Cycling Through London to see the Christmas Lights on My Brompton G-Line...almost

As it is the festive season, I decided it was time to embark on a whimsical adventure through the twinkling streets of London. Armed with my trusty Brompton G-Line and a rather questionable sense of direction, I set off one chilly evening to witness the Christmas lights in all their glory…well sort of. 

Yes, been here a few times. 

The plan was to reach the outskirts of Oxford Street a little after midnight when the crowds would almost certainly have dispersed. I did this ride Thursday night into Friday and unexpectedly Friday into Saturday. (More on that later). The former was not that busy at all and the rain that had fallen all day had thankfully stopped a few hours before I set off. 

First stop: Oxford Street. As I pedalled down the normally bustling thoroughfare, I was greeted by a dazzling display of lights that could make even Scrooge crack a smile. The shops were adorned with decorations that sparkled like diamonds, and the air was filled with the scent of roasted chestnuts - or was it just the awful smells emitting from people vaping? Either way, I was in the festive spirit! I tried to avoid the occasional pedestrian who seemed oblivious to my presence, despite my several hundred lumens emitting from various lights on my G-Line. My various lights where the brightest thing on Oxford Street as the Christmas lights had been turned off. A little like Cinderella, midnight is a bit of a thing!

Next, I made my way to Regent Street, where the lights were strung up like a million tiny stars - picturing in my head what they would be like if they were turned on! I couldn’t help but chuckle at the sight of a group of tourists attempting to take selfies (yes in the middle of the road), only to be photobombed by a rather enthusiastic rickshaw bike taxi. “Ho ho ho!” he bellowed, zooming past them all, above his astonishingly loud sound system playing, ‘Santa Tell Me’ by Ariana Grande!

As I continued my journey, I ventured into the empty Carnaby Street. A few window cleaners did their thing in peace and quiet, but one lady stood midway down and had a conversation with herself about the state of the world. 

I did think that she might be conversing with someone via a mobile and bluetooth headphone but no, she wasn't. She approached one of the poor window cleaners who stoically carried on as best he could. 

She is there in the distance.

After about 15 miles I made my way back, heading north. As I cycled up Swain’s Lane, I felt a chill run down my spine. Light fog had rolled in, swirling around me like something out of a horror film. Highgate Cemetery loomed ominously to my left and right, its ancient tombstones just about visible through the mist. Every rustle of leaves sent my imagination into overdrive, conjuring images of Victorian ghosts rising from their graves to join my midnight ride. I half expected to see a ghostly figure beckoning me to join the ranks of the dearly departed. ‘Not today!’ I muttered as I pedalling faster. I imagined the cemetery’s inhabitants shaking their heads and tutting at my lack of decorum.

Finally, I made it back to the safety of home. I parked my Brompton and took a moment to reflect on the evening’s escapades. I now had to get a Brompton G-Line inside without waking up Mrs Orange, the Orangette’s and several cats. 

Later on Friday, after a few hours sleep, I found myself in Barbican dropping off a Christmas present to an old friend Tom - who in addition to his fleet of CHPT3’s also has a few versions of the T - Line. Hearing about my nocturnal adventures and liking idea, we ended up doing much the same for a couple of hours Friday night into Saturday morning. Again, I managed to leave home when everyone was asleep and return without incident. 

Apart from a few errands - where the rear rack will come in surprisingly handy - I have no more rides planned until the other side of Christmas. I am sure I will manage to sneak in the odd photo opportunity though. 

Until next time, stay safe out there people!