Stories from the United Kingdom

I got my daughter on 2 wheels as soon as humanily possible

at 10 months old she had her first bike ride with me thanks to the weeride
2 years later and she is too big to travel on dadd... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

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Guided Rides offer fun, friendly, supportive bike rides for individual and family cyclists. The programme has been growing in Scotland over the past few years, helping more people to build their cy... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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first_627745 last_627745 Hello! You've encouraged me a lot more after reading you about these incredible opportunities to cycle with a Ride Leader. ... read more

Hello! You've encouraged me a lot more after reading you about these incredible opportunities to cycle with a Ride Leader. Where can I get more information and details to contact them?

first_519171 last_519171 Hi Isabela - i use the Guided rides and it has been fantastic for helping build my confidence and fitness on a bike. very g... read more

Hi Isabela - i use the Guided rides and it has been fantastic for helping build my confidence and fitness on a bike. very grateful to all the guided ride leaders. cant put a link to the resource on this website however if you google let's ride you should find the British Cycling website. you put in your postcode in the search box and it will let you know if any rides are near you. good luck and happy cycling 🚴‍♂️

first_580844 last_580844 Good to see a fellow guided ride leader enjoying what they do. I'm one too, here in the Midlands. Keep guiding my friend, a... read more

Good to see a fellow guided ride leader enjoying what they do. I'm one too, here in the Midlands. Keep guiding my friend, all the best now

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This is a cautionary story of the importance of your bike lights... I'm a keen cyclist, sometimes it happens, your lights are flat, you forgot to charge them, you left them at home, whatever, but p... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

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first_621899 last_621899 Can I just add, when you say at the end if you have no lights, ride slowly No If you have no lights, DO NOT CYCLE

Can I just add, when you say at the end if you have no lights, ride slowly No If you have no lights, DO NOT CYCLE

first_625799 last_625799 Ouch - you had a light as well

Ouch - you had a light as well

I used to live in a first floor flat. I couldn't have had an electric bike, because I couldn't get it up the stairs. I still don't dare go shopping on my bike for fear of theft whilst I am in the s... read more

Topic: Other

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first_618917 last_618917 Go to the gov. Uk website and look for "Make bike storage pods a requirement for all new building developments”

Go to the gov. Uk website and look for "Make bike storage pods a requirement for all new building developments”

Congratulations to our Rutherglen-based leader Neil on his 150th guided ride.
Over the past four years Neil has had 740 people come along on his rides and - according to the British Cycling wes... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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first_519171 last_519171 Thank you Neil for all you do to support cycling within out local community. Your humour and never ending enthusiasm keeps... read more

Thank you Neil for all you do to support cycling within out local community. Your humour and never ending enthusiasm keeps us all cycling - and always appreciate your advice ( even if i still cant translate it into practice - gears - argh!!!). Appreciate you and all the British Cycling Guided Cycle Leaders! Thank you 😊

Each year I organise the annual Ballarat Tweed Ride. Last May was our 10th ever ride. We had fantastic weather, rosettes for the best dressed, a driven road escort, 130 riders, live music, a Tweed ... read more

We had a break to gran canaria for 7 days and I really looked forward to having a good ride out on my bike when I got home but when I got home I felt unwell did a test and guess what? Yes covid has... read more

Topic: Other

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When an grown adult asks for your help to learn to ride, who had never tried to cycle. Doing, two feet push off After a few trial and errors, in balance, up came the feet 3 ft, 3.5 -5 ft. Then til... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

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Having the NCR 75 on my doorstep is a real treat. Any time i fancy a light ride for an afternoon I take it slow along to bowling for a coffee; for a workout I can click up a few gears and go as fas... read more

Topic: My favourite place/route to ride

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first_621085 last_621085 Sounds perfect!

Sounds perfect!

I just did a portion of the 6Gap, Even though I didn’t finish, I was able to clime the highest peak, the Hogpen Gap

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Almost a year ago I cycled from Aberdeen to Pitlochry. The Deeside is a beautiful area to ride: I followed the main road until Braemar where I had some fish and chips. Then sunset came while cyclin... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

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So roughly about 11 years ago i used to love to ride my bmx and my 26er like an idiot (Thought i was Emil lol)
but anyway i had a nasty accident and this put the FEAR into getting back on a bik... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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Congratulations - You're a Cycle September 2022 winner!

Say WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAT?! Oh gosh this is amazingly unexpected, i've won a aquaplay paddleboarding session.
That's fandabiedosie!

