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 My colleagues ride annually in Europe

My colleagues ride annually in Europe

This year rode (was supposed to be from Trafalgar Square but changed due to unrest) from 22nd September (early morning until late afternoon in torrential rain!) We started in Letchworth 60 mile... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

2
Image for story Isobel's Cycling Journey

Isobel's Cycling Journey

I’m a 57 year old community worker who started cycling around 2.5 years ago after seeing an advertisement for the Great North Bike ride and decided to enter it to motivate myself to get fit. My fri... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

2
5
Image for story Faster than a car!

Faster than a car!

I work as a P.E teacher in Kilmarnock and I first heard about Love to Ride from the East Ayrshire Council website. I've been a recreational cyclist since I was a boy but got my Boardman road bike f... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

4
Image for story Night ride at long last

Night ride at long last

My first night ride since before my long lay up after surgery. I didn't realise how much I missed it, 15 miles of bliss.

Topic: Other

6
Image for story Catching the bike bug.

Catching the bike bug.

I turned 50 in December. Had a bad skiing accident in February where I was unable to do a lot of exercise. I put on a few pounds and my fitness deteriorated during recovery. Started to get stronger... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

1
6
Image for story Love To Ride goody bag winners

Love To Ride goody bag winners

These two amazing people won the goody bag today at a Love To Ride cycling event. Wheely Active CIC helped them to get their bikes road worthy and sized correctly. Having previously cycled... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

2
7

Dusting off the bike for my Cycle September Commute

It's been quite some time since I've commuted to work by bike (certainly over a couple of years), but as I had arranged a workplace Dr Bike for colleagues as part of Cycle September I set myself a ... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

6
Image for story Women's Group Ride from Southampton to the New Forest!

Women's Group Ride from Southampton to the New Forest!

I wanted to encourage more members of my team to ride for Cycle September as well as build up my own miles. I cycle small distances for transport but haven't been out on a longer ride for ages. We... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

4
Image for story Rail & Ride

Rail & Ride

It’s a damp grey start this morning for a commute to Beverley from Seamer. Did you know there is no need to book your cycle on a Northern train (there is a limit though) So if you fancy an advent... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

5
Image for story Ride the lights

Ride the lights

Pouring rain we left the airport area and did the whole ride!

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

4
Image for story Cycle tour to Norfolk

Cycle tour to Norfolk

My husband and I gave up our car last October. We now commute 5 miles to work and back four days a week. At the moment we are on a cycling and camping tour to Norfolk. Today we arrived in Ely. 73 ... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

3

Wolds Way Cycle Route in a Day 146 Miles

I am 71 years old and recently completed the above challenge. It has been on my bucket list for some time. Riding time was 10.5 hours averaging 14 mph. It may sound daunting to some of you, but it... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

4
Image for story Cycling for covid recovery reignited my love for mtb

Cycling for covid recovery reignited my love for mtb

I caught covid the end of 2020 in December and then suffered with long Covid. I went from going to the gym lifting heavy and doing hiit sessions 4/5 days a week, to struggling to walk upstairs with... read more

Topic: Biking in the Coronavirus Era

2
6

Great Start to Cycle September!

What a fantastic way to start Cycle September! A 30 minute cycle in the rain... surely it can only get better from here 🤞

Topic: My commute by bike

3
Image for story Railway Track from Cloughton   to Staintondale

Railway Track from Cloughton to Staintondale

This morning we cycling to Staintondale from Scarborough and back to seafront. Old railway track is very popular track with cyclists/walkers from Scarborough to Whitby. Railway track from Bur... read more

Topic: Other

6
Image for story A cyclists friend,  Diamond of a man.

A cyclists friend, Diamond of a man.

Look at this great guy blowing them pesky thorns off the road to help us on bikes. I had just changed my front inner tube 100yds before this. Thank you that man. I wonder if I could fit a leaf bl... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

1
7
Image for story 1000 miles + in July

1000 miles + in July

I have a bucket list ride coming up in October, the Garden Route in South Africa. So need to get some mileage in the legs. Having been restricted by a few health issues and of course the poor weath... read more

Topic: Carbon Crushers

6
Image for story Scarborough North Bay Railway

Scarborough North Bay Railway

Always make me smile seeing the train and water chute. Cycled past it hundreds of times but never get bored of seeing it.

