Cypher spotting on postboxes

It is true to say (for me at least) that I pay very little attention to the many red post boxes dotted around everywhere. They stand in plain sight only to be given a second thought on the few occasions I post anything. (And let's not go there with the previous blog post)!!

The other day I stopped and propped my Brompton up against a post box to see that it has the less than common Queen Victoria royal cypher. 

Then, on Thursday on Willow Road heading south towards Regents Park, I spotted another. 

I will try an keep an eye out for some of the others on my travels and see if I can get a photo of them. 

Until next time, be careful out there people!

Selling Brompton related items is beyond my patience!

Over the years, like many of you out there, I have accumulated many Brompton items that I no longer use. The sensible thing to do is of course to gift them on or sell those items that are of more value. However, this can be an almighty hassle to say the least. 

Trying to sell a pair of Brooks leather handlebar grips was interesting to put it mildly. Despite me stating I was in the UK and more specifically London, a prospective buyer wanted to know if I could meet up in Barcelona!? Politely informing them of the London bit, I also said that sadly mailing them was not an option either. Thinking that was the end they asked again whether I could post, not to Barcelona but to their friend in Paris. 

More recently, the possible sale of my Brooks B17 Titanium saddle really did push me almost to the point of  distraction. The potential buyer said they wanted to buy it. Then, they wanted to be reassured in case it was a scam. I did wonder at this point whether I should have offered to meet under a clock at one of the London mainline stations, perhaps wearing a carnation! (An orange one if such a thing exists). After saying no, I was then told that if I sold it on a popular auction site (you know the one), it might reassure them. That was the last straw and I withdrew everything I was selling. 

I always pride myself on being a gentleman (albeit one who likes Terry Thomas). Perhaps the new sticker has given me a cad-like reputation? On several levels, I would like to think so.

Until next time, take care out there people!

Watt's Memorial, Postman's Park

Not far from St Paul's Cathedral, some office workers eat their sandwiches on a bench in Postman's Park. Many of them do not give the many memorials a second glance. 

The memorials in questions are for remembering heroic, self-sacrifice from a bygone era. Proposed by the sculptor, George Frederic Watt in 1867 to commemorate Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee in 1887, the reality of his idea actually happening did not take place until 1898. 

There was space for up to 120 memorials but by 1931 only 53 were ever placed up for all to see. Many of the memorials remember those who lost their lives in tragic circumstances - as you can see from the photos below. 

If you are ever in the area, well worth a visit.

Until next time, be careful out there people!

St Pancras Church, Euston Road

On Euston Road, not too far from St Pancras Station sits St Pancras church. Word has it that this was one of the most expensive church builds since St Paul's Cathedral (yes the big one with the dome). This isn't the reason it holds some interest for me. 

Building started in 1819 and sculptor Charles Rossi spent nearly three years crafting the caryatids you can see below. They are made from Coade stone. This for me is the interesting part. 

Founded by Eleanor Coade in 1769, Coade stone dominated the trade in all things statue, busts, garden ornaments and tombstones for several years. Being weather resistance, it was made to a secret formula - that I believe still remains much of a mystery to this day. Despite the success of the company, it went under and the secret of Coade stone lost to time. 

There are many other examples of Coade stone having been used all across London but if you are ever passing St Pancras Church, you can see for yourself how well they have stood up to one of the busiest roads in London and all its undoubted pollution over the years. 

Until next time, be careful out there people!

Brompton Electric revenge on London to Brighton overnighter!

Last Friday night into Saturday morning, I made another attempt to get my Brompton Electric to complete a London to Brighton overnighter. The previous attempt resulted in an abandoned ride where we got as far a Horely. So, after a few weeks - and better weather forecasts - we tried again.

Sadly, Geoff could not make this one but Dr John could. We met at the time honoured spot not far from the London Eye. I cycled down from north London, enjoying London at night and how busy it was. I arrived just before 23:30, with Dr John not too long thereafter. After loading the route and pressing start, we headed off into familiar territory. 

