Saturday, 31 May 2014

Getting lost on a Brompton in London

This morning I had arranged to meet my cycling Partner Andrew for a daytime resume of the popular ride, 'Docklands by Dark.' Yesterday we had both downloaded David's route onto our respective Garmin devices and looked forward to riding together and seeing this route in daylight hours.

The meeting point was the London Eye. I got off at Waterloo and things didn't bode too well as I got lost trying to negotiate the exit nearest to the London Eye! Luckily I didn't have to admit defeat and resort to plotting a route on the iPhone and soon found my way.

Andrew was already there and after loading up the route, we set off. We got about 30 metres before having to stop - mainly due to yours truly not having the slightest clue where to go or how to properly work my Garmin!


At the London Eye

Getting ready for the rush

After some tinkering we got going and vaguely followed David's route. The weather was glorious after the past few days of rain to the extent that Andrew brought out his best camera. We quite happily took lots of photos and despite this were covering the ground pretty well.






Stopping adjacent to City Hall designed by Norman Foster we were treated to some daytime views of some of London's finest views. It was so bright at times that taking photos proved to be a challenge. We should of really had filters to cope with this - next time perhaps - but we did our best.




Getting the camera ready

In the floor water jets rose in an unpredictable pattern. I did my best to try and time taking a picture of my Brompton when they shot up.




City Hall by Norman Foster

At this stage we hadn't got too far into the route but were nonetheless enjoying it all. We were occasionally getting lost but it didn't really matter and was part of the fun.



Another Norman Foster gem in the distance - 'The Gherkin.'



Still not sure if I dislike or hate the Shard?


Going over Tower Bridge brought back memories of a few weeks ago when we were on the 'Thames Bridges' charity ride. It also brought back memories of last years NightRider where we cycled across it in the early hours.






It dawned on me that next week I would be doing the same as the 2014 NightRider is only a week away. Thankfully I feel pretty well prepared and don't really have any worries about the 60 miles...although the reality of cycling this for real might be different.






As we turned into one of the many wharfs along the Thames we spotted the 'Gloriana' which like us certainly gets around. We spotted this last on the 'Thames Bridges' ride near Hampton Court and now here in central London.









The looming skyline of Canary Wharf was every present in the distance and soon we would be cycling through it.






There is something magical about the river Thames. It is beautiful at night of course but seeing it in daylight is always a treat.







Canary Wharf was fairly quiet and I suspect it would take on a very different aspect on weekdays. Cars were almost non-existent and we had the place more or less to ourselves.






The 'Traffic Light Tree' on the roundabout near Canary Wharf contains over 70 lights controlled by a computer. This always amuses me as the first time I set eyes on it I speculated how on earth I would know to stop or go, not realising it was a piece of public art!






As we headed over a bridge I thought I could smell something fishy and looking over I saw the famous Billingsgate Fish Market. Once the largest fish market in the world, it has been on its current site since 1982. It is open Tuesday to Saturday from 04:00 to 08:30 and if you fancy going to buy, you can.





As we headed away from Canary Wharf we spotted a small naval frigate. I am not sure why it was there but tannoy announcements to the crew indicated that it was a working ship.






Just before we reached Greenwich I found that I could not navigate any further - as I had pressed too many buttons and mucked the route up. Andrew was not much better but had more of a clue of not only the direction to go and what to do with the Gamins to make them work. After reloading the route, we found it again and proceeded.

The foot tunnel at Greenwich that takes you under the Thames is a particular favourite on Brompton rides. Started in 1889 the 370 metre tunnel takes you 15 metres under the river Thames. Today it was incredibly busy with lots of people enjoying its delights.






Out on the other side we saw another naval ship, this one bigger than the one near Canary Wharf. Again I am not sure why it was there but it was attracting lots of attention from tourists, onlookers and chaps on Brompton bicycles.






Passing through a very busy Greenwich we skirted the park for Crooms Hill. This is a fairly steep road that snakes its way adjacent to the park. Andrew on his new 44T motored up and said that he found it easier than on his former 50T. I have a 44T chainring and will have to fit it and give it a go at some point.





With the City in the distance we negotiated the winding Thames Path with varying degrees of success. At one point we cycled along parts of the Thames we had not been on before and even got a group of walkers following us to a dead end!







At a set of traffic lights I spotted a particularly fine motor cycle of the Italian variety. I nodded my approval at the rider and he did likewise at my Brompton.





