Stairs fit for a gentleman and a Queen!

On a recent ride that focused on the Deptford area on the south bank of the Thames, one location rose above some of the others in terms of history (assuming it really happened at all)!

Drake's Steps is one of the many locations in London that  many will simply pass by and be oblivious to what might have happened there. Sir Francis Drake's ship, the Golden Hinde (a replica of which can be found near Borough Market) was moored at Deptford almost at this very spot. Elizabeth I actually gave Drake his knighthood aboard his ship. 

Being a gentleman, Drake was said to have laid down his cloak at the top of the steps to keep the feet of the Queen dry and not step in puddles. The account of this was written some 80 years after the event however it does seem likely that some version of it happened. 

Drake, apart from the famous cloak story, was known for making the second circumnavigation of the world, being part of the general thrust fighting against the Spanish Armada and essentially being a bit of a pirate. 

So, if you find yourself south of the river, not too far from the likes of Greenwich and in search of an historic location, you could do worse.

 

Until next time, stay safe out there people!

First Brompton G-Line night ride to the coast

Thursday night into Friday saw me take my G-Line for its first ever night ride to the coast - London to Shoreham-by-Sea. It was also to be the longest ride on the G-Line to date. 

Normally, these rides are Friday night into Saturday but this one (like a few others from the past at this time of year) took place on Thursday into Good Friday. It was also the first night ride to the coast for 2025 and as such I had been looking forward to it for some time.

Now, I had contemplated taking my beloved Brompton Electric. That extra power at the touch of a button on the hills is nothing short of joyous! However, in the end it was an easy decision and it had to be my G-Line. Packing as light as I dared, I set off into what was a fairly mild evening. The recent windy conditions had died down and it was a lovely night. 

Despite being the eve of a bank holiday, London was still pretty busy by the time I reached Regents Park, Baker Street and beyond. I could not resist taking a few photos - if you have a Brompton you might do the same thing. 

Reaching the start, not far from the London Eye, a few familiar faces appeared. Mark was there helping the ride leader Jim up at the front and I was of course pleased to see Geoff. They were both on big wheels and I was the only Brompton rider - albeit on slightly larger wheels. As always, there was a varied mix of cyclists and bicycles. A little after midnight we were off into the night. 

The route for the first part of the ride was pretty much the one I use for Brighton with Dr John. Having completed the ride so many times with him, I knew it well. It did however avoid Farthing Downs and the infamous cattle grid, in favour of cycling through Carshalton Ponds. A little after this, the urban started to be left behind, giving way to more rural scenery. 

My G-Line glided along silently really well. It is a very comfortable bike and the change to Continental tyres magnified this for me. I found that I could cope well with all the hills and inclines I encountered and was not forced to put a put down on any of them - something I have no shame in doing at all. It has been quite some time since I cycled a ride of this distance, so I was pleased. I liken the gearing on the G-Line to that of my 6x speed Brompton bicycles with a 44T chainring fitted. I still think that the G-Line is a little better ascending hills. I do not know why? Perhaps it has something to do with the slightly larger wheels or the geometry of the G-Line and its riding position. I am not sure? 

We arrived at the halfway stop, Burstow Scout Hut and as always the welcome was friendly and refreshments lovely. I did struggle to stay awake and if my eyes had of closed for longer than a few seconds, I fear I would have needed to have been awoken from my slumber! About an hour later at 04:30 we made our farewells and departed. Strangely for me, I didn't put on any extra layers at all. I just started pedaling. 

Turners Hill loomed a few miles away and at this point I thought of the wonders of my Brompton Electric. The G-Line did me proud however and I made my ascent, successfully matching and occasionally bettering several of those on full-sized wheels. 

In the sky the blood-red moon that had been keeping a watchful eye on proceedings could be seen peeking out from cloud cover. Birds called and sang. For several minutes - like many others riders - I was left cycling along on my own, following a red tail light in the distance. At one point we cycled past a forest clearing to our left and a herd of deer (possibly 20 - 30) ran parallel with us as we cycled. Their speed and ease of movement was incredible. It was nothing short of magical. It served to highlight the joys of nocturnal cycling. 

Dawn seemed to just appear from dark to light and several more hills made themselves known. Some were really steep and caught a few participants out. Thankfully, I was confident that my G-Line could cope with it all. 

