Solihull

Stories from Solihull

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Stories from Solihull

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Image for story Rainbows - Reaping the Rewards

Rainbows - Reaping the Rewards

22 cyclists 🚴 500 miles, 6 days… it's the Riders of Shaam who recently took part in a 'wheelie' amazing cycling challenge which saw them ride from Amsterdam 🇳🇱 to Berlin 🇩🇪 in support of Rainbows. ... read more

Topic: Other

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No man is an island

Jason's e-biking experience is encouraging and shows that age is no barrier when it comes to cycling... his story:

"I learnt to cycle as a child and up until 4 years ago used a moped to ge... read more

Topic: Other

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Image for story Long way from home...

Long way from home...

Today we went to an open day at Kingston Maurward College - This is down in Dorset, and has a studio school attached. My eldest daughter - 15 is starting her last year in school and wanted to go to... read more

Topic: Other

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Active Holidays

I spent the holidays cycling from Santander in Spain to Bordeaux in France. It's a great way to see the countryside.

Wobbly Cyclist diary entry 2

Not such a successful ride today......yesterdays little trip was nice, wanted to push myself a bit more today!
There's a local beauty spot I've wanted to visit for ages but never seem to get a... read more

Topic: Other

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Badger culling

A few weeks ago I was coming home in the evening with two mates in time trial mode. It was dark but we had good lights. I was second and a naughty badger managed to run between me and the lead ride... read more

Topic: Other

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Why I cycle

I started with a small section of my commute by bike due to a foot injury. After being initially terrified of rising in a city, I quickly enjoyed the freedom. After treating myself to a second hand... read more

Topic: Other

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To Paris...

I turn 40 this year. To celebrate, I'm setting off tomorrow to ride from Brighton to Paris. I've always wanted to complete the Avenue Verte route - and I've done the London - Newhaven section, so i... read more

A change of lifestyle

I used to ride loads as a kid but then drifted away from it after taking up rock climbing at Uni. A few years ago some work colleagues got me back in to it, and what a blessing in disguise that tur... read more

Topic: Other

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Image for story Race Around Ireland

Race Around Ireland

In 2011 I was driving my son James to University in Sheffield. James had the idea that it would be fun to cycle a tandem from Lands End to John O'Groats. We bought a second hand tandem a Dawes Gala... read more

Topic: Other

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Our A&E service is amazing

My first ride to work today for over 2 weeks felt empowering. I came off the bike almost 3 weeks ago, resulting in a sprained shoulder, grazing from shin to hip, grazed forearm and a hefty whack to... read more

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

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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

First ride in central london

Almost died... The end 😅

Diary of a Wobbly Cyclist

I remember my first bike, I guess most people do. It was bright green, had a very uncomfortable seat and I think it is still in my parents loft! I remember cycling alot in my teens but never being ... read more

Topic: Other

Image for story Improvise

Improvise

On my way to bike store for selfie I decided to do the rocky hill. I call it rocky hill after rocky when he ran up the steps as it's such an achievement. It's pure pain and pleasure. nearly at 414 ... read more

Topic: Other

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Image for story My Cycling Journey

My Cycling Journey

My first memory of cycling, although vague, is travelling on a wooden seat on my Dad's crossbar to and from his allotment. The journey evolved as I got my own bike as a child, unfortunately money d... read more

Topic: Other

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Mr Nil Carbon

I saw a man and everything he owned seemed to be on his bike. Paniers with yellow reflectance covered by bulging carrier bags with all manner of objects dangling and hooked. Not riding but walking... read more

Topic: Other

So excited!

I collect my brand new bike next Saturday, that I have purchased through the Cycle to Work Scheme. It is a 14 mile commute - plus I am a Peripatetic Nurse, so I travel to and from various location... read more

Topic: Other

Not my best ride!

It was a sunny day in December, air temp of around 10C with a nice dry road, ideal opportunity to take the bike rather drive to work. So dressed in tights ,top, and hi vis vest, topped off with a... read more

Thank You Love To Ride!

I was delighted to be selected as the winner of Love To Ride's Global Prize Draw & could not wait to find out what my prize was. To my surprise it was $3000 (£2400) to spend on the trip of a li... read more

Topic: Other

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Bike + Freediving in Santa Cruz

Recently made plans to do a little free-diving (wetsuit, mask, fins but no scuba) with my dive buddy. I had biked to work on this day. Was able to pack my gear in my saddle bags, fins sticking out... read more

Topic: Other

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Nature on the ride

I frequently rode through a lovely park on my rides where there is a bird habitat. I often followed the hunting and mating (it is Spring) Peregrine Falcons. Then they started following ME! One w... read more

Back on my bike after accident

Two weeks ago I had a serious bike accident. Every day I missed riding my bike, then today, I felt well enough to get back on and give it a try . Was so excited that it felt so normal. Only did 1... read more

Topic: Other

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Image for story Ding Ding- ring your Bell.

Ding Ding- ring your Bell.

First a CONFESSION! I've never liked bells on bikes. In fact I'd go as far as saying I hated them- you know, the aesthetic bike fascist kind of hate.
BUT, my wife bought me a bell this Saturday... read more

Topic: Other

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Image for story Riding to discover

Riding to discover

I've joined the Lendwithcare Zambia Bike Ride taking place in May 2020. Its a 10 day trip, cycling 500 kms starting in Lusaka and ending at the fantastic Victoria Falls in Livingstone. We'll be sto... read more

Cycling can save your life. If you let it.

