Cycling must be the only sport with so many enthusiasts that discovered it by accident. Even going for a jog or a kickabout requires a certain amount of planning, but hopping on a bike to pop to the shops or get to work and back can be the kind of things we don’t really think about – we just do it. And, as these testimonies from cyclists up and down the country show, a few short rides can be all it takes to unlock an obsession. From people who found their first bikes in skips or rusting in a friend’s garden to elite athletes and lifelong adherents, their stories will inspire you to get in the saddle this summer.
Lucia, 12, London
I’ve always loved cycling. It’s a really good way to travel and explore new places. You can go really long distances, and stop pretty much wherever you want, and it’s so much faster than walking. It can be tiring, of course, but getting to your destination is such a great feeling. Plus, when you go fast, it feels like you’re flying! My dad and I recently went with some friends to Brighton by bike. We went through forests and fields, met some friendly cows and horses, and ended up at the beach. It was such a fun weekend.