With the back of the ride broken we arrived at a gravel cycle path running parallel to a river that took us all the way to the end of the ride and breakfast stop at the 'Port Kitchen.' Was it wrong to feel a little smug at the G-Line's off-road prowess?

I decided that I would skip breakfast here and head to Brighton station five easy miles away. Saying my goodbyes I headed off. As the kitchen was not able to serve food straight away I was soon joined on the route to the station by Geoff. 

I found these last few miles really difficult and could not go much faster than the very sedate pace I was cycling. I felt that sort of fatigue where you know you have not had enough fuel. We boarded the train and once all settled in our seats I ate some of snacks I had brought with me but not eaten. Almost straight away I felt better and could feel my energy returning. Of course, it had little use in stopping me from nodding off if my eyes closed. Thankfully, I stayed awake. 

Geoff got off at London Bridge and we said our goodbyes. I got off a couple of stops later. I cycled the few miles home, had some breakfast and a few hours sleep. The day later after a good sleep, I felt all okay. The G-Line is a very comfortable bicycle and calculating the distance cycled to and from the start and the ride itself, it was the longest distance covered since I got it. I really, really like this bicycle. 

Many thanks to our ride leader Jim, and Tail End Charlie, Tim and of course Geoff for his company. The next night ride is in about three weeks and I suspect the G-Line might well come with me. On this ride I will need to ensure I get enough fuel onboard! I really do like these nocturnal adventures and the thought of another not too far away, is rather pleasing. 

Until next time, stay safe out there people. 

'No man is an island' - 'About a boy' locations on a Brompton G-Line

You might have read the book of the same title but it is more likely you may have seen the film starring Hugh Grant and others. In our house, it is very much something we watch at Christmas. As for the book I have read it a couple of times. Knowing that many of the locations for the film were not too far from each other, I decided to select my favourites and plot them on a little route. 

The main character, Will is thirty-six but does not really act his age. Who does? He is one of those people who does not need to work - ever - living off the efforts of someone else in his family. In that sense he reminds me a little of Bertie Wooster. Will is a character I know very well and I have known a few of them. That bit where for example he awards points to seeing, owning or experiencing something. Who hasn't does that? (Five bonus points if you have). 

The locations below are not in the order they appear in the film, merely the vague order I visited them in. 

#1 Comptoir Gascon - 63 Charterhouse Street

As you can see in the photo, this closed down a few years ago. It used to be a French bistro and I do recall getting a bite to eat in there when the 'Nocturne' bicycle races used to take part around Smithfield. In the film, Will can be see shopping in there. 

#2 Smithfield

The film has a few bits of Smithfield where Marcus is walking around. This whole area is set to change drastically once the hundreds of years old meat market moves from this location. 

#3 St James Clerkenwell, Clerkenwell Close.

In the film Will thinks about volunteering to help at the drop-in centre/food kitchen but can be seen walking past as he did not like the look of it - or its clientele! This is very much a working Anglican church in reality.

#4 Wills Flat - 16-18 St James's Walk, Clerkenwell

Befitting someone who does not have to work, Will lives in a central part of London and along with several of the other locations, it is in Clerkenwell. In the film there is a entrance to the flat that covers lots of the pavement. This was of course build for the film and does not exist (good job if you wanted to get past). If it were a flat it would make an incredible location to live in but for an eye watering amount!

#5 SPATs ('Single Parents Alone Together') - Grace Life London, 5 Woodbridge Road, Clerkenwell. 

In the film, will (who is not a single parent) joins SPATs with a view to meeting single mothers. This is again a working church in reality.  

#6 Home of Fiona and Marcus - 31 Oseney Crescent, Kentish Town. 

A couple of miles north of all the Clerkenwell locations stands the home of the other main character, Marcus and his mum Fiona. These houses are pretty much all converted into flats but they were originally just one big house, This is something that has happened in many parts of London.

#7 Rachel's House - 1, St Stephen's Crescent

In the film, 1, St St Stephen's Crescent is the home of single mum, Rachel. Marcus meets her and her son and he can later be seen walking down the road as Rachel's son took a dislike to him. 

#8 Regents Park

Will goes for a picnic in Regent's Park and takes Marcus with him. Marcus manages to kill a duck when he throws some bread his mum made, at said duck!

'No man is an island' is something he comes out with a few times and eventually Will comes to understand the importance of relationships and how your life is affected by those of others. I think this is why my family like the film. 

