UK

Stories from the United Kingdom

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

L2P

Ever thought of riding London to Paris?
I've just done this twice in the last few weeks. The 1st time was in 24hrs, after one of those "how do you fancy..." conversations, & the second time... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

1

Lots of small steps

I've been commuting into London by bike 1-3 times per week for 3 years now and it seems the most obvious and normal thing to do. But it took a while and I've realised it was lots of small steps....... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

Quick mud flap

Likely to get caught out in some rain? Hate that wet bottom from the spray? Simple life hack - grab a plastic milk carton and cut it in half lengthwise so that you have the handle still attached. T... read more

Topic: Other

3
Image for story Slow burn

Slow burn

I've always loved bikes but been afraid to go out on the roads, I've spent months building myself up to it and I finally cycled to work for the first time last week. It's a small achievement but it... read more

Topic: My Bicycle Romance

1

You get used to it

This is what a cycle commuter friend of mine told me after I had commuted in a few times with my new bike a couple of years back and I reported being freaked out by the traffic. It seems daunting a... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

1

What starts from humble roots...

I remember buying my first commuter bike four years ago, a cheap and cheerful single speed to get to and from work. But oh how the addiction grew... First came SPDs, followed by lycra, followed by ... read more

Topic: My Bicycle Romance

1
Image for story Green in the city

Green in the city

I've been computing by bike now for four weeks. It's just under 10kms through two of London’s parks. Over the past four weeks, I have noticed a real change, when I get into work, and when I get hom... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

Great times

Beats the bus, smells better, you look hot as a fit not fat person, it's fun, and drivers are mostly decent.

Topic: A happy riding memory

Image for story Cycle to work and the impact on my son.

Cycle to work and the impact on my son.

I try and ride to work as much as I can but sometimes need a bit of a push. Cycle to work gives me that incentive every year. This year my boy noticed I was riding more and asked why? I told him an... read more

Topic: My favourite place/route to ride

1
Image for story returning and loving it

returning and loving it

Really bad car smash last year and revoked driving licence. Decided fitness needs a boot up the backside and can't keep using the excuse of " not fit enough yet" !! invested in a new Pedal Assist b... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

1

Riding it out

Cycling to raise money for Bloodwise so that I can help them help others.

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

1
Image for story First riding memories

First riding memories

I learnt to ride a tricycle at the age of 4-5 and at that time cycled up and down the pavement along a main road campaigning for my local M.P. I had strapped to my trike a notice saying "VOTE FOR B... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

2

inspired

well i thought if I was going to do bike to work day I would do the full summer so far I have only driven a car 3 times since june and also lost half a stone so well worth it. 1 hit and Run later b... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

2
Image for story Gym

Gym

I cycle to the gym nearly every day. Not only does it save money but it is the perfect warm up and cool down before and after my workout plus no worries about parking the car!

Topic: My favourite place/route to ride

Clean Bike, Easy Ride

I have been commuting to work via Bike since October 2018. I was advised by bike veterans on the improtance of washing your bike but didn't take much notice. After a months of riding i decided my... read more

Topic: My Bicycle Romance

Northumberland

I cant think of a better area to ride in than here. You want hills we got them, Coastal routes, rolling roads, AONB all in the one place. From Tynemouth up to Berwick

Topic: My favourite place/route to ride

2

My road bike story

About 1 year ago I rode a road bike for the first ever time while on holiday, a bit late to the game being in my late 20s.....

Growing up I had a sturdy mountain bike, and more recently h... read more

Topic: Other

1

Riding 1000 miles in 7 days

Hi!

Each year I raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support by taking on several tough cycling challenges, mostly of my own design. So far this year I've raised over £2000 which is amazing &a... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

2

Recovering from an accident

Getting back on my bike after being knocked off by a car. Definitely feeling it in my legs after six weeks off, but feels GREAT to be back out again!

Topic: My commute by bike

Wheel Replacement Saving

Had to replace my wheels on my hybrid commute bike as the rims were dilapidated. "29ers" were cheaper than "700c". NB unless you are running narrow tyres they are same ;)

Topic: My commute by bike

Image for story Racing the robins

Racing the robins

Cycling to work gives me the best start to every day. I'm lucky enough to commute via a cycle path that takes me out of the busy city for just a short while and it's bliss. Last week, a little robi... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

4

Park Life

I am so lucky to be able to commute to work via a beautiful park, a moment to appreciate the open space en route to work.

Topic: My commute by bike

1
Image for story Some days I go to work just so that I can do my bicycle commute

Some days I go to work just so that I can do my bicycle commute

People think I am crazy. a middle-aged (yes I have to write that now) female riding over 11 miles each way to work and back, year round. It took a little while to figure out that
1. there was ... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

3

Joy of towpath

Bit of a chill this morning but made up by the sight of a heron in full flight over the still canal waters.

Topic: My commute by bike

Surprises galore!