When we neared St Paul's we went for some refreshment at 'Look Mum No Hands.' They were quite literally run off their feet so we decided to forego the incredibly good looking breakfast for a tasty Chelsea bun and drink.





Refreshed we made the short journey to Smithfield Market. This time next week we will be racing in one of the purest bicycle events. As I took the photo below I felt nervous. We headed off for a few laps but unlike the actual race, there were other road users, pedestrians and traffic lights. Still, we managed a few sections at race speed. There was also some works being carried out for Crossrail which narrowed a section of road greatly. If this is still there for next week it is going to be interesting!!



Smithfield


After about three good laps we called it a day and went our separate ways. I cycled back just over 10 miles from Smithfield to where I had parked the car. The first part was hindered by lots of road closures as there was an event on but not sure what? This was a good ride out and for me the getting lost was part of the fun. It was also good to be out with my Partner in Crime. 

I'm sure that those with road bikes, mountain bikes or hybrids would say that that they love their bicycles but there really is something more to owning a Brompton. Owning a Brompton and riding it just makes you feel good. It also rubs off on others too. At Greenwich a charming lady from India asked if my bicycle was a Brompton folding bike? When I confirmed that it was, she enthusiastically asked if she could take a picture of it as she had hoped to see one while here on her holiday. 

If you are reading this and you own a Brompton, you may well be nodding in agreement. If you are thinking of getting a Brompton, the only advice I can give you is to look back at my blog entries and read about all the adventures I have been on. Yes, I'll be commuting to and from work on my Brompton on Monday morning but I will also be using it to go on lots more adventures. I am not saying you'll have the same experiences or feel the same way I do but...

You can click on the link below which shows the route from Canary Wharf. I didn't actually record the ride until this point - such was my ineptness at navigating. I think it was possibly 10 miles more as we started at the London Eye?

Friday, 30 May 2014

Extreme Brompton Cycling Weekend!!

Saturday 7th June is going to be a rather busy day for me and a day that has been etched in my calendar for several months. As I type this I wonder whether I have fully appreciated what I will be doing but them it dawned on me that I have done this all before - the Nocturne and the 100km NightRider around London!

A few days ago I received the very welcome news that I had got my place at the Jupiter London Nocturne. This will be the third time I have taken part and it has for me at least become a must do event. The reasons are quite simple. The Nocturne is a very pure race that isn't for the faint of heart. Ones bicycle is left in the folded position. The signal is given for the off and riders run to their bicycles, unfold and go. No time chips, just first past the post.

It is quite an experience and if anything I feel more nervous about the Nocturne than any other event I have entered. It is brutal and despite the course being short, it is very demanding. I have been round the circuit in the middle of the night and early hours of the morning at considerable speed - more so than when competing at the actual race! Race conditions are very different and nerves take hold. Still, it remains a fanatsic event. It is also a great day as a spectator and it celebrates cycling in all its forms. I was so engrossed in one particular elite riders race that I almost missed the call for my heat.

This event will take place from 15:00 onwards and after this I will have to travel to Alexandra Palace for the NightRider. This is a charity event in which I have been collecting money for Breast Cancer Care. This will see me start from Alexandra Palace cycling to Crystal Palace and then back to Alexandra Palace. It is 100km and I will start just before midnight.

I will be going to the Nocturne and then more or less going straight to the NightRider. I am really glad I am also going to the Nocturne as the prospect of going to this event was part of my charity drive - two back to back events! In fact I will be doing the same next year.


The Jupiter London Nocturne


So far I have raised £525 but with gift aid this amount has been increased to £656.25. I am really pleased that I have been able to raise as much as this and happy that it is going to such a good charity.


The NightRider


I really don't know what preparations I am going to do in the days leading up to next Saturday? Possibly just clean my Brompton. If anything I don't really want to think too much about it as I am excited enough about it as it is.

If you are in London next Saturday, it really is worth going to the Nocturne as a spectator. Of course should you see me on my Orange Brompton...give me a cheer!!
Link to my Just Giving Page

Monday, 26 May 2014

Brompton Water Bottle Solution

Regular readers might have remembered a blog post about a water bottle holder I bought from CycleMiles. For me this was the best solution to carrying a water bottle on ones Brompton. When I found out that Cyclemiles were now selling an orange version...I had to have one!








The Monkii Cage system is a very clever idea that just works. The clip (pictured below) is attached to the handlebar stem via a clamp. The kit comes with a rubber pad so that you don't damage the paintwork but nothing needs to be tightened that much in order for things to remain perfectly in place.