It is always quite fun seeing a location that you have seen used in a film or television series and perhaps the cycling bit moreso. If you have ever seen a film/TV location on your travels, 5 points. 

Until next time (which might be sooner than next Sunday, you never know) stay safe out there people!

Brompton World Championships returns for 2025

Late last week, Brompton HQ revealed details of the much anticipated Brompton World Championships for 2025. I received quite a few messages from many of you out there as to whether or not I was going. I also received as many negative messages. More on that later. 

The event is at the same location as last year. Coal Drop Yards, not far from King's Cross. The format is the same too. Up to 5x laps of a 900 metre circuit in 15 minutes. Participants will have time chips this year - much better - but not sure whether medals will be dished out to riders? To enter costs £59.41 but if you have not already got a ticket, they are now sold out. (This was always going to happen). 

Some of the negative emails received droned on about the price versus the amount of time you are actually on your Brompton taking part. I don't subscribe to this at all I have to say. The opportunity to take part in a mass Brompton event is special. Racing on your Brompton is special. Seeing dozens of Brompton riders all decked out in their finest is (you guessed it) special. In my opinion it is worth every penny...and it is only once a year. Besides, this is a whole day event and there are also free events to take part in either side of race day. 

So, am I going? Sadly, it looks unlikely. Work last week was manic and I really didn't have a great deal of time to think about anything else and I missed the chance to grab a ticket/place. My fault, so I cannot complain. If there is a cancellation and an opportunity to gain a place I would grab it but alas I doubt this will happen. (Always the optimist, I live in hope).

If you have entered, you will have a great time. If you are taking part for the first time, you are in for a real treat of the senses. You can read my blog post for the BWC for 2024 HERE.

Until next time, stay safe out there people. 

My Brompton Electric brings out the very worst in me!

I love my Brompton Electric. Mine has 12x gears and often I only engage the motor when a largish hill looms ahead. I still do this occasionally to take the pressure off my right knee that has previously been an issue but more of less totally fine since - ironically - I had my Brompton Electric for a few months!

The other day, I started my ascent of Swain's Lane. A couple of lycra-clad types cycled past. I have to report that I had no intention of following in their wake, however the Terry Thomas in me was channelled and the power turned on. 

They had a considerable head start and started to slow, just as they past the East/West entrance to the cemetery and Waterflow Park. The motor kicked in and soon I was behind them. One was out of his saddle, grinding along. I passed quickly enough and said, 'morning.' The other was not far ahead and in little time I was doing and saying the same thing. 

Yes, I know that with the power off, I would not have stood much of a chance. (Typing that, I think I might have). However, the compulsion - at times - to switch the power on is considerable! I do not know if those two chaps knew I was on a Brompton Electric but I strongly suspect they did not. Was I rather naughty to have done this? Answers on a postcard. 

Until next time, stay safe out there people!

Tyre change for my Brompton G-Line

My G-Line, which came fitted with the Brompton G-Line specific, 'Schwalbe G-One' tyres and it would be true to say that I have been vey happy with them. However, the prospect of better weather and some longer rides, I decided to make a change. 

If you have read my previous blog post CLICK HERE you will know that the off-road aspect of the G-Line is somewhat of a novelty to yours truly. I decided to swap the Schwalbe tyres for some 'Continental Contact Urban.' It also marked the first attempt at taking the front and rear wheel off. After watching the Brompton video, I took the plunge and did not actually find it too bad at all. I think that performing a puncture repair in the field might be a little more effort but doable. After using a torque wrench and pumping them up to the higher psi, I put the bike aside for the next day. 

As I put the G-line away with my standard Brompton next to it, the new tyres, in my opinion, make the bike look even better. In addition to that, as my standard Brompton had the same tyres but on 16x inch wheels, it really highlighted the size difference between the bikes - perhaps more so than previously. 

The day arrived for taking the G-Line out with its new tyres and as I headed off, straight away the bike felt different in terms of how it rolled. It did so more freely and I could get up to and maintain higher speeds more easily. Cycling up Swain's felt easier than it had with the Schwalbe tyres on. 

Ironically, the group ride I went on involved a sizeable chunk of cycling on a gravel path - a former railway line in North London. I did feel the bumps and lumps a little more but it was still pretty good, comfortable ride and not really a huge difference as the tyres are still a wide diameter. 