Topic: My favourite place/route to ride

11
Image for story Where Theres A Will Theres A Way

Where Theres A Will Theres A Way

Who said delivering a hire bike couldn't be done by bike 😃 A great example from Bob at Wheely Active of using sustainable travel at its best.

Topic: My commute by bike

9
Image for story Herculean Sportive

Herculean Sportive

My favourite place to ride is the outer Hebrides and every year they hold the Herculean Sportive . This covers 100 miles and is over 5 islands accessible by causeways.. it is the most beautiful p... read more

Topic: My favourite place/route to ride

1
8
Image for story Enjoyed a nice riding to Beverley

Enjoyed a nice riding to Beverley

Finally had some nice weather so I take a nice bike riding to Beverley it was about 18-22km round trip. Can’t wait for my next adventure

Topic: Other

6
Image for story Freedom comes on two wheels !

Freedom comes on two wheels !

I’m Fatima, I moved to Blackpool after I qualified as a doctor but I’m originally from Pakistan. I’ve been cycling since I was a child of around 3 or 4. I was tiny and the bicycle that my father ... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

9
Image for story First 💯km!!

First 💯km!!

After telling my cycling buddies I'm going to do it for what seems an age I've finally crushed my demon! Far easier than I'd built it up to be in my head and loved every minute of the ride 😎

Topic: A happy riding memory

4
Image for story Beautiful Interlaken Bike Ride

Beautiful Interlaken Bike Ride

I had the privilege to bike ride and see some of the beautiful sights in Interlaken, Switzerland in June 2024. Bike riding provides a unique experience enabling you to be more in touch with your s... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

1
8
Image for story Amsterdam

Amsterdam

Holiday

Topic: My Bicycle Romance

6
Image for story Age is no barrier

Age is no barrier

I am Ian Shaw from Balloch West Dunbartonshire. I found out about LTR in my then work place Glasgow Clyde College and I'm now retired. I have been cycling for about 40 years now as well as a ke... read more

Topic: A story from the Bike Challenge

6
Image for story A Mixed-Ability Cycling Adventure from Barry Island to Sharpness!

A Mixed-Ability Cycling Adventure from Barry Island to Sharpness!

On Friday, October 11th, we embarked on a 92-mile cycling adventure from Barry Island Station to Sharpness, united by a common cause – to support the Save Tall Ship Tenacious campaign and inspire i... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

3
Image for story Inclusive adventures for all

Inclusive adventures for all

92 miles DONE! 🎉 What a weekend with an incredible mixed ability team! 🚴‍♀️🚴‍♂️ We cycled all the way from Barry Island to Gloucester and even managed to squeeze in an interview with Mike Griffi... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

5

A gratitude post!

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed cycle September and was heading out in an extra ride yesterday when I realised I had a flat tire. Turned round, pushed the bike home and pumped it up, within seconds it was ... read more

Topic: Other

1
9
Image for story Made to Bruges!

Made to Bruges!

I love this picture. it's my friend and I in Bruges in Belgium. Earlier on in the year, I invited him to join me early Sept to go on a bike adventure. Over 4 days, we'd cycle in France and Belgi... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

4
Image for story Rain or shine - the only way to commute!

Rain or shine - the only way to commute!