The clip attached to the stem

The next part of the system is the cage (pictured below). You don't get a bottle but the cage fits almost any water bottle or even a small flask. The bottle in the picture is a standard 750ml sports bottle with a pop up tube. A velcro strap is used to hold the bottle in place and it does so very securely.



The cage with a bottle inserted






The cage then attaches with a reassuring click, signifying that it is locked into place on to the clip. Once there is won't be going anywhere until required.



Working together to form a very secure fit


The beauty of the Monkii system is that you can even fold your Brompton with the bottle still attached to the stem via the cage and clip. It is very clever and one less thing to worry about.



Secure even when folded


I used this very Monkii system when on the gruelling 100 mile Mitie Revolution. It was a hot day and  I had to drink frequently. Cycling and drinking on the move was easy and more importantly safe and at no point did I have to fumble or have trouble engaging the cage/bootle back into the clip. I will certainly be using it on the upcoming 100km NightRider.

Okay, how much? Well the clip costs £10.50 and the cage £13.75 (which is available in black, white, pea green and of course orange). There are lots of water bottle systems for Brompton bicycles out there but this has always been my favourite. My original cage has withstood a a great deal of abuse and still going strong. The other bonus for the weight weenies is that the clip and cage weight next to nothing and much better than the many metal cages out there.

CycleMiles sells lots of other cycle related products and have expanded these greatly over the last few months. They are also a very friendly well organised operation, passionate about cycling so check out their website by clicking on the link in the first paragraph above.

Link to original post about the Monkii Cage

Saturday, 24 May 2014

Hills of Surrey Smashed on an Orange Brompton

This time last week I was still recovering from the gruelling 100 miles of the Mitie Revolution. The next day I actually felt surprisingly good and didn't really suffer any lingering aches or strains. It was quite a shock to me as I suspected I would at least be walking like the late John Wayne for a few days with saddle soreness! No...nothing.

Fellow Bromptonian, David had set up a ride for conquering not only Box Hill but Leith Hill (which has a reputation for being even worse). He had down this weeks ago mainly as his other half Anne secured a place on the Ride 100 which will take in both of these hills as part of its route. This ride was to provide training run for her and a good, demanding day out for those brave enough to sign up.

Several people showed some interest in this ride but one by one they fell by the wayside - perhaps partly due to the weather forecast which foretold of heavy rain. David is stoic when offering a ride and with Anne, Milan and myself still committed, the ride went ahead as planned.

As soon as my head exited the front door, I could hear and feel heavy, sustained rain. Mrs Orange who had got up to send me off simply commented that I was mad, before pecking a kiss on my check, giving me a hug and retiring to the warmth, comfort and dryness of our house! She was probably right.

The journey to Richmond - the start location - was uneventful. When on the overground train, even though I knew my riding Partner Andrew wasn't coming, I could not stop myself to look down the carriages to see if he was there, as has happened so often over the years. I sulked for all of 30 seconds that he wasn't coming out to play before performing a last few checks of my Brompton.

We met at Whole Foods in Richmond and Milan was already there. His first club ride, like Anne he too will be doing the Ride 100 later in the year and wanted the chance to pedal up some of the hills his event will contain.

Not long after Anne and David rolled in. After a few drinks we set off as it was obvious no one else was going to turn up. As we did the rain had more or less stopped and would not bother us again until about 30 miles into the ride.

As per usual, David set a purposeful pace. I have mentioned David's fitness before but it is worth highlighting again. I have ridden behind David for two years and I am slowly coming to the conclusion that he may be a Cylon - part machine. I can just about keep up and I will mention his hill climbing abilities later.

We stopped as and when we needed but had a slightly longer stop at Headley before making our accent of the infamous Box Hill. I have tackled Box Hill several times now, mainly in the dark and yes it is demanding and goes on but it isn't really something that holds any fear now. David and Milan set a blistering pace and were off into the distance. I decided to try and ascend at 8 mph and managed to achieve this for the most part. A couple of roadies on a charity event (I think) were overtaken near the summit which felt rather good.





At the top we had some refreshments and got chatting to a couple of gentlemen on P -types - one in orange and black who were embarking on a Lands End to John o' Groats. I became somewhat bashful when one asked whether we had heard of 'MyOrangeBrompton?'




The views afforded at Box Hill are stunning and it was strange to we it in daylight for only the second time.





Several cyclists took in the views and posed for photographs.






We also passed the 'Smith and Western' themed restaurant which for me at least seemed to have lost the mystique it exudes nocturnally. As I passed it I fancied how long it would be before we went on another Richmond to Box Hill and Back and sampled its Americana delights??