As mentioned, the Continentals definitely roll better, make it easier to cycle and require less effort get to and maintain higher speeds. They are obviously not as good off road as the Schwalbe tyres, nor do they absorb the ruff stuff in quite the same way. 

They will now stay on my G-Line until the winter and the Schwalbe's will be safely stored away until the weather gets really grotty. I will let you know I how get on with them in a few weeks but after cycling about 60 miles with them, I am impressed. 

Until next time, stay safe out there people!

Top 5 reasons why a Brompton G-Line is a must for the discerning London user!

Now. I say, look here. It won't take a great deal of effort on your part dear reader to find examples of daring do as far as a Brompton G-Line is concerned. You will find many examples of the G-Line being used in the wild, on dead hard gravel tracks, butch forest trails, coastal paths and even - for those who possess a bivi bag - bikepacking! All perfectly legitimate uses, however I feel there are a number of important factors for a Londoner that make a G-Line a near must! In fact, I feel there are five!

#1 Ever so slightly off road

A frequent route for me is cycling south through Hampstead Heath. Here you will find that the paths cyclists are allowed on are horrid.  Mud, dirt, gravel, tree roots, grass, tarmac and various combinations of these can be found. I have completed this route several times on my Brompton Electric and it has been a case of taking things slow and steady.  

Hampstead Heath and its High Street is not an area I am overly fond of. Getting from slightly further north to its southerly point and beyond quickly is a must. Being ever so slightly off road at times and traversing its paths efficiently and quickly can be achieved on the G-Line. Its wider tyres, disc brakes and wider bars together make a more comfortable and faster ride. The Heath does not make things easy. Tourists, dog walkers, joggers, dogs, walkers, little dogs with clothing and heaven forbid...those from the acting profession all compete to get in your way. Believe me, it has been touch and go on more than one occasion. Owning and using my G-Line provides a confidence boost that when things get ever so slightly off road, I can cope!

#2 Cobbles

Many streets in London retain and preserve their historic cobbles. On a normal Brompton it is doable but not pleasant. On my G-Line it is as if the cobbles are not there. The other day, I cycled down a SW7 Mews, cobbled from one end to the other. The G-Line took it in its stride and made it effortless. 

#3 Accidentally going off road and not losing face. 

I recently found myself in Richmond Park with no intention of #1. However, in my haste in trying to find a short cut, I strayed onto part of the 7.5 mile Tasmin Trail that follows the perimeter of the park. I was on my G-Line and perhaps know what you are thinking. Did I suffer a rush of blood to the head and decide to go 'off road?' No, I most certainly did not! Once on the Tasmin Trail, I cycle along giving the look of someone who loved off road. As I passed other real off roaders on gravel and mountain bikes, I perhaps betrayed the true nature of my presence on the Tasmin Trail by my attire. I was the only cyclist wearing anything remotely like my navy blue blazer, pale blue shirt, powder pink chinos and a pair of oxblood brogues! Despite this, for a few minutes I gave the impression that I was at one with off road! Once I had regained my bearing, I was back on tarmac and out of the park. On a normal Brompton I might have got off and wheeled it along. With my G-Line and all that Brompton marketing whizzing around in my head, for a few brief moments, it was as if I were in gravel bike harmony. 

#4 Not actually going off road but you might as well be!

Roads in London can be pretty shocking. There are sometimes holes so large, one might conclude that a sink hole has opened up. Others are so deep, groups of recreational potholers, wearing head torches and boiler suits, could explore their depths! In addition to them just organically occurring, many holes appear with a person wearing a hardhat etched with the livery of various utility companies, who have dug it up for repairs/installation. Owning a G-Line in London, with those larger, wider tyres and disc brakes just make navigating all of this easier.

#5 Gravel!

In some parts of leafy N6 and SW13, after rain certain roads seem to acquire gravel. People cannot really tell you where is comes from and I have no proof but it is as if, like a farmer from the 1800's, someone goes out with a bucket of gravel and throws in across said roads as if they were feeding chickens. Cycling over this makes things twitchy and magnified when brakes are applied. The G-Line makes this phenomena so much easier to deal with. I have been thankful I have had my G-Line on more than one occasion!   

Some people have bought or are thinking of buying a G-Line for all the off road, bikepacking and adventure stuff. For me, in London, it just makes sense to have a bike capable of everything I have described and more!

Until next time, stay safe out there people!