Just a quick one, but surely arriving at work (or anywhere to be fair) by bike is the best way to start the day?! I wake up excited to ride, and look forward to the ride home. Even during the hideo... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

9
Image for story Coffee ride

Coffee ride

Cycling from southampton to Lyndhurst New forest. Have a Coffee the woods cyclery bike shop. [address removed]

Topic: My favourite place/route to ride

5
Image for story Loving the Chocolate Path

Loving the Chocolate Path

The Chocolate Path follows the river Avon for a good part of my commute to Bower Ashton and is a beautiful part of the ride. It was closed for 6 years after part of it collapsed into the river, for... read more

Topic: Other

15
Image for story National Trust Cafe Ravenscar

National Trust Cafe Ravenscar

Recommend a stop at this lovely cafe on Stage 1 of the Moors to Sea Cycle Route in Ravenscar. Outstanding food and service from staff, and the views from beyond the cafe are spectacular. Chec... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

6

Moving Through Anxiety

I used to ride my bike every day during 2020, when the roadways were quiet and the sun was shining. It was amazing seeing spiders flying overhead with silk parachutes and hearing birds singing - so... read more

Topic: My first time on a bike in years

2
7
Image for story Lancs to Leeds

Lancs to Leeds

Started commuting to work via train. 2 hour journey 3 days a week so don’t want to have to walk at the other end. Bought an old fold up bike for £25 to give it a go. Doing me good so far!

Topic: My commute by bike

1
7
Image for story Blackpool Ride the light

Blackpool Ride the light

Rain or shine in blackpool ride the light last august 27

Topic: A happy riding memory

6
Image for story We all have Tenacity, if we dig deep enough

We all have Tenacity, if we dig deep enough

My journey has been a difficult one, and one in which I have learnt a lot about myself both mentally and physically. My boundless amounts of positivity have always turned the frequent downs int... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

4
Image for story Black Women on Wheels (BWOW)

Black Women on Wheels (BWOW)

I always commuted by bike but joining Black Women on Wheels has been amazing for improving my cycling skills and doing long rides and sportives like Ride London. I’m now a BWOW ride lead and it’s s... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

7
Image for story Mountain biking with my boy ❤️

Mountain biking with my boy ❤️

After attending some intro to mountain biking skill courses during the summer holidays (provided by cycle station, darvel) my 9 year old son was keen to continue. This morning I strapped the bikes... read more

Topic: Ride with kids

4
Image for story Thorn in my side you know that's all you ever were. (Eurythmics).

Thorn in my side you know that's all you ever were. (Eurythmics).

First time off road since my Hip revision surgery and it was tested by them god damm thorns. 2 to be procise in my front tyre. It was still a very nice day and a very nice ride out. There was eve... read more

Topic: Other

3
Image for story Railway Paths in England

Railway Paths in England

Many former railway lines in North East England have been converted to paths for cycling and walking. This is an old rail map from the railway station at Beamish, superimposed with a nearly traffic... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

4
Image for story YESSSSS I'M BACK

YESSSSS I'M BACK

My First time back on my bike since my hip revision surgery in January. I was very nervous but I just took it real easy and only did 4 mile, it's gonna take a while to build my leg strength as it ... read more

Topic: A happy riding memory

10
Image for story Sunshine

Sunshine

Ride a bike rain or shine..hehehe

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

13
Image for story Our Scottish Adventure

Our Scottish Adventure

In May, my family and I rode to Rugby station from our home 12 miles away and caught the train to London to get the Caledonian Sleeper to Fort William. We spent a fabulous car free week there!

Topic: Ride with kids

6
Image for story Group ride

Group ride

I enjoy getting as many people to ride as much as possible

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

8
Image for story Cycling is for everyone !

Cycling is for everyone !

My name is Tony, I’m from Salford and moved to Blackpool a few years ago to be near family. I’ve been a cyclist for years and love to cycle whenever I get the chance! I regularly take my little b... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

6
Image for story Car-Free June

Car-Free June

Car Free June day 28 - I've had an interesting month leaving the car behind and using a combination of bike and train to get about and get to work. Here are some findings: 1. Total km cycled = 1... read more

Topic: My commute by bike

6
Image for story Finally back in the saddle

Finally back in the saddle

Great to be back in the saddle after being knocked off the bike feels great .

Topic: A happy riding memory

8

"Back" to it!

Just a quick note, I had to share my news with someone. I am back on my bike! After a period of nearly 9 months with a dodgy leg from a back injury I am back on a bike and loving it! I went on a... read more

Topic: Encouraging others to ride

7