Enjoy 140 London Wall / Bastion House while it is still there

Regular readers will know that I am rather fond of modernist and brutalist-influenced architecture, and in London you are never too far from a good example. Over the past year, I have spent quite a bit of time around the Barbican Estate, so it has provided a regular fix for someone who enjoys this particular style of architecture.

I have always liked 140 London Wall, better known as Bastion House. It is a building that can be easy to overlook, when compared with the obvious presence of the Barbican Estate beside it. Sadly, its days are numbered. Plans to demolish it - along with the former Museum of London next door - have been approved as part of the London Wall West redevelopment. Demolition is pencilled in to begin in 2028.

Ten tips for the forthcoming Brompton World Championships 2026

I hope that you are coping with the ongoing hotter weather. On a more serious note, it does confirm certain life choices. I do not travel on an aeroplane, have a hybrid car and use public transport, walk or cycle more than I use said car. As for the cycling, it is, of course, a Brompton, and owning one allows entry into the greatest sporting event of the year! The Brompton World Championships is but a step away, so I thought I would provide some thoughts about how one might prepare for race day – perhaps centred on a gentleman’s point of view.

Interesting London locations on a Brompton

Last Sunday I joined Ross and a few others for the seventh installment of the ‘Quite Interesting Ride’ series. The gentleman that is Ross puts on some wonderful Sunday rides, and they are without doubt my favourites - despite the fact that he occasionally strays into south London rather than my more familiar north London. These rides are better than any London guided tour you could go on, and I really do think that he could make a living from them. 

Gilbert House Pens hybrid fountain pen review

I thought I would post another pen review as this new addition is rather lovely. Do not worry, there will be the usual Brompton related post on Sunday. 

As many of you know, I have a bit of a fondness for fountain pens. Following a significant wedding anniversary a few days ago, Mrs Orange kindly allowed me to treat myself to add another pen to the collection. This latest acquisition in not from my usual favourite brand, Lamy, but from a maker I have seen several times at the London Pen Show, ‘Gilbert House Pens.’

Brompton World Championship 2026 heads to Lee Valley VeloPark

The countdown has begun people! On Saturday, 5th September 2026, the Brompton World Championship (BWC) returns to London, this time at the iconic Lee Valley VeloPark in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. It promises to be the biggest championship yet and yes, I’m going! 

Made it in America?

Back in the 1980s if you were a British music artist, making it in America was huge. I suspect not a great deal has changed. If you follow on Instagram @orangebrompton you will know that I occasionally use songs by one of my favourite bands 'Depeche Mode' to go with my photos. They definitely made it in America and after the last few weeks, I am beginning to think that my Brompton brothers and sisters across the pond might be reading a little more of my humble offerings. 

Why I keep coming back to Lamy Safari fountain pens

I am fortunate to get a few emails and comments from some of you good people who read my efforts. One recent comment and email was from a Brompton rider and fountain pen user all the way from Malaysia. He asked whether I could get more blog posts out there other than just once a week. That is probably not going to happen anytime soon as it is a considerable time commitment to deliver one every Sunday. However, I thought I could write one as an addition that has nothing to do with Brompton bikes or London. It is all about the Lamy ‘Safari’ fountain pen - a bit of a design classic. So, if fountain pens are not for you, there will be a Brompton related post out on Sunday. 

Decathlon and Chinese investment group have bought stakes in Brompton. Don't panic!

In the classic British television programme ‘Dad's Army’ one of the main characters, Corporal Jones, would often shout, "Don't panic!" at moments when many people were doing exactly that. I couldn't help but think of him when the news broke at the end of June that Brompton had sold stakes to two outside groups. Predictably, the doom-and-gloom brigade were quick to declare the sky was falling.

London Lockdown Ride revisited on a Brompton

It had been a while since I had embarked on a ride involving any considerable mileage, so when Geoff asked if I was interested in joining a select few on a nocturnal ride, I happily said yes.

Lamy Persona has been worth the wait!

This blog post as you can see from the title is nothing to do with one of my Brompton bicycles - although it does feature. It has been a busy week to say the least, but I managed to buy a pen that I have been after for ages upon ages. 

Brompton hot weather cycling in London!

In London it has been crazy hot and a few records for temperature in June have been broken. I have not cycled huge distances; however, I have been out and about on my Brompton bicycles. 

A Father's Day Walk Through Kensal Green Cemetery

This Father's Day, I spent some time at Kensal Green Cemetery, one of London's great historic cemeteries - and as I have said many times, my favourite. Paying it a visit is always meaningful because both of my parents had their funeral service there, giving me a personal connection to a place.

Red means stop!? Apparently not everyone agrees.

One of the hidden pleasures of cycling in London is that you occasionally stumble across scenes so ridiculous that you wonder whether you've accidentally ridden onto the set of a sitcom.

Highgate Cemetery after hours!

Earlier last week, I had the opportunity to visit Highgate Cemetery after hours, when a lucky few were granted access to several normally locked mausoleums. It was an opportunity not to be missed. Mrs Orange, the eldest Orangette, and I rushed home and then hurried even faster down a very slippery Swain’s Lane to arrive in time.

Rosetti and Elizabeth Siddal

What a couple of weekends it has been! I ended up making a couple of unexpected nocturnal journeys on my Orange Titanium over the Bank Holiday weekend and another Friday night just gone. This saw me make a 50 mile round trip, from London to the countryside and back. Not wanting to do this on my own, I enlisted the help of old friend Tom, who took one of his Brompton Titanium bikes. Perhaps a blog post for another time. On the way back I passed the house where the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood resided and later Highgate Cemetery