Obviously, I took my Brompton Electric with me. The reason quite simple. I could turn the power on at will. I decided to take the larger front bag and as a result I probably took much more than I needed to (I needed to justify bringing it I suppose). 

Of late, it has been pretty warm - summer finally arriving here in the UK and London - so it was shorts and a polo shirt more or less the entire way. A gentle breeze was our companion for the ride to cool things down and it was a lovely night for cycling. 

It felt like ages since I had embarked on one of these adventures and it was good to catch up with Dr John. The first few miles out of London are busy to say the least. It wasn't really too bad though considering the good weather. The agreement (for both of us) was that we would simply take things nice and steady. That is exactly what we did and it made things all the more enjoyable. 

At roughly 4.5 miles in, after passing by Clapham Common to our right, the left turn at Cathles Road heading towards Tooting Bec Common, marked the point at which things always seems to get quieter. Normally at this point we spot a fox running across the road. Just when we thought it was not to be, two turned up not far from the usual spot. 

About 15 miles in, we reached Farthing Downs at 01:30. There is a steep climb up to it and I unashamedly had the power on at its lowest setting. From this point onwards, urban is more or less left behind in favour of quieter country lanes and villages. The wildlife - both what you can see and hear - increases too. 

Farthing Downs

The route was by no means flat and I was glad of the power from the motor whenever I felt like it. 

I had been looking out for Outwood Windmill and in the darkness almost missed it. Thankfully, Dr John spotted it and I was able to take a photo. Building on it began in 1665 and it is said those working on its construction were able to see the glow from the Great Fire of London in 1666, som 25 miles away. 

Outwood Windmill

Being very organised, Dr John had checked that the the 24-hour petrol station on the A264 was open. It was and we turned left from a quiet road into what in daylight must be quite a busy one. At the petrol station we bought a few snacks, eating them happily outside. After buying them - being in an air conditioned shop - I remarked that it was rather warm outside. About 25 minutes later, just before we headed off again, I put some arm warmers on as I felt chilly. Typical after setting off after the half way stop I suppose! 

Only the finest 24-hour petrol station will do

No too long after the halfway stop we encountered Turner Hill. Not overly difficult to ascend but you certainly know you have once reaching the top. With the power on, I made my way up rather quickly. Looking down at my Terry Thomas sticker on my frame, I could not help but inwardly laugh. I waited for Dr John to arrive but dared not sit down on one of the benches. On a previous adventure, we did this and I actually nodded off and according to Dr John started to snore. Slander!

We carried on, making good progress and despite cycling this route several times before, I was surprised at just how many ups and downs there were!

Easy ascent on this

Is it starting to rain?

Reaching the base of Ditchling with a sign pointing in the general direction, the sun had risen. It was a muggy and cloudy start and I fancied that I could detect the odd drop of rain. This became a certainty when it started to rain! At the bottom of Ditchling Beacon our arm warmers came off in favour of light rain jackets - along with the cover for my Brompton Electric front bag. 

Dr John set off first but with the power turned on, I headed up the steep incline and soon was off into the distance. The motor kicked in and although I did need to put in some work, it was nothing compared to the motor being turned off. My ascent was rapid and I suspect I got to the top many times faster than I have ever done before. 

Mr waiting for Dr John

At the top of Ditchling Deacon I waited, took photos, sent a message to Mrs Orange, checked train times... in the time it took for poor Dr John without a motor to reach the summit. He arrived comically cursing and after some recovery time we headed into Brighton. 

At the top of Ditchling Deacon

Views

It was still raining so we made for the train station using the now properly surfaced cycle path that ran parallel to the road. 

Looking to see if Dr John is coming

While at the train station, Dr John bought some food for the journey back and almost had it stolen by a large and opportunist Herring Gull. In fact, it made two separate attempts! I tried my best not to laugh. 