William Shakour Titan, Torpedo Fountain Pen review

Now this isn't a Brompton bicycle related blog post in any way and is all about a fountain pen. If this is not your thing, I will not be too offended, however, it is a particularly fine pen and you might find it of interest.  

I think that regular readers will probably know that I do have a thing for fountain pens. I have owned and sold lots and lots of pens. I have written with pens by Montblanc, Conid and Graf von Faber Castell costing several hundred pounds to the trusty and affordable Lamy 'Safari.' It is quite rare for a new pen to grab my attention and affection so quickly but my recent purchase of one by William Shakour has certainly achieved this. The pen - as the blog title has announced - is a Titan 'Torpedo' and can be seen in the photo below. 

The 'Torpedo'

Before I tell you more about what I think about this pen, it is perhaps worth mentioning that about five years ago I had another by William Shakour - also Titan in size. Below you can see it next to a Montblanc 149 (a large oversized pen) making it look rather smaller. I really liked this pen as well but sadly it was taken from a backpack front pocket when I was at a conference. 

An older William Shakour pen next to a 149

I first came across William Shakour and his pens via a friend who had a couple of them in different colours to the blue one I had above. William is a one person operation and makes 3D prints of his various designs, sands them down and puts the finishing touches to them. He is enthusiastic about his designs and a complete gentleman to deal with. If you look up other reviews by many of the more prominent YouTubers, you will discover that he gets rave reviews - and rightly so. 

At the recent London Pen Show, I saw some of his newer designs in the flesh as it were, as well as seeing people mention them on Instagram and various other forms of social media. I liked the 'Torpedo' so once home I placed an order. I was very lucky with the timing as William had a spare moment to fit my order in and get the pen ready. He kindly sent some photos of my pen after it had been printed and where the sanding process was ongoing. 

A short while later, my pen arrived. It is a large oversized pen and I opted for a steel #8 nib that has William's custom design, I think lasered on. 

It is a wonderful looker

It is a large pen and further below you can see it next to a Lamy Safari - not a small pen by any means - for comparison. The proportions of the pen are wonderful as is its feel and balance in the hand. I have large hands and it is perfect but I know many with average sized hand who find it as comfortable. 

The finishing on the pen is to a very high standard and it is difficult to get your head around the fact that this is a 3D printed pen and not turned out of some fancy acrylic! The pen feels as it could withstand anything and there is a good thickness of material in the cap and body. 

William supplied my pen with a blue feed for my fine nib. He also supplied a spare white feed. (more on this later). The pen wrote beautifully once filled and the balance in my hand all made for a supremely comfortable and enjoyable writing experience. 

My pen is smoke grey and translucent. It has a great overall look.   

Next to a Lamy Safari

Of course, I did muck things up, as only I can. With that lovely white feed sitting there, I decided to take the nib out of the one the pen came in and have a go with the white feed. Not only did I break the lovely blue feed when trying to get the nib out, I bent the nib at almost a right-angle. Totally my fault. Sending a message to William, explaining what had happened, he took pity on me and sent a replacement. He would not accept payment for it. 

That white feed and housing!

While waiting for the replacement to arrive, I fitted an awful #8 titanium nib I had spare that was just about usable but had always been so scratchy a surgeon could perform an operation using it. Despite this, I still loved the pen. When the new nib arrived, all was well in the world and the pen is again...wonderful. The nib is a lovely, lovely writer and hard to believe that 18K isn't stamped somewhere on it. 

You won't run dry in a hurry

I am not sure how much ink it holds but it is an outrageous quantity that would keep you going for an age. The pen is filled via piston fill and this is again designed and made by William and was silky smooth.

I love this pen! I haven't used another since I got it and I know that we are going to become better friends as time passes by. I cannot really think of any minus points at all. Okay, if you like a clip (I personally don't care) it doesn't have one and put it down on a surface and it will roll. Saying that William does provide a pen rest - 3D printed by him. Mine would stay in a case or in my jacket pocket when I wasn't using it. 

You can see William's pens and order one via his Instagram. He has a full time job in addition to making these great pens, so patience is required if you don't see him at a pen show. I will certainly be ordering another in the near future and in the meantime, I will happily using this one. (I must confess that this was originally going to be a present for Mrs Orange. About 20 seconds after inking it, I knew she wasn't getting it)!

Until next time, stay safe out there people!