Sometimes the early morning rides are the best. Being early to work and being able to sit and watch the world go past. People's stories from walking their dog to going to work. The still atmosphe... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

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Untill.4 weeks ago I hadn't been on a bike for 20 years now I love riding my bike

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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first_634085 last_634085 u have quite the experience when can you ride me xX ;)

u have quite the experience when can you ride me xX ;)

In October 2021 I set out to raise £1000 and lose my Covid spare tyre by cycling 1000 miles to work at the University of Bolton, from my home in Blackburn, all in aid of Derian House Childrens Hosp... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

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14 miles today on my new bikes maiden voyage to run it in.
A nice quiet route including a ride from Shildon to newton aycliffe past the locomotion museum, which is a lovely smooth wide path. I... read more

Topic: Other

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first_621085 last_621085 Fantastic, we have been to the Shildon museum on holiday and I remember it well - it would be a lovely cycle :) Your new b... read more

Fantastic, we have been to the Shildon museum on holiday and I remember it well - it would be a lovely cycle :) Your new bike looks great

On Sunday 28th of August I was involved in a sponsored bike ride to raise money for The Christy's Cancer Research, the was circa 50 people riding on the day.

I was riding with the Wigan R... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

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I can't drive, and I used to ride my bike to work each day. It's about a mile each way so it's not far and biking was faster than walking. Then a couple of things happened, the first thing was a ca... read more

first_621085 last_621085 Nice to read your notes Jack and walking to work is great - if I can't bike I will walk and only as a third option will I d... read more

Nice to read your notes Jack and walking to work is great - if I can't bike I will walk and only as a third option will I drive. Shame about the scare you got. Lack of space is my gripe too, it is a battle of where to store the bike.

My commute is only 1.9 miles, it takes 10 minutes or 8.5 if I am running late. It is enough to lift my mood and make me happy by the time I get to work but I definitely take longer getting ready be... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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first_621085 last_621085 Took the long way ho yesterday and stretched the route to 7.3 miles - just in and around my home town - a great way to burn... read more

Took the long way ho yesterday and stretched the route to 7.3 miles - just in and around my home town - a great way to burn some extra calories and top up our team miles. Must do it again soon.

first_622957 last_622957 i only do commute type trips and they are super short too especially appreciated on the wet rainy days! Since i gave up the... read more

i only do commute type trips and they are super short too especially appreciated on the wet rainy days! Since i gave up the car i have become so much more aware of the fact that my distances anywhere are only ever a couple of miles!

first_621085 last_621085 Thanks Kat. Since writing about it being too short I have managed to add a few extra miles to my trips home - it was easy ... read more

Thanks Kat. Since writing about it being too short I have managed to add a few extra miles to my trips home - it was easy to do - since I was changed and on my bike anyway.

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Hi, I just finished my first ride around Southampton (28 miles). I'm so tired but very happy.

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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I cycle a lot to work average 26 miles round trip. I lock my bike up at work in the covered bike rack. I came out of work and my bike was gone... but my bike lock still attached to the rack posts... read more

Topic: Other

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first_618139 last_618139 Good to know, this is why I keep my bike in the office as it getting stolen is a constant worry

Good to know, this is why I keep my bike in the office as it getting stolen is a constant worry

first_524123 last_524123 I actually have all 4 of my bikes insured separately. The E-bike is worth over £2,000 is insured by a specific company Bikm... read more

I actually have all 4 of my bikes insured separately. The E-bike is worth over £2,000 is insured by a specific company Bikmo, the hybrid bike as you say I had to declare on my flats contents insurance as it's over £800, the e-mountain bike which was retro fitted is living at my parents house so has been declared & included on their contents policy as an individual item worth £1,500, my old road bike which lives upstairs in my flat on the indoor trainer is covered on my contents as it's only worth about £330 to replace. It's a nightmare when your bike is stolen, even when you use gold standard locks as specified by the insurance company

first_621085 last_621085 What a nightmare for you. :(

What a nightmare for you. :(

first_29220 last_29220 My gosh... Terrible tale! I've told my NHS manager I'm going to keep my road bike in the office with me from now on. It's l... read more

My gosh... Terrible tale! I've told my NHS manager I'm going to keep my road bike in the office with me from now on. It's light enough to carry up the stairs & although I have a super set of locks (plural) I'm not going to risk the Bianchi...

first_211746 last_211746 That's awful

That's awful

Show 3 more comments

Gavlann Deal

Topic: My favourite place/route to ride

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A friend of mine and me, we set a challenge: to reach Inverness starting at 2pm from Aberdeen, with a rainy forecast and good chances to ride at night. Well the rain hit us just after 1 hour and co... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

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Shona Park Wow that's an ace adventure! Nice one guys!

Wow that's an ace adventure! Nice one guys!

first_211383 last_211383 It’s awesome to ride at night because everything looks different. It feels more special. The idea of traveling and cycling ... read more

It’s awesome to ride at night because everything looks different. It feels more special. The idea of traveling and cycling whilst everyone else is asleep 🤩 also no cars!

first_622277 last_622277 Wow, you are very brave! I find riding in the dark scary enough when I have street lights.