The train journey took a little over an hour and I could hardly keep my eyes open. At Farringdon I got off and said my goodbyes. I could have made things a little easier for myself by getting off at the next stop with Dr John at St Pancras but I know the way back from Farringdon blindfolded. 

With the motor on, I glided back feeling rather smug that I had it to assist. Once home I had a shower and retired to bed, only to surface a few hours later. 

A lovely adventure and again thanks to Dr John for his always welcome company. Also thanks to him for for patience, seeing me glide off into the distance whenever I turned the power on. 

My Brompton Electric is proving itself to be a rather valued part of my Brompton fleet and I am very pleased that I took the plunge. My knee felt totally fine during and after the ride and the peace of mind the power of the Brompton Electric brings is immense. 

Until next time, be careful out there people!

Goldfinger's house in London

Somewhere in the last two days, the James Bond author Ian Fleming was mentioned as there is talk a play or television programme (I cannot recall as I got distracted) about his wartime exploits. None of this made me think of James Bond or Ian Fleming however it did make me think of Goldfinger. No not that one, the real one where the name came from. 

Erno Goldfinger was an architect and a big player in the Modernist movement. Most of his designs are for residential tower blocks - Trellick Tower perhaps being the most famous. There is however a terrace of three houses in Hampstead, 2 Willow Road being the one he and his family resided in. 

I could have quite easily walked there as it is only just over a mile away but I decided to cycle, taking my Brompton Electric on a longer adventure. 

Number 1 and 3 are private residences and they must get frustrated at chaps like me on an Orange Brompton taking photos. In fact when I arrived there was already a couple of people doing the same (although not on a Brompton). 

In 1936 Goldfinger's original idea was to build some flats but this was rejected. This was changed to the current three houses. A few rather quaint Victorian cottages needed to be bulldozed to make way for Goldfinger's design and met with fierce opposition by the locals. One of these was none other than Ian Fleming. As he was not a fan of Goldfinger's architecture, the destruction of the Victorian cottages and Goldfinger as a person, he named perhaps his most famous villain after him and Auric Goldfinger was born. 

Perhaps a more realistic version, bearing in mind that Fleming had lived in the area for a short amount of time when he was two-years-old, was that Fleming played a round of golf with an acquaintance of Goldfinder's wife. Fleming liked the name and thought it would be great to name the villain of his next book.

Naturally, the real Goldfinger consulted his legal people. Goldfinger was well know to be quite humourless and possessing a short fuse. He had a reputation of dismissing assistants if they were jocular. (I wouldn't have lasted five minutes)! I do however appreciated his designs and I do like them. 

Goldfinger's 2 Willow Road now a Grade II listed property and you can visit it at certain times of the year. Well worth a visit, if that is your sort of thing. 

As I cycled back I could not help but hum the theme to 'Goldfinger.' I fancy I could almost hear someone shouting, 'your fired!' in the distance! Until next time, stay safe out there people!

Beetlejuice on the London Underground

If you have read my blog you might be aware that I am not a fan of public transport. I favour walking or taking one of my Brompton bicycles. There are however times when doing so is worthwhile. 

This morning I had to take the tube - thankfully at a time when all the people that work had long gone - and I glanced up and saw the poster you can see below. I could not resist taking a few photos of it. The original film is a particular favourite and this is obviously a little bit of marketing of the highest order. 

I suspect that later on tonight I will watch the original and look forward to the second instalment, whenever it arrives. 

Until next time, stay safe out there people!

Thank you for reading my efforts people!

I just had a quick peek at my humble blog statistics - something I do very infrequently. The number of people reading my efforts has continued to be ridiculously high. If things continue like this for the remainder of the month, I will achieve the highest number of page views ever. (Well since the last few months where this record has been broken). 

