Wahoo are pretty amazing to say the least

Hello dear reader. I thought I would update you on the state of play in terms of my Wahoo Roam. Having contacted Wahoo's customer service I have to say it has been nothing short of incredible. I will explain. 

You might have read on my previous blog post CLICK HERE that my trusty Wahoo Roam pretty much gave up the ghost in terms of its battery keeping the charge. Contacting Wahoo, they asked me to perform a few tests so that the battery data could be verified. I didn't have the receipt as I could not find it at all but then it dawned on me that I may have actually bought it from Wahoo. Once all this had been sorted out, I confirmed my address and was informed that a replacement unit would be out to me within 5-7 working days. To my amazement and shock, the tracking information came through a few hours later and in a little over 24-hours the replacement was delivered. 

I had a Roam V1 and I was sent the V2 unit - possibly as the V1 is pretty much out of production. I do not know if this is a refurbished unit but I can say it does appear to be as new. 

Taking it out on a ride, the battery life is back to what I remember my original to be like and the V2 has some slight enhancements to the screen, its GPS prowess, the raised buttons and the fact it is now charged via USB C rather than Micro USB. 

I bought the Roam in 2019 and used it frequently in all weather conditions. It helped me to navigate to all sorts of destination and has been indispensable. Wahoo's customer service has been incredible and my loyalty to them is pretty much confirmed by this and previous interactions. I can see it helping me on all sorts of adventures.

Until next time, stay safe out there people. 

Wahoo Roam sadly dying

It is safe to say that I am a bit of a Wahoo fan. The Roam is the thirds of their navigation devices I have owned but sadly it looks as if it is coming to the end of its life. 

On the recent night ride to Southend, the battery drained to zero - something it has now done on two other occasions - where it normally lasts the entire night with ease. 

The Wahoo has allowed me to navigate of all sorts of rides and given me the confidence to do so, knowing that it is very reliable. I have tried other navigation devices from other well know manufacturers (you can guess who) but never got on with them in any way. I certainly didn't have any faith that I could navigate on an overnight ride to the coast. 

I sent an email to Wahoo asking whether anything could be done - perhaps a battery replacement - but I now suspect this is not possible. I do not have a receipt for it, despite searching for for it, which means it is quite possibly the end of the road for it. 

I could power it via a portable juice pack but this is far from ideal. In addition I did this on the recent Southend run but it didn't really help that much as the battery just kept giving up. 

I will let you know how I get on and what I end up doing but I suspect its adventures have come to an end. 

Until next time, stay safe out there people. 

Overnight G-Line London to Southend overnight

Friday night in Saturday morning marked the second night ride to the coast of the season. This adventure was to the classic location Southend-on-Sea. After much deliberation, I decided to take my G-Line for its second nocturnal outing and on several levels I am glad that I did. 

The start point was the usual not a million miles away from the London Eye. As my cycle from north London was pretty plain sailing, I arrived with time to spare. Not wanting to just hang around, I took a few photos on Roupell Street. As it was really quite there and the surrounding area, it enhanced the almost travelling back in time aspect. 

At the start point lots of the regulars started appearing along with a few new faces. Geoff arrived in good time - again on big wheels - but this time there were two other Brompton riders. After our roll call and safety briefing by our ride leader and gentleman that is Greg, we were off into a rather mild night. 

Our pace was purposeful and I cannot be certain but the route seemed to be a little old school and very similar to days of Simon Legg (the original founder of these rides). I liked it. As always, we rode for a few miles and stopped to regroup at various points along the way. All sorts of bicycles were out in force and I think that all the main groups were accounted for. Some had the power of electric and there were times on some of the longer I longed for the joys of my Brompton Electric. 

After rough;y 25 miles in we reached sanctuary at Doddinghurst Scouts. There we found lots of sandwiches and some brilliant oaty biscuits that I could have quite happily eaten every last one of. Again, staying awake was an issue and conversation merely a series of mumbled words.  The welcome was warm and friendly and after about an hour we bid our farewells and headed out into the early, pre-dawn morning.  

As soon as I stepped outside I felt the cold. Fingerless gloves were replaced by those allowing for a full finger covering. A gillet was put over my jacket and a snood (can there be a more useful item of clothing) was put on. For the first few miles after we set off I felt cold but gradually started to feel okay again. 

We had some beautiful scenes ahead of us. The sky was clear, the sun started to rise and a chorus of birdsong guided our way forward. 

All the magical elements you try to explain to people when you tell them what you did at the weekend and why, played out before us. It was wonderful. 

I found my G-Line to be invaluable on the rougher road surfaces. Nothing really bothered it. It just silently glided over it. The G in G-Line is usually taken as meaning gravel, but I think a case could be argued for glide. Again, it confirmed why I bought this particular Brompton. 

Another thing about the G-Line is that I do seem to be able to ascend hills a little easier than on one of my 6x speed Brompton bikes with a 44T chainring. It just seems a little easier. 

