting out on my bike more during the pandemic last years I discovered County Durhams Rails to Trails. These include the C2C, Deerness Valley, Bishop Auckland to Brandon and the Derwent Valley tra... read more

Topic: My favourite place/route to ride

7

Having been building up her cycling abilities over lockdown Judy my sister-in-law has come on in leaps and bounds since this time last year. Even took on her first sportive in September, which took... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

8

My son, Luke has got right into cycling following back surgery and loves it, I ventured out with him yesterday for 8 miles which was a hard slog for me as it's been nearly 12 months since I was las... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

2

First ride out probably since before the pandemic last weekend and it was lush! I got out of the habit of cycling to work a while back and forgot how glorious it can be getting out in the countrysi... read more

Cafe88 on Abbey Street in Accrington are cyclist friendly and have great offers for cyclists plus some freebies too (limited amount) such as puncture repair kits, lights etc... There's also free b... read more

Topic: Other

8

Wales was out of bounds for English cyclists for many months. Very frustrating for Bristol cyclists, given the enticing sight of the Welsh hills from Bristol and surrounding areas. But understandab... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

1

9

first_157226 last_157226 sounds a lovely few days,quite envious

sounds a lovely few days,quite envious

Corinium Dobunnorum Loop of the Cotswolds- a step back in time exploring the deserted lanes of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Today's commute took us to Cirencester - the forecast... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

5

Beautiful Britain By Bike - Day Two.
Corinium Dobunnorum Loop of the Cotswolds- a step back in time exploring the deserted lanes of an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Today's comm... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

3

Half way to a Proclaimers song. Lockdown 1 came, working from home and missing my hour daily walk. Out came the old bike. Quiet roads, bliss and beautiful Lincolnshire Countryside. But how fa... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

1

5

first_415571 last_415571 Great going Lisa

Great going Lisa

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 r... read more

first_407269 last_407269 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_480358 last_480358 I'm in the same situation, at the moment I'm a fairweather cyclist, using my spin bike in the winter, but I'm determined to... read more

I'm in the same situation, at the moment I'm a fairweather cyclist, using my spin bike in the winter, but I'm determined to get back to the tough cyclist I used to be!

Hi, having recently parted ways with my Boardman hybrid comp I acquired a Voodoo Hoodoo off my Son.
Whilst I had an old 2000's 26" MTB, the Voodoo is amazing and has lifted my spirits when it c... read more

Topic: My Bicycle Romance

5

Yesterday we were officially allowed to meet up with one other household outdoors, so we jumped on our tandem (Child 1 on crossbar seat in front of me and Child 2 pedalling at the back) for a 10 mi... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

11

Always find getting out on the bike and taking in an awesome sunset does wonders for the mind.

Topic: Other

2

4

first_540710 last_540710 That looks amazing.

That looks amazing.

first_344514 last_344514 Thanks :-)

Thanks :-)

I had lots of adventure plans for last year which sadly did not happen. Was feeling a bit low with the lockdown. So packed up my bike with my new lightweight camping gear, which was feeling sad at ... read more

first_156502 last_156502 The Tendering peninsular is lovely for a ride.

The Tendering peninsular is lovely for a ride.

Set out this morning on my challenge to ride my longest ride 50 miles in a single activity. Packed lunch, bottles of water and an afternoon treat Eccles Cake.
Heading out of the city towards th... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

2

I have recently purchased a few bikes, mainly to help me into my flexible retirement, but mostly as a way to enjoy the fact that despite the pandemic, life can still bring rewards.
So with that... read more

Night riding is fast becoming, thanks to Covid my favorite time to get out on my bike. There is no one about and you have most places to yourself. At night your senses become more alert and you hea... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

6

A newish friend who hasn't cycled since childhood (and is now 48) has been trying to get fit and lose weight. They had bought a brand new bike three years ago but hadn't wanted to go out on their ... read more

Looked like the sunniest day we'll have for a while and hubby had the day off so we packed gifted cakes, bought coffee and went for a leisurely bimble to Royal Victoria Country Park and back. Lovel... read more

Topic: Other

4

4

first_540710 last_540710 Love Victoria Park one of my fav places, its great for a night ride with your lights.. Very scary

Love Victoria Park one of my fav places, its great for a night ride with your lights.. Very scary

first_350654 last_350654 Not quite experienced enough for that yet but I've recently bought some decent lights for when I feel confident enough!