Wow, you are very brave! I find riding in the dark scary enough when I have street lights.

first_211383 last_211383 Thank you :) It may be scary at the beginning but then you get used to. Our body and mind are so adaptable. My motto is alw... read more

Thank you :) It may be scary at the beginning but then you get used to. Our body and mind are so adaptable. My motto is always push a little bit more and go beyond your limits :)

first_691856 last_691856 I have been reading your stories. I joined lovetoride recently and I am about to start riding. Your stories have really ins... read more

I have been reading your stories. I joined lovetoride recently and I am about to start riding. Your stories have really inspired me and I am looking forward to riding from Aberdeen to another town. But first, I need to get a bike. I am going riding tomorrow (a 15 mile run) with a borrowed bike, just to get back to cycling. And maybe one day, when I have my own bike, I will get to meet you and go cycling with you...just maybe. Lol.

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We will ride from Newcastle to Whitley Bay for friendship.

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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first_598569 last_598569 You are also invited.

You are also invited.

first_620023 last_620023 I am coming

I am coming

MY EARLIEST memory of riding a bike - a tricycle with a metal roll-top storage box (a bit like an oversize bread bin, between the back wheels) – was in 1953 when, just before my fifth birthday, I j... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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first_519171 last_519171 What an inspirational story filled with common sense. You are a fabulous ambassador for cycling Roger - thank you . happy c... read more

What an inspirational story filled with common sense. You are a fabulous ambassador for cycling Roger - thank you . happy cycling🚴‍♀️

first_621085 last_621085 Excellent to read - so pleased you enjoy it so much. A daily cycle will certainly give many rewards, but I especially reso... read more

Excellent to read - so pleased you enjoy it so much. A daily cycle will certainly give many rewards, but I especially resonate with your acknowledgment of the risk of being on the road and the need for us to take responsibility to be seen. I equally am astounded when I see cyclists in dark/dull clothing - talk about camouflaged with the road! Great pic too!

The latest nominees for the #SCAwards22 are for the Recreational Cycling Awards, and we're pleased to reveal that Graham McCallum. Pauline Capaldi and Kirsteen Ross have been shortlisted.
Since... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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first_519171 last_519171 Good luck all the nominees - thank you for all your efforts supporting us recreational and commuting cyclists out there.

Good luck all the nominees - thank you for all your efforts supporting us recreational and commuting cyclists out there.

My story. Well....It will not be breathtaking and spectacular. It will not split into sections, where each is better than the other. My story will not be famous, worldwide known. It will not go by ... read more

Topic: My favourite place/route to ride

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I have just fitted this ebike conversion kit back onto my bike and its ready to go again. It is really fantastic for commuting, it blasts through the head winds and tackles the hills with ease! The... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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first_621085 last_621085 Great idea - I may explore this for some of the more reluctant cyclists in my family!

Great idea - I may explore this for some of the more reluctant cyclists in my family!

Congratulations to British Cycling Guided RIde volunteer Graham MacCallum on reaching the landmark of his 50th Guided Ride.
And although this is his 50th official Guided Ride, Graham has also a... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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first_519171 last_519171 Congratulations Graham on your 50th Guided Ride! I am one of the very grateful folks who has benefited so much from Grahams... read more

Congratulations Graham on your 50th Guided Ride! I am one of the very grateful folks who has benefited so much from Grahams Cycle Leader support, advice and gentle encouragement! I continue to make progress and my confidence grows - cyc;ling on roads, cycling at night, cycling up hills (😧)... i am very grateful! see you on the next cycle via lets ride resource ...

YES back on my bike today after holiday and coming home with covid.
3 weeks of yearning for a bike ride.
I really enjoyed my steady ride out but 12 mile felt like 22mile 😥.
It may take ... read more

Topic: Other

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Las night I was commuting from work along the river lea canal in East London when some one push me from behind ending on the floor and my bike was taken please be aware if this area

Topic: My commute by bike

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first_625799 last_625799 I hope you report this to Police and avoid this area or ride with a friend where possible . The more reports they get of B... read more

I hope you report this to Police and avoid this area or ride with a friend where possible . The more reports they get of Bike thieves/ muggers in one area then hopefully Police will take notice

first_442309 last_442309 Sorry to here this 🥲

Sorry to here this 🥲

On my route to work yesterday @ 7.30 am I miss timed a curb/hedge/pavement and went over the top of my handlebars into on coming traffic!
Fortunately a lovely lady stopped her car and made sure... read more

Hi I run leos rides I take donated bikes and rebuild them and gift them to any one needing a bike to get to work or just for fun and fitness. I am Allso a fully trained advanced bike Macanic and fu... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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Bike 10 Bus 0. In September I have now done 10 commutes , and not once has the bus I would take if I wasn't cycling passed me! Quicker, cheaper, better for the planet, better for my health.

