English
In celebration of British Bike Week, we recently asked our Facebook and Twitter friends what encouraged them to get on a bike. We received so many inspiring replies and thought we’d use this blog post to save these mini stories from getting lost in the internet ether.
Also, for those of you who have been trying to convince your parents, partners, kids and/or friends to get on a bike, we hope these stories help you on your way.
‘Kids’ can find freedom as Colin Rae did (@kevlarhead on Twitter) and as Susan Dole said on Facebook, it is never to late for happy, safe cycling.
Health kick
Overweight, now lost 3st 8lb after cycling 6,000 miles in 2 yrs. It’s been an epic adventure! Long it continue!
-@russcjohnson/Twitter
-living somewhere with poor transport links. But now im always amazed how many calories can be burnt on the bike-@naughtylumby/Twitter
To replace smoking with another, healthier addiction. Job done!
-@Mabbott888
As a kid a went on touring holidays, then got bike stolen at uni and ever got around to getting another one. 25 years latter I got so stressed at work that one evening I got on an old mountain bike and went out for a blast along the bridleways. I was hooked and back in the saddleb -Steve Smith/Facebook
Do gooding
I’ve entered into a charity bike ride in Kenya, cycling 440km for 3 major women cancer charities. I go this November but started my training with my Dad and the MC&AC, last Summer. Loving every minute of it and have now clocked up in the region of 1500+ training miles. Wish I’d done it years ago! – Helen Siddle/Facebook
I’ve just cycled from York to Amsterdam and back in four days! All girls, all novice cyclists and all for Marie Curie Cancer Care we have raised over £23,000 at the last count!!! I love my bike now and will keep cycling to work when i can!!! -Susan Doyle/Facebook
Professional inspiration
Watching #’letour on tv totally inspiring-@markagreen72 /Twitter
Chris Boardman barcelona olympics on the Lotus was my inspiration -@247LAW/Twitter
Family/friends
I blame my dad who’s been cycling more than 35 years -@ekynoxial/Twitter
Time is money!
-It kills a few birds with one stone….get your workout in, save money on gas and sometimes avoid traffic :) I love cycling to work-Emily Scarlet McDivitt/Facebook
Work in the middle of town where parking is a nightmare and company have provided showers and secure parking :-)-Nigel Bradley/Facebook
Friendly and familial encouragement-
My mum has cycled all her life, never learned to drive and is still pedalling @ 82! Sharon Gibbons/Facebook
Mate invited me out for a ride 15 yrs ago and after i decided i needed a ‘proper’ steed. Never looked back -sussexyid/Twitter
My brothers had raleigh bombers ane used to pull masive wheelies down our street ! Then bmx came out abd i was hooked-@leedobson75/Twitter
I hadn’t ridden for 13 years but my mate gave me his old Claude butler MTB after he bought a Titanium Enigma in 2008. A year later we’d completed end to end unsupported in 9 days, and two years further on I run our work cycle to work scheme and lead the bicycle user group. I honestly have no idea what I talked or thought about before this date as now it’s just bikes bikes bikes!-Phil Williams/Facebook
We’d love to hear from more of you! Share your inspiration and post it in the comment section below.
New to cycling? Wiggle can help you sort out your kit and find the right bike! Don’t forget  ’safety first’ we have helmets too.
I am 52 years of age and I have lost 5st in 4 months this year. I am now at the same weight 71kgs (5ft 9in) when I played football in my 20′s. Although my diet has fundamentally changed (Mediterranean now) the cycling has been my inspiration. I purchased a carbon racing bike at the start of the year and have not looked back. The most satisfying over budget purchase of my entire life. Completed over 2000 miles with 700 on a set of rollers purchased because of the poor weather in Feb & March. Joined British cycling and have entered a range of events. First one ended with a huge crash which wrecked my bike but I am determined to get back on ASAP. I am already having withdrawal symptoms waiting for it to be repaired. My times over 15 and 25 miles (my regular distances) have halved since starting and 90 miles is completed in around 5 hours but I feel I am only starting and can go faster. Reading and learning all I can about the Bike and riding technique. Only wish I had started younger!
regards
Alastair
I have cycled on and off all my life then my Mum at age 65 decided to cycle round the coastline of Britain and Ireland – she inspired me to do more distance on my bike which started with an organised London to Paris charity ride for the Stroke Association. Since then I have independently cycled the Ridgeway and South Downs Way raising £1500 for Macmillan and £2500 for Helen & Douglas House. I also do Triathlon for personal satisfaction and cycle 2-3 times a week on my very beautiful Ruby Elite bike.
Car was written off by two idiots in a uninsured car. Instead of going for a new car, got a decent road bike. Done first full week this week. 25 miles a day return trip. Feel knackered by great sense of achievement.
Been cycling since Jan 2011. Riden ~1200 miles and saved ~£1100 in petrol costs. Oh, lost over 4 stone too. LOVE cycling. Wife thinks I am bonkers.