Not quite experienced enough for that yet but I've recently bought some decent lights for when I feel confident enough!

first_540710 last_540710 Its a bit scary at night but well worth a trip

Its a bit scary at night but well worth a trip

first_357643 last_357643 It can get too dark particularly on early morning in the depth of winter

It can get too dark particularly on early morning in the depth of winter

Show 2 more comments

I love getting up before the rest of the family and stretching my legs on the bike, especially on mornings like today. The sun had just broken and the light was a golden colour. Not many out on the... read more

Everyday once I have either finished my work homeschooling or finished my work at school and go home I love to go out on my bike and do my favourite ride.
This ride consists of me setting off ... read more

Me and 4 friends have got together to lose weight, keep fit and cycle around our local area. We like the Manchester Airport Orbital Route and the new A555 Bypass too. We have started cycling most ... read more

Topic: My favourite place/route to ride

1

4

first_599027 last_599027 Loving the A555, opens up so much, believe there are improvements in the pipeline too

Loving the A555, opens up so much, believe there are improvements in the pipeline too

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

8

I'm biking form home (Monton) to Tameside hospital. I've gone various routes across Manchester....I've got to say the safest fastest route has been into MC town centre and up Hyde Road...however do... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

1

3

first_521898 last_521898 ...the fun is riding down hill home YEY

...the fun is riding down hill home YEY

In 2008 me and my husband cycled 2000 miles from Lincolnshire to Cyprus. I wasn’t what you’d call a cyclist and was very overweight when we set out. Over the course of 3 months we cycled down to Po... read more

first_485503 last_485503 That's fantastic... And your 60th celebration sounds brilliant!

That's fantastic... And your 60th celebration sounds brilliant!

Cycling has helped change my life.
From overweight coach potato to lean mean cycling machine.
25 St 54w type 2 dietbeties to 12 St 32 w fit healthy and happy

Topic: Other

1

22

first_549506 last_549506 your looking good mate keep it up

your looking good mate keep it up

Having bought a cargo bike, it's enabled my commute via nursery to be a quicker and easier journey. I love the fact we can also do a food shop on the way home or pop to the park with bits ready for... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

1

4

first_25143 last_25143 Cargo bikes are cool

Cargo bikes are cool

I started cycling during lockdown and now ride most days to work, the shops or to see friends! I'm loving it and have started riding in the evenings to enjoy the sunset.

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

5

This might be an unpopular opinion, but for me, lockdown had its beauty. Especially when it comes to cycling. Usually when out on the street, I have to face the anger of "car-people" that cut you o... read more

Couldn't decide where to ride on a weekend last month, when my mate suggested Helvellyn I jumped at the chance, we've done it before but not on a day as clear as it was this time.. it's long pedal ... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

1

12

first_84100 last_84100 Hell, I've just walked it this bank holiday weekend and that was hard enough - good effort!

Hell, I've just walked it this bank holiday weekend and that was hard enough - good effort!

Beautiful Britain By Bike - Day Three.
A historic tour of Somerset & Dorset.

Today's commute took us to Somerton, Ancient Royal Town of Wessex. Our adventure began under blue skie... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

8

A historic tour of Somerset & Dorset.

Today's commute took us to Somerton, Ancient Royal Town of Wessex. Our adventure began under blue skies as we set off towards the old Roman town o... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

2

The North Wessex Downs.
I'm on annual leave so am taking the opportunity to explore a few new places. After a 75 minute commute to Pangbourne, we set off to explore the quiet country lanes of W... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

3

My dad is in my bubble. Speaking of 'bubble' - in a year of new vocabulary and small geography, on Easter Monday, I got to spend time with my dad. It was nice to focus on something different. (N... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

1

8

first_569343 last_569343 Wow sounds fun

Wow sounds fun

I did not think I was competitive, but now realise I am a bit. 3 older brothers, youngest and only girl. Completing the March challenge during lockdown, with an aging body and bike (30 years ol... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

2

7

first_497798 last_497798 Well done! Keep going and catch them up☺️

Well done! Keep going and catch them up☺️

first_549506 last_549506 girls are just as good as the lads just the lad often have the best bike that makes them look better

girls are just as good as the lads just the lad often have the best bike that makes them look better

I was reading about riding safety in the dark, and lots of people said that we are very good a recognising and seeing faces, so I thought I would combine this idea with reflective details.
Wi... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