As it was raining when I set off this morning, I resisted the temptation of taking one of big cameras. Instead I took my daughters Nikon AW100 (on loan for a fee). If you have read my blog post for last weeks Mitie Revolution you will know that my desire to take photographs - on a 100 mile ride - became farcical. I should have focused on the cycling! Today I was very well behaved and only took a few flitting glanced of countryside.






At about the 30 mile point the rain fell and the waterproofs came out. Luckily it didn't last long but the stretch of road we were on was very busy and I didn't particularly enjoy it. Many cars just didn't care we existed. Some even sounded their horns. I was glad to get off it and felt safer as a result.

With Box Hill ticked, we made our way to Leith Hill. At the base we posed for a photo before taking waterproofs off and preparing ourselves for the ascent.






Leith Hill was much harder than Box Hill that was for sure. David again set a relentless pace and I did my best to follow. The sun had come out in force and steam was rising from the road. More specially I am convinced that I also saw steam emit from David's wheels!

Every so often the gradient would ease off, only to be replaced by a steep and sustained incline. Loving the challenge of hills as I do I was enjoying this one and two thirds of the way up I knew I had bested Leith Hill. I would make it to the top without putting a foot down. Seeing David, nonchalantly leaning on his Brompton we had reached the summit. With Milan and Anne moments away we had all done it.

Throughout the ride Anne had not been feeling well and I suspect her body was confirming that she had cycled 100 miles last week! I know mine was telling me this! Thankfully, the remainder of the ride to Dorking Station was mainly downhill. We reached the station just after 16:00 and boarded the train to Clapham Common. Once there we went our separate ways we me racing to another platform to get another train which I had to take for a few stops.

This was a great little ride. I imagine that in better weather it would be even more special. I was pleased that I beat both hills, especially after last week. It was great to meet Milan and I am sure he will do well when on the Ride 100. He looked very strong on his 3 x speed Brompton. Thanks as always to David for another great ride.

I have the NightRider in less that two weeks. This is a 60 mile ride around London which I have been collecting money for the charity, Breast Cancer Care. (Check out my blog for this). So far with gift aid I have raised over £600. I feel confident for this event and more than ready. Last year when I signed up for this ride for the first time I was seriously worried about whether I'd be able to do 60 comfortably. Now, 60 miles doesn't seem scary at all. That is very much down to all the adventures I have taken part in on my Brompton bicycles.

The map and ride data can be viewed by clicking on the link below.
Map and ride data

Thursday, 22 May 2014

I try to keep the peace on my Orange Brompton

During my lunch hour (something I never really have) I popped out on my Orange Brompton to the post office to send an overseas letter. The journey was not far, perhaps a mile and half away but it was going to prove to be memorable for all the wrong reasons!

As I neared the post office on a fairly main road the traffic was very heavy but being on my Brompton I simply glided past to the front. I could hear people sounding their horns. When I got there I saw a motorbike on its side and a van parked in front of it both towards the left. Further in front were two adults swearing at each other and having a full fist fight. In addition to this there were kicks and more insults. 

It was an ugly scene to say the least and the level of violence on display in broad daylight on a Thursday afternoon at 12:50 p.m. in the middle of a busy high street was beyond belief. The sensible thing would be to leave them to it, not get involved and wait for the police to arrive (which they didn't by the way). 

I flipped the back wheel to the folded position and walked up to the two men still going at it and said, 'gentlemen there is no need for this. If the police arrive you'll both be arrested.' They continued and I repeated myself at normal speaking level and with that the motor biker walked to his bike, tending a bleeding nose. The van driver walked towards him and I placed myself between them again saying that whatever it was wasn't worth getting in to trouble over.

With more swearing the motor biker accelerated off into the distance. The van driver, after retrieving a bunch of keys (which I speculate he might have throw at the motor biker) got into his van and parked it properly in a nearby parking bay.

The traffic started to move and as I was getting my Brompton ready several cars started to sound their horns at me! I cycled to the post office and luckily didn't have to wait long. When coming out of the post office the van driver apologised and thanked me for trying to calm things down. He also wanted to tell me his version of events and how it wasn't his fault. I have to say by this point I was not interested and cared not. I saw how he behaved and he was as much a part of that quite disgraceful scene as the other. 

When I got back to work I was next to useless for an hour or so as I felt rather shaken up by it all. Perhaps I shouldn't have got involved but they way these two idiots were going at it, someone was going to get seriously hurt. 