So I cycle to work most days,I arrive at work at 5.30am (yes that time does actually exist!). As part of my route I cycle through Cannon Hill Park in Edgbaston opposite the The cricket place.. One ... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

2
Image for story No matter the Weather - Glad to be back

No matter the Weather - Glad to be back

After a number of years off my mountain bike (Kids happen) I am really enjoying getting back out on 2 wheels, including the switch to something a little racier through the Cyclescheme, I am lucky e... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

1

From commuting to "Blackpool to Paris"

I started out commuting to work a few years ago, as an alternative to running. As I grew to start enjoying riding I started to go out with a club, and over time extended my ride distance from 10 or... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

1
1
Image for story Simple Cycling Commuter Hacks

Simple Cycling Commuter Hacks

Little things make life simple, my top 5 are:
1) carry oil in a little sushi plastic bottle, it will get rid of those annoying dry chain!
2) a chain that you can carry easily that wont lose... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

Image for story Wildlife in all its forms

Wildlife in all its forms

While the nights are light, and the fields remain dry, my commute takes me across the wildflower meadows of Cambridgeshire.
Once out of my estate, and having successfully (hopefully) negotiat... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

1

A more challenging route

I swapped my car parking permit for a set of cycle-to-work incentives (basically you get a few free daily parking permits if you are a bike user) last September and I've been mainly cycling (with a... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

1

Stress Free Stay Well

I have been commuting for a good few years now come rain or shine. Although it can be a bit miserable at times with poor weather, I find it very therapeutic. If the work day is stressful the journe... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

1

Cycle Box

I am not sure this is the best name for the cycle area at the front of the lights, but I can't come up with anything that fits better. I am beyond fed up with motorbikes and scooters sitting in the... read more

Topic: Other

2

Back on the bike

It has been quite a few years since I commuted to work but have managed to get back in the saddle again. Have been commuting by bike at every opportunity over the past 6 weeks and aiming to keep i... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

2
Image for story returning and loving it

returning and loving it

Really bad car smash last year and revoked driving licence. Decided fitness needs a boot up the backside and can't keep using the excuse of " not fit enough yet" !! invested in a new Pedal Assist b... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

1
Image for story Two wheel therapy

Two wheel therapy

As a sufferer of bipolar disorder, my brain is very busy, an awful lot of the time. The one time I find peace, is out on my bike. It is remarkably therapeutic, and the main reason I ride my bike

Topic: Other

1
Image for story Cycling to the BL at Boston Spa

Cycling to the BL at Boston Spa

Cycling to the British Library at Boston Spa is a treat. The library is excellent; the staff helpful; the coffee very good. There is no public transport from York. But the best route for a cyclist ... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

1
Image for story 13 stone weight loss with a lot of help from Cycling

13 stone weight loss with a lot of help from Cycling

Just over a year ago weighing 27 stone I finally decided to do something about my weight. I started with the diet but set myself 3 goals which I wanted to hit with the weight loss. 1) Start cycling... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

3
5
Image for story The joys of cycling the UK's canal network

The joys of cycling the UK's canal network

We discovered the joys of 'canal cycling' around three years ago when we detoured off the Thames path at Brentford and onto the towpath of Grand Union Canal heading towards Birmingham. We've been h... read more

Topic: My favourite place/route to ride

1

Did I just do that?

So, I recently started a new job, about 5 miles from where I live (Leeds), previous to that I had spent the last 6 months working about 25miles away from home.

On starting the new job I w... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

1
Image for story Come rain or shine

Come rain or shine

As a year-round commuter, I'm used to taking on all weathers. Energy-sapping heat, bone-chilling cold and everything in between. Having the right gear helps of course, but sometimes you just have ... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

6
Image for story LEJOG - what was I thinking!?

LEJOG - what was I thinking!?

A couple of years ago I decided I wanted to complete Lands End to John O'Groats. I had only purchased my first 'real' bike a year before and had done a few shortish rides, 10 or 15 miles here and ... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

1

Enjoying my new e-bike

Having jacked in the cycle commute a couple of years ago because of the gradient struggle in the City of Seven Hills, I'm now back on a new e-bike and loving it. It might well be cheating, but my ... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

The power of bikes and friendship

Having lived in London now for nearly 7 years, I'd mostly thought that those choosing to cycle everywhere were a bit crazy to do so. I mean... it doesn't rain on the tube...? And public transport i... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

1
Image for story Hard to get back on

Hard to get back on

Used to commute to work everyday 20 miles but 2 accidents, a broken back, have made me rethink. Still trying but more social now so enjoying the cake stops. Happy rides😎

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

1
Image for story Commuting to work (off road) in memory of my dad

Commuting to work (off road) in memory of my dad

Many years ago I used to cycle to work 16 miles each way and loved it. Until one day a driver thought he could be quicker than me and pulled out in front of me and I went through his windscreen. L... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

2

Wear your helmet.

I haven't ridden a bike in years but have a partner who is a cycling nut so I finally cracked and got a Liv Hybird through the cycle to work scheme. Between my partner's nagging and NR's terms and ... read more

Topic: Other

My Road to Recovery

Coming from a cycling family it won't be a surprise that I have been a cyclist all my life. However my cycling activity was curtailed after a cancer diagnosis and prostrate removal in March of this... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

1
Image for story Mental health restart

Mental health restart

I've suffered from mental health problems for a few years following some trauma. I have tried everything to combat it until about 3 months ago when a colleague suggested the cycle to work scheme. I... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

Decided to get brave

OK so I have been commuting to and from work a fair bit in the past few weeks and the weather has been kind. On Thursday I had to work in Bristol (57 miles away). Being bike to work day I thought... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

Image for story My journey

My journey

I started cycling about 15 years ago. It was when I first moved to London from the countryside of Suffolk for university. I loved it and cycled a great deal. However, after a few years, some ill he... read more

Topic: My Bicycle Romance