1

9

first_213759 last_213759 what a great idea :)

what a great idea :)

Hi There,
I'd like to share this circular route, as lots of people in Manchester and Stockport will love it. It takes in part of the Trans-Pennine Trail, Fallowfield loop and Peak Forest Canal,... read more

Topic: My favourite place/route to ride

4

9

first_259697 last_259697 Hello, any chance you can send me the website link? Thanks

Hello, any chance you can send me the website link? Thanks

first_348877 last_348877 Hi Luke I didn't find it on a web site, but put it together by looking at maps. It may be tricky to see some of the joining... read more

Hi Luke I didn't find it on a web site, but put it together by looking at maps. It may be tricky to see some of the joining lefts and rights between the main three parts. Give me a shout if you have any questions. Happy riding!

first_521319 last_521319 Unfortunately i dont seem to be able to expand the map big enough to read it on my pc. I dont suppose you have it as a GPX ... read more

Unfortunately i dont seem to be able to expand the map big enough to read it on my pc. I dont suppose you have it as a GPX file do you Anthony?

first_348877 last_348877 Hi Martin! Yes I do. How can I get it to you? BW Tony

Hi Martin! Yes I do. How can I get it to you? BW Tony

Show 2 more comments

Taking my own breakfast and detouring off my usual beaten track. Gradually gaining more confidence :-)

Topic: Other

3

8

first_540710 last_540710 I do this a lot, nothing like a breakfast or lunch sat next to your bike so mewhere. Have fun

I do this a lot, nothing like a breakfast or lunch sat next to your bike so mewhere. Have fun

first_494167 last_494167 I agree nothing like a snack with nature I take binoculars to look at the birds too.

I agree nothing like a snack with nature I take binoculars to look at the birds too.

first_213759 last_213759 I always take a bring and snack if feels like a proper outing then!

I always take a bring and snack if feels like a proper outing then!

Show 1 more comments

Set out this morning on my challenge to ride my longest ride 50 miles in a single activity. Packed lunch, bottles of water and an afternoon treat Eccles Cake.
Heading out of the city towards th... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

6

Over lockdown I've done one too many local walks, so it was exciting to make a plan with my new ebike to go further afield. We had driven to Hyde Hall in Essex but it looked manageable by ebike fro... read more

There once was a man named Phil,
Who cargo-biked up a ruddy big hill,
He had no e-assist,
But you’ll get the gist,
He nearly blacked out while the kids in the front were so chill.

Topic: My commute by bike

9

It is an almost balmy afternoon as I leave the busy road and join the quiet country road to West Marton on the edge of the Yorkshire Dale's. I Pedal sedately and drink in the surroundings. The tre... read more

Topic: Other

6

I promised myself I would use the extra time over the pandemic to get fitter. I have done lots of walking and have spent loads more time with the family which is a positive. However, my bikes hav... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

5

I have almost never been a fast cycler. Even when I was going full tilt, there were always other people going faster. I no longer have any bikes with drop handlebars. I like to sit up and look at t... read more

first_549506 last_549506 I give up the diesel van to spend time riding now I am retired I go slow too and now ride hybrid for same reasons as your s... read more

I give up the diesel van to spend time riding now I am retired I go slow too and now ride hybrid for same reasons as your self enjoy the view and ride

I've been "working from home" for almost a year now. There are many real benefits to it, and it's been the right thing to do, but there are times when the same 4 walls feel a bit oppressive: that's... read more

first_262959 last_262959 I love the wildlife you can see when out cycling, I too have seen a Barn owl when out on the bike.... fantastic 😁

I love the wildlife you can see when out cycling, I too have seen a Barn owl when out on the bike.... fantastic 😁

first_156502 last_156502 Several times I have been joined by Barn Owls for my ride. I think they use the bike to spook their prey but never have the... read more

Several times I have been joined by Barn Owls for my ride. I think they use the bike to spook their prey but never have they swooped to catch it, so perhaps they are just sociable.

I have not done much cycling over the last two years as my road bike is broken. I made up my mind to try doing my 7.2 miles commute on my mountain bike. I was feeling the difference not cycling was... read more

I lost my husband at the beginning of April/Lockdown (not covid) so last years cycling was very rare and far between. Lets hope I can get out a bit more often and get back into shape :-)

first_90036 last_90036 All the best Kaele.

All the best Kaele.