With more and more cyclists on the road I hope that 'road range' between them doesn't happen in the same way it seems to for vehicular users. I still cannot comprehend however what enraged these two enough to abandon all dignity and reason. More still that the majority of other road users simply sounded their horns?

I hope not to see something like this again as I am not sure I'd get invoked again, even though I think it would be the right thing to do morally.

Monday, 19 May 2014

Ergon GP1 Grips for my Titanium Orange Brompton

I used to have a pair of GS1 grips on my Titanium Orange Brompton when it was an M Type. In order to get them to fit I had to take a knife to them and cut about a cm off. Even though I think I did a pretty good job, being fussy I decided to get another pair of Ergon grips when I converted it to an S type. I opted for a pair of GS1 grips.

The GP1's are I suppose the classic Ergon shape. I decided to get these as I wanted ultra comfort. The more rounded edges of the GP1 appealed to me.






I have placed the old GS1grips on my Original Orange Brompton and are happier with the feel of them on the M type handlebar. 

Having been on quite a few rides recently, some of them a fair distance, I have to say they are lovely on the hands. There are lots of different grip positions and I cannot fathom why it has taken nearly three years to walk away from the original Brompton foam grips?







Fitting is really easy and once in the correct position for your hand they are great. If you are suffering with the original Brompton grips you could do worse than have a look at these. They really will make life easier. Having large hands I opted for the 'L' large version but there is also an 'S' version for those with smaller hands.

Short Mitie Revolution Video

A short video I made when at the Mitie Revolution.

As always watch in the highest quality you can.

Link to video

Sunday, 18 May 2014

The Mitie Revolution on a Brompton

The Mitie Revolution is an event that has been listed on my calendar for quite a few months. It is a sportive charity event mainly for road bikes but being made of sterner stuff I was one of a select few mad brave enough to sign up. Over two consecutive days, day one would consist of 100 miles. Not just any old 100 miles, no. A route that would push all Brompton participants to the limits. Would we survive?


The medal - hard earned

The event started at the Lee Valley Athletics Ground and the journey there involved boarding a train from Liverpool Street Station to somewhere called Ponders End. As soon as I got there I saw lots of other participants, all with road bikes. As I attempted to buy a ticket one roadie enquired whether I was taking part in the Mitie Revolution. When I confirmed that I was he looked incredulous and the only thing he utter as he raised a near shaking finger at my beloved Original Orange Brompton was, "on that!?"

Finding my train platform I folded my Brompton and disaster struck. My helmet - a requirement for taking part in the event - rolled across the platform as the handlebars looked into place (the helmet had been suspended from them) and fell down adjacent to the wheels of the train. With a slight sick feeling in my stomach I informed a member of staff. He said that I would have to wait until the train left before the helmet could be retrieved. This meant I would not be able to start the event with my friends!

Anne who had popped out the the carriage to greet me and hearing about my predicament offered to jump down and get it! Luckily someone else came to the rescue armed with a pair of long prongs used for picking up litter. Like someone taking part in a game show, I caught hold of it and all was good.


Registering

Once at the Lee Valley Park we registered and were given a timing strip to go on out helmets, ride number and wrist band. After a little last minute prep we made our way to the start line and waited for the off.




Those also taking part were David, Geoff, Jenny, Guy, Andrew and Anne on her big bike (as this was training for the Ride 100).


David and Anne ready


The ever jovial Bob was on his touring bike instead of his Brompton. I will let him off as he was acting as a support to riders - over both days.


Bob ready

The participants were varied. Men, women, old and young. The vast majority where on full on road bikes, some mountain bikes, hybrids and even a recumbent. As far as I could tell we where the only people on Brompton bicycles.




On the start we listened to the marshal give a briefing. It was a well organised event from start to finish and with very little fanfare, we were off with only 100 miles to go!!


On the start line



We set off together at a fairly moderate pace but it was soon very clear that riding together would not last. In truth we had all anticipated this anyway. David and Guy, both incredibly fit were off in front for the entire day. I came next - most of the time - but more on that later. Next was Jenny (who was signed up for the two days), Geoff, Anne and Andrew (who like Jenny was signed up for the two days).






The roadies were very complementary about us Bromptonians. I suspect many could not believe we would attempt such an event on one, while others marvelled that we could keep up. Many of us proudly wore our London Brompton Club cycle jerseys. This was also a point of conversation and when I reeled off the sort of adventures we get up to, many were left lost for words.