Topic: My commute by bike

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Ever wondered how the long long never ending A38 which leads into Midlands looks like beyond Alveston / Thornbury? Me too! I had been to Itchington a couple of times before and also once to Tytheri... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

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first_83106 last_83106 There is a rather charming book written by "fat man on a bicycle" Tom Vernon all about the A38. An ancient and historic ro... read more

There is a rather charming book written by "fat man on a bicycle" Tom Vernon all about the A38. An ancient and historic route. Fun to read now... It was written in the 70s I think

Went on a bike ride with the old dear great to be back in the saddle been out every day since

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

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first_652001 last_652001 If your old dear is the lady in the back of your picture? she is looking fabulous not even a wrinkle, I thought she was yo... read more

If your old dear is the lady in the back of your picture? she is looking fabulous not even a wrinkle, I thought she was your girlfriend. 😍

first_479915 last_479915 You made my day🥰

You made my day🥰

At the start of Cycle September I never expected to be writing a story and even last week it wasn’t on my to-do list. I was enjoying my cycling and pedalling my way to and from work when I could.read more

first_621085 last_621085 Oh no that sounds horrific Ian, thank goodness you survived to tell the tale. The photos are a grim sight. Thanks for posti... read more

Oh no that sounds horrific Ian, thank goodness you survived to tell the tale. The photos are a grim sight. Thanks for posting, I will definitely be slowing down more at junctions now just incase someone pulls out. Hope you get back in the saddle and have fun again soon.

first_622957 last_622957 scary stuff! Glad you got help and support very quickly. I cycle along King Street and i am appalled at the amount of cycli... read more

scary stuff! Glad you got help and support very quickly. I cycle along King Street and i am appalled at the amount of cyclists not wearing helmets esp the delivery guys. Hopefully you get a speedy recovery and the driver gets charged.

first_619772 last_619772 Bloody hell! Just when one thinks that "it will never happen to me", these stories are a reminder that it may and it probab... read more

Bloody hell! Just when one thinks that "it will never happen to me", these stories are a reminder that it may and it probably WILL happen at some stage...

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Me and my Daughter completed the Monsal Trail while doing the cycle September with work , This is a place I love walking so doing it on a bike was Great fun , We started at Monsal Head went to B... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

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My story began when I first went on a Tour the Polongne to see how the cyclists ride. Then I got inspiration and said that I have to start riding too. I remember that day I got many gifts from the... read more

Topic: Other

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I cycled to work yesterday after dropping the kids off at school (pushing my bike) and realised that I arrived at work way earlier than if I got the bus. Happy days.

Topic: My commute by bike

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3 Churches a day makes the boredom go away!

And a unfortunate find on A5.

More pics in comments

first_622651 last_622651 It looks like I'm not able to put pics in the comment section so the reset of them are in my gallery 😁

It looks like I'm not able to put pics in the comment section so the reset of them are in my gallery 😁

Reduce CO2 emission by cycling 100 miles a week to work ...... Yes. I did it!!!!

Cafe88, Abbey Street, Accrington, BB5 1EE (near NCN 6) are offering,

Free Water Top Up or Refill
Breakfast Bap with Standard Coffee for £2.95
Coffee & Cake for £4.00 with stand... read more

Topic: Other

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I got back on the bike this weekend by cycling around Portland in Dorset with my parents. Lots of greenery and cliffs along this cycle route - a bit different to a daily commute! Still not brave en... read more

I might be stating the obvious, but I was debating whether to cycle or get the bus to work yesterday. Cycling won, and in doing so I saved £3.50. This will obviously add up and might be a big help ... read more

Topic: Other

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rode my child to nursery today

I have started up a group on Love to Ride. I did it because through work and family commitments I am unable to forward plan ride time so ride solo 99% of the time. Yet through LtR I have a sense ... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

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I went to a hen party in St Andrews and decided to cycle back.
No train no car just legs!

Topic: Other

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first_621085 last_621085 That is commitment - how long did it take, which way did you go? I love the coast road from Dundee to Aberdeen but have nev... read more

That is commitment - how long did it take, which way did you go? I love the coast road from Dundee to Aberdeen but have never cycled it.

first_211383 last_211383 I don’t miss an opportunity to jump on my bike and explore 😉 no pollution and good exercise! It took me 5/6 hours. It was f... read more

I don’t miss an opportunity to jump on my bike and explore 😉 no pollution and good exercise! It took me 5/6 hours. It was first time cycling from Dundee. I followed cycle path number 1 for the majority of the ride but I felt there were too many cars.

first_621085 last_621085 That's great, yes the cars are a pain and detract fromthe enjoyment for sure.

That's great, yes the cars are a pain and detract fromthe enjoyment for sure.

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Years ago before I could drive, I would bike it everywhere. It was more convenient than public transport and it maintained my fitness. Then I learned to drive and stopped biking as much. I did othe... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

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