We passed the infamous ford and a few participants cycled through it. I never have and always taken the little path that runs parallel to it. Believe me, I have seen this a great deal deeper and the water really can sit a great deal higher!

The next few miles we took in some lovely Essex countryside and as our ride leader didn't want us to arrive too early (the breakfast stop was scheduled for 08:00) photo opportunities were actively encouraged.

 

We stopped at Stock Windmill, always a great sight to see. Built in the early 1800s and a Grade II listed building, its sails no longer turn but it is a lovely building and always enhanced in the early sunrise lighting. Anyway, surely spotting a windmill on a ride is worth bonus points?!

At Hanningfield Reservoir, pretty much everyone stopped to take some photos and rightly so. Being almost 1000 acres in size it is just outside the top ten reservoirs in England. With that orange sky, stunning photos were almost guaranteed. 

Not far from this we were all taking photos again, this time at Battlebridge which spans the River Crouch. From there, we cycled with clear, blue skies and with the sun trying to make its presence felt. 

At the end of night rides I am the sort of person who likes to get home and rarely do I stay for breakfast. With local knowledge from Geoff, Leigh-on-Sea station was simply at the end of a road down a hill. Saying my goodbyes to Geoff I headed down said hill and arrived at the station. 

My train bound for Fenchurch Street was just pulling in as I stepped onto the platform and I boarded it. I was back in london by 08:45 and after about half an hour of gentle cycling, back home. 

At home, I had a bite to eat, a shower and retired to my bed for a few hours of blissful sleep with an entourage of Maine Coon cats to keep me company - despite the fact they had just slept all night. 

Many thanks to the ride organisers, Greg for leading and to Geoff for his company. As always, I look forward to the next nocturnal adventure, which I hope to be sooner rather than later. 

Until next time, stay safe out there people!

Reliving TV memories on a Brompton G-Line

Hello there, dear reader. 

The recent blog post where I cycled to several of the locations where the film, 'About a boy' were filmed, was very much something I wanted to do. Recently, I discovered a location that was pretty much for my eldest Orangette. 

I got to it on on G-Line but there won't be the usual photos of it. The person that joined me does not care for photos of them and a condition of them coming was that I would only take the sort of photos you can see below. I kept to my word - despite the incredible temptations to sneak a few of the lovely orange number in!

The cycle ride was just over 21 miles. The start point was the Grand Union Canal at Paddington and the end at Stockers Farm in Rickmansworth. The entire journey from these two points was along the canal towpath and represented my longest off-road moment on the G-Line. 

My G-Line performed really well on the towpath and that was with the Continental Urban Contact tyres I recently changed to from the originals. The G-Line really does provide a much more comfy ride on anything approaching rough or ropey surface, just gliding along. My regular Brompton bikes can also easily cope with all this too, but not as comfortably or as quickly.

It really was a glorious morning. The sun was trying to make an appearance. White, fluffy clouds just seemed to hang as there was only the gentlest of breezes. We saw quite a few WWII pillboxes along the canal. They are a reminder of the 'Outer London Defence Ring' where - usually - soldiers from the Home Guard could fire on the enemy. 

As if it were meant, as we reached the target location, horses seemed to be everywhere. On the opposite side of the canal they ate, trotted and galloped. They all looked as if they were having a wonderful time of it. 

Once we reached Stockers House, we knew that we were close. Stockers House, build 1861-2 is a Grade II listed beauty, originally built as a residence for the collector of coal dues on the Grand Union Canal for the Corporation of London. With the railway becoming a more popular way of transporting goods the house was sold only a few years later in 1869.

Just up the road stands Stockers Farm and its house. The television series that eldest Orangette absolutely loved when she was little was, 'The Adventures of Black Beauty.' I pretty much cycled all this way to find it and get some photos for her. When she was little, I remember buying the series on DVD for her and she watched it avidly. It perhaps explains why she wanted to go horse riding and loves horses. 

This television series ran between 1927 and 1974, featuring 52 episodes. I know them well too from reruns when I was little myself but especially from watching them with both Orangettes. One of its stars was the actress, Judi Bowker who played the part of Vicky Gordan. She still looks as elegant as ever and can occasionally be seen in N6. 

The house and the surrounding area has featured in many films and television programmes. I was rather pleased to find out from a knowledgeable local who took a shine to my G-Line that a few episodes of 'Dick Turpin' starring Richard O'Sullivan were filmed there, but this did not impress eldest Orangette one bit.

It really is a lovely house and is set in stunning surroundings. It is also quite fitting that all things equestrian obviously feature in its current DNA. After all this, we decided to head to a not too far away tube station and get back into north London. As we did this, the famous theme tune by Denis King was constantly playing in my head on a loop. As I type this, it still is!

I must confess to not particularly liking cycling along the canal but doing so on the G-Line definitely made things rather pleasant. Of course, we did have to blow the dust off the DVDs and play a few episodes. (Didn't help removing that theme tune from my head)!

Until next time, stay safe out there people!

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!