What a ride it’s been! When we kicked off Stamford Cycling in January 2025, it was just a couple of mates heading out for solo rides around the Rutland and Lincolnshire countryside. Twelve months later, we’ve built something truly special – a proper cycling community that’s smashed every expectation we had.
The Numbers That Tell Our Story
The stats from 2025 are absolutely mind-blowing. Our regulars collectively clocked up 42,252 kilometres – that’s enough to lap the entire planet Earth. And if that wasn’t impressive enough, we’ve climbed a combined 267,221 metres, which is the equivalent of tackling Mount Everest 29 times over. These aren’t just numbers on a screen; they’re memories of early morning starts, windswept rides through Oakham and those brilliant descents where you feel absolutely alive.
Our Strava Club has grown from those initial solo riders to 117 cyclists who regularly share their adventures, routes and achievements. That growth shows what happens when you create a welcoming, no-drop community where everyone’s encouraged to join in, regardless of their pace or experience.
Moments That Made It Special
One of the final highlight of the year was our first proper off the bike social at the Bull and Swan. There’s something brilliant about swapping the lycra for casual clothes and sharing stories over a pint with people who just get cycling. It’s these moments that prove we’re more than just a group of riders – we’re mates who happen to love bikes.
The 100 mile charity ride deserves a special mention. Eight hours in the saddle, pushing through those inevitable tough climbs, all to raise just over £3,000 for my daughter’s local school. That ride embodied everything Stamford Cycling stands for – challenge, community and giving back to the area we love living in.
Our Favourite Pit Stop
Fika became our unofficial headquarters this year and we’ve genuinely lost count of how many coffees we’ve downed after a ride. There’s nothing quite like rolling up after 50km, legs buzzing and settling in with a flat white and some cake. The team there have been absolutely brilliant at welcoming a bunch of sweaty cyclists week after week.
What’s Coming in 2026
Here’s the thing – 2025 was just the warm-up. We’ve got an exciting partnership to announce soon that’s going to take Stamford Cycling to the next level. Can’t spill the beans just yet, but trust me, you’ll want to be part of what’s coming.
To everyone who’s joined a ride, shared a route, or simply encouraged someone else to get on their bike – thank you. You’ve made this first year something truly special. The roads around Stamford, Lincolnshire and Rutland have never felt so alive with the sound of freewheels and friendly chat.
Let’s make 2026 even better. See you on the road!
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