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.