The helmet that nearly didn't make it!

At one point on the ride I saw Guy in the distance waiting by what I thought was a ford. Upon closer inspection the ford turned out to be a flooded section of low lying road. I had no intention of cycling through it and minced around carrying my beloved Brompton.

Many others did the same, while some relived their childhood, leg spread eagled as they zoomed through it, smile on face.




Countryside! Once we headed out of the Lee Valley area which looked a little tattered and torn we were treated to some of the most beautiful scenery I have experienced on a cycle ride. In a word it was stunning. It just seemed to be relentless. Views that one thought could not be beaten were outdone by the next.



The first rest stop came at about 30 miles. It was a well organised affair. Large containers of water were available for one to fill up water bottles and a range of snacks were generously provided. I took my new Monkii Cage water bottle carrier with my and I have to say it was a godsend. More on that another time.

Up to the 30 mile point it had been a rather hilly route, beyond it things got worse! It was also the point after which the group naturally split up as we knew it would inevitably do. For dozens of miles I didn't see any of my fellow riders. I had loaded the course on my Garmin Edge 810 and was following its turn by turn directions. The route was marked with arrows buy it was nice to be alerted of turns. I have always found using this function difficult but was just about able to cope with it.

Stupidly, I took a camera with me. I have already mentioned that the scenery was stunning. Even more stupidly when I could not resist temptation, I would stop, part fold the bike and take some photos. I took photos of dandelion clocks, bluebell woods, quaint little villages, hedgerows and lone trees in the middle of vast fields. I am ashamed to say that in addition to photographs I also took the time to video bluebells swaying in the breeze, my Brompton with said quaint village in the background and even a selfie! As I type this I do find it ridiculous but at the time I was enjoying myself.



The tree below and the alpacas I took while Geoff and Anne looked on. It was a stupid thing to do and I should have just kept on instead of stop starting.



At about 50 miles or so we saw a support van with a yellow glove waving at us from inside. It was Andrew and unfortunately for him he called it a day after only 41 miles. I was surprised that he was not able to go further as he looked good when we rode together at the Thames Bridges ride. I also felt rather sorry for him as his Brompton bike had the indignity of travelling more miles in the back of a van than Andrew had completed on the road. In addition paying out all that money for the the two days and overnight stay, he was to return back to London with us.

For you the ride is over



We regrouped at the 70 mile point at another refreshment point. By this time the hills had been pretty bad. There were some huge bergs to ascend and they were by no means easy. I felt tired and needed more water than I had, perhaps as it was such a hot day.



My favourite photo of the day



The photo below was the last time we were together until the end of the ride. We were again to go our separate ways and at our own paces. David and Guy looked strong and were soon off into the distance.

Centurions!



The last 30 miles were both long and hard. There was an horrendous hill just after Marlow that was a killer. I attempted to ascend and not give up but soon realised that my legs didn't have it in them and if I did attempt it, they might not get me the 100 miles!

I occasionally saw Jenny who looked strong, certainly stronger than me. When I saw that my Garmin was showing 95 miles I got my second wind and pressed on.

As I neared the finish I could not believe that I had finally done the 100 miles in a single day. I was also truculent, wanting to see my wife and daughters, hungry and thirsty. I openly vowed that I would not do this event again (I probably won't) and was done with huge distance events such as the Dunwich Dynamo! The ride was demanding and I felt it!! I vowed to have my next ride as one where I ride, chat, take photos and consume a cream tea!

This morning, after a good nights sleep, being greeted by my wife and daughters excited that I had done the 100 miles (well Mrs Orange still thought I was mad to do it) I felt pretty good. I suffered no ills. The legs appeared good, as did the rest of me and I was shocked at this realisation.

As I looked at the medal given to me yesterday, viewed the many photos of bluebell woods, quaint villages etc.., the memories of the day came flooding back. I mulled over what I would do next time in terms of equipment and strategy. Would I take my Titanium S type instead? Would I buy a hydration bladder as Andrew had done? Would I do it again? The answer is...maybe?




The constant is that it would be done on a Brompton. I think we did Brompton proud. We showed that a bunch of eccentrics on small wheeled bikes could take part in an event like this. We proved that our little folding wonders are more than just a commuter hack. The Brompton riders that completed the 100 miles were by no means the last to finish and I think all of us did well to have a go.





There is of course the question I keep coming back to. Would I do something like this again? Well, never say never. The one certainty, is that if I do it will be on an Orange Brompton.
Mitie Revolution map and ride data