One year ago I was tired. I noticed my feet aching at work. People were overtaking me on shopper bikes on the way home, and my segment times were getting worse. I decided I needed a holiday. Just a... read more

Topic: Other

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Big Love

Having a lot of positives from acknowledging drivers at junctions/roundabouts and give way chicanes with this hand signal combined with a big smile.
Fist tap your heart three times- point direc... read more

Topic: Other

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Cycle 300 Cancer Research Challenge

The Cycle September CityConnect Global Bike Challenge perfectly coincides with my Cycle 300 challenge for Cancer Research. Started yesterday, 1 September with the Selby Three Swans Yorkshire Cancer... read more

Topic: Other

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Image for story The Best Times are out on 2 wheels......

The Best Times are out on 2 wheels......

My life changed when I was introduced to riding with Breeze network, not many miles but with encouragement from leaders and cycling buddies, I soon got the bug and enjoyed cycling into the wolds an... read more

Topic: Other

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Image for story Back to Cycling This Week

Back to Cycling This Week

After coming off my bike 4 weeks ago and having 3 weeks of treatment and an X-ray, I finally rode my bike again yesterday and managed 17 miles around the hill.
Such a good feeling to be back cy... read more

Cycling changed who I am

I started riding to work 2 years ago with the aim to get fit and now as a 50 year old with 4 bikes and my second Ride London under my belt and plans to do the Fred Whitton Challenge next year I don... read more

Image for story 'Upcycle-cycling

"Upcycle-cycling

About five years ago, I moved to a new house to be only 3 miles away from work.
It made sense to buy a bicycle and begin commuting in a healthier way and so I purchased a cheap bike (£89) from... read more

Topic: Other

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Theiving Beggars

Got my bike on Friday 9th August... Hadn't even put the pedals on when on Sunday 11th August some theiving git nicked it!!

Sunday was the day i was going to sort it all out and buy my insu... read more

Teamwork

My story is simple. I’m a people person. I like chatting, and my geographic knowledge and sense of direction is horrific.
To cycle more, and have more fun whilst doing it, I joined a fundraisi... read more

Topic: Other

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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

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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

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

Soaked but smiling

An early start on Saturday morning as our local parkrun was cancelled. The plan that Matt and I had hatched was to ride to to Lancaster from Preston, join their parkrun and then ride home again.read more

Topic: Other

Listen to your body

When I started riding in April and May after a long winter, I didn't feel right. Didn't feel like myself. This confirmed what I had experienced through the winter while snowshoeimg and walking. So,... read more

Topic: Other

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Image for story First proper cycling holiday

First proper cycling holiday

So waiting in Bilbao now for two days for the ferry home after an epic 3 weeks in Portugal. Cycled the west coast and saw so much, too much to write here! Everything from the pain of getting the bi... read more

Topic: Other

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Image for story My Cycling Journey

My Cycling Journey

My first memory of cycling, although vague, is travelling on a wooden seat on my Dad's crossbar to and from his allotment. The journey evolved as I got my own bike as a child, unfortunately money d... read more

Topic: Other

Eyes up, arms in!

In my old job I used to cycle along a canal, which is a lovely commute. You do have to keep your wits about you and there's no personal best opportunities because of the other canal users - was tol... read more

Topic: Other

The reverse wave.

I wave a lot at cars on my commute. Just started trying the thumbs up, reverse wave- works a treat for cars that are hanging back and being patient.
Simply take your arm behind your back, as if... read more

Topic: Other

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Image for story How did I forget how much fun this is?

How did I forget how much fun this is?

Hire bikes from the campsite on a trip to Delft in 2010 were the catalyst that rekindled my love of cycling. I couldn't believe how much fun it was and was amazed that I'd forgotten. I ordered a du... read more

Topic: Other

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I know I am a bicycling addict!

I have too many bikes, but I can always ride even if one is being repaired.
I was on a business trip succumbed to riding the hotel stationary bike...it was better than another meal out and I sl... read more

Topic: Other

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Image for story My battle with my health

My battle with my health

Get fresh it's the weekend xx
Losing weight has not only changed my life but saved it too,
If I didn't do something about it I would not have started to enjoy what life throws at you.
<... read more

Topic: Other

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Image for story The Goat Hill Gang

The Goat Hill Gang

Legend has it that it was the goat herd that brought the mighty Thor his hammer. Certainly, it was the goat herd that pulled Thor’s chariot into battle and through the heavenly adventures. While Th... read more

Topic: Other

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Image for story Good Morning

Good Morning

I never see people in the morning. And certainly not at 4:45 AM as I commute to teach indoor cycling (yes) at one of the National Gym Chains, but today was different.
I peddled past 2 very wel... read more

Topic: Other

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Image for story Independent Bookstore Day

Independent Bookstore Day

This is more a teaser than a story -- or an invitation to a discussion--is anyone else planning to bike to bookstores tomorrow (April 26th) for Independent Bookstore Day? We've biked it the last co... read more

Topic: Other

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