Looking at where the my readers are coming from, there is no surprise that the UK, USA and Germany are pretty high. My readers in the far East - Japan, Philippines, Malaysia, South Korea, Singapore and China are also making themselves known. 

You can also follow me on Instagram (I could do with more followers) where you can see lots of photos on a near daily basis. Find me by typing the following into a search engine @orangebrompton 

Again, thank you all for reading and I hope that you keep coming back.

Until next time, stay safe out there people!

 

Dunwich Dynamo Number 6 Brompton Electric Edition

Yesterday was Dunwich Dynamo number 6 for me. I have always had a love/hate attitude to the Dynamo over the years. I enjoy the ride but the getting back can be a pain. In addition to this, was the obvious issue of whether my knee would cope with another 100 miles? 

There were only two contenders from my Brompton fleet, my Orange Titanium (my lightnest) or my Brompton Electric (much heavier but the option of the motor). The decision was quite an easy one in the end. With the battery placed into the larger Brompton Electric bag, I had plenty of space left over for everything I needed. The extra weight didn't bother me as it rolls very well and the gearing works for hills and flats. Of course, at the push of a button I would have the motor to help!

You will not be surprised to hear that my ride partner was again Geoff. Of all the Brompton peeps out there, I have known Geoff the longest. I doubt whether I would attempt the Dynamo without him - whomever else would be in attendance.

We met outside Liverpool Street station just before 18:00 and after loading the route we headed off. The reason we set off early was simple. It would avoid the rush at the official/unofficial start time. It would avoid the hassles of the official/unofficial start at Hackney Fields. Thanks to Geoff, this start time would allow me to cycle at a measured pace and just enjoy the ride. 

The first few miles getting out of London is rarely fun. Epping New Road - that felt as if it would never end - was horrid. The road surface, how busy the road was and how close some of the cars passed, all conspired to make it rather unpleasant. Once however we got off this road, things got a great deal better. 

Less busy roads appeared and the sun gradually started to set. We cycled past chocolate box houses and little quaint villages where time seemed to have stood still, like old photographs capturing bygones years. 

We stopped only a few times where the scenery compelled us to halt cycling to fully appreciate it - and to capture the moment in a photograph. 

At about 25 miles in, we stopped at Fyfield where the scouts were on hand to replenish water bottles and wonderful food could be purchased for the weary traveller - or in this case not actually that weary Brompton user. We were joined by many other cyclists and a few of our fellow London Brompton crew, who like Geoff and I, were doing their own thing at their own pace. 

Feeling suitably refreshed, we headed off again into the night where the sun was still trying to set. 

The next few miles were like the last few miles - lovely - and in clouds in the distance I thought I saw the flashes of lightning. This kept happening and I wondered if rain would actually fall? The flashes kept happening but no rain fell. Strange. 

Our next stop was the Fox Inn at Finchingfield. We didn't eat anything here but merely had a rest stop. There is a sharp ascent which you can possibly see in the photo below. For this I turned the power on. Ascending it was effortless and my knee thanked me. Once at the top the power was turned off again. For the entire ride up to the 100 mile point I actually used the power only twice for a total of probably less than a minute. Here at Finchingfield and once more at another ascent. As I type this, I do see the stupidity of not embracing the power more but I felt fine no longer using clipped in pedals and by taking things a great deal easier than I might have in the past.  

The weather really does need a mention. It was pretty much perfect conditions. Warm but not too warm. A gentle breeze to our backs. I wore a polo shirt all night and only donned arm warmers and a lightweight jacket once setting off after an extended rest stop. Of all the Dynamo rides I have done, this was the best weather-wise. 

Our final stop was at Gosbeck Village Hall. At this point we were only 27 miles from the the end at Dunwich beach. If we had of headed off quickly we would have arrived very early. Lots of the other London Brompton peeps joined us and we chewed the fat for a hour or so before heading off at one after the other.  

The final push saw the sun on the horizon, the sound of the dawn chorus and that change of light as dawn progressed. 

Once we reached the 100 mile mark, I turned the power on to setting one and left it on until I reached the beach. I am not sure that I needed it, as my Brompton Electric and those 12x gears, were rolling rather well. I enjoyed using it all the same. We even saw the always happy Sam and Jenny cycling in the opposite direction doing the Dunwich double (and over 200 miles in the process)! 

We arrived at Dunwich Beach just after 07:00. My coach with the London Brompton peeps was arriving at 11:00 but poor Geoff was on the coach were you queue with your barcode to get a ticket, then queue with your ticket to get your bike on the lorry and then queue to get on the coach. This took ages and I sat on a bench looking out into the sea watching Geoff's bike and then the bags he would take on the coach while he did all the queuing. 

Once Geoff was in the queue for his coach - that was due to leave at 10:00 we said our goodbyes. Again, I was very grateful for Geoff's company. He could have gone faster but it was great cycling with him for another Dynamo. For me the Dynamo isn't really about how fast you get there, it is more about the enjoyment of a night ride and the transition into day. There is also something about staring out into the sea - even for a fairly short amount of time - after starting out from London that is rather pleasant. 

I retired to the beach and found Mark (King of the hill) and a few of the other London Brompton peeps, in our usual spot. A little after 11:00 we boarded our coach, placing our Brompton bikes (carefully packed in IKEA Dimpa bags) into the boot and made ourselves comfortable. We had two seats to ourselves and once the coach set off, I closed my eyes and got some sleep on and off until about 20 minutes before we arrived at Stratford. 

Unpacking and saying farewells to people, I turned the power on and set my Wahoo for north London. The almost 9 miles were easy and the worst of north London's hills a breeze. Looking down at my Terry Thomas sticker, I considered again whether using the electric motor was cheating. The simple answer was...I didn't care!

The ride was just over 114 miles, not including the ride to the start and from the end at Stratford. I would go as far as to say that this was the most enjoyable Dunwich Dynamo so far. As I type this, sitting in my study at home, I don't really feel as if I cycled over 100 miles yesterday. My legs feel fine and my right knee is okay too. I am convinced that the Brompton Electric helped with this - for the time I used it.

Thanks to the many volunteers at the food stops, the people wishing us well along the way and to Paul of the London Brompton peeps who arranged the coach. Of course many thanks - again - to Geoff for his company. As for my Brompton Electric...I love this bike! Nothing more to say really. I am just having a great deal of fun with it!

Until next time, stay safe out there people!

 

The grave of bare knuckle boxer Thomas Sayers

I have said it many times, Kensal Green is my favorite of all the great London cemeteries however Highgate does come a close second. If you pay a visit you have the choice of two sides, east and west. Lots of the great and the good are buried there, but one particular grave has always been of interest - Thomas Sayers.

Thomas Sayers (1826 -1865) was the last of Britain's bare knuckle boxing champions just before the famous Queensbury Rules came into being. Sayers was 5 ft 8 ins and in his day there were no weight divisions, with fighters going toe to toe anyone. Sayers would have almost certainly gone up against opponents much heavier and taller than he was. Also in his time, fights could last well over two hours!

Born in Brighton he became a national hero and was incredibly famous. After his last fight he retired and gifted £3000 by public subscription (a huge amount for the time) to ensure a comfortable post-boxing life. At the age of only 39 be died after suffering a short illness at 257 Camden High Street. 

His funeral, a week after he passed away, drew a crowd of well over 100,000. It was said that the crowd who accompanied his coffin extended over two miles. Sayers pet dog a large black mastiff called Lion, was chief mourner at his funeral and it is perhaps fitting that he guards his tomb. 

It is very likely that many people who look at his grave, take a photo or perhaps you out there reading this might not have ever heard of Thomas Sayers. There is of course no reason why you should. I do find it amazing that someone so famous in their own time would be unheard of in another. 

Until next time, stay safe out there people.