In January 2025, we at Sweden by Bike got in touch with the bicycle association Pinglorna. A non-profit organization for both men and women who cycle and walk together. Pinglorna used Sweden by Bike to book, adapt and plan a group trip to Småland. We had the opportunity to ask some questions to the member Monica.
It sounds like a nice idea to have a cycling association for retired people who meet regularly and go on trips together. How did it all start?
The origins of the Pinglorna cycling and walking association lie in the fact that some pensioners started cycling together in their local area. They also started walking in the fall of 2009, and in 2010 the association was registered and named. The idea is to offer members a range of cultural activities, health through exercise, walking, cycling and, last but not least, making new friends.
How do you carry out your activities?
We have an initiative called "Always on a Wednesday". We use the commuter train to get around the whole of Stockholm County. During the walking period, the metro is also used. You get to see all of Stockholm County from north, south to west and east, including various museums. Non-members are also welcome to join the bike tours and walks at a cost of 20 SEK. To participate in our trips, however, you must be a member.
Where do you go on your bike trips?
Our bicycle trips have taken us around Sweden to the Göta Canal, southern Öland, Siljan around, Kattegattleden. The penguins have also been to several different countries in Europe; Italy, Poland, Czech Republic, Mallorca and more.
Can you tell us how you organize a bike trip?
Planning a trip can be done in different ways. In this case, when we planned a trip to Småland, we chose to contact Sweden by bike for help with customization and booking. Then there are several small companies that offer bicycle trips, and they also collaborate with Sweden by Bike sometimes. Another variant is to plan the trip yourself with the help of bicycle maps. There are plenty of cycling maps covering southern Sweden, but not as many in the north.
Do you have any tips for those planning a cycling trip?
Planning a cycling trip takes time, especially if you do it without help. Therefore, you should preferably start in November, December. This year is the first time we have used Sweden by Bike. We are very pleased with the reception, all the planning and help we received.
