Sunday 31 January 2021

Brompton Lockdown in London

On many levels, last week was the week from hell at work. There was lots going on and for a few days people were stressed out to say the least as the full effects of the situation we all find ourselves in was realised. Apart from my family two things kept me going. 

The first, was me replacing an almost 11 year old MacBook Pro for a new one with the 'M1' inside. My old MacBook still works but is rather slow to say the least by modern standards. Its replacement should prove to be a dramatic increase in speed and performance. It arrives sometime next week and I am already getting that childlike excitement I am prone to. 

The second was the prospect of the weekend and a cycle ride on one of my Brompton bicycles. I type 'one of my Brompton bicycles' but if you have been reading this blog for a while you might guess which one I took out. Have you guessed correctly? Yes it was my Orange, Black Special Edition. (There was no way my lovely and still fairly new Orange Titanium was going out onto the streets of London in winter)!

Early this morning it was rather chilly in SW7 and even after cycling a couple of laps of Hyde Park - as a ay to warm up - I still felt the cold. We are still very much in the grips of lockdown, where only one form of outdoor exercise is permitted per day. It certainly shows. Central London was deserted. Yes it normally a great deal quieter, especially on a Sunday but this is noticeably different. 

As I cycled around London and passed various locations, I could help but recall - quite vividly - memories of various cycling adventures. Start points for Friday night rides to the coast at Hyde Park Corner and near the London Eye. Christmas lights rides at Borough, Charring Cross and Trafalgar Square. The London Classic every time I cycled over cobbled streets. The Tweed Run when I cycled along the Embankment and the Brompton World Championships when I headed up The Mall. 

I think that when restrictions start to be lifted again it will quite possibly be well into March - if at all - and that brings the prospect of better weather. As soon as these two are realised, I suspect my first adventure may well have to be a night ride to the coast, probably with my dear friend Dr John. I wager every mile will be savoured. The point we reach Farthing Down relished. Our halfway stop where we have a drink and some refreshment viewed as a banquet and the journey back on the train one in which we can recall the nights adventure. Definitely something to look forward to. 

Stay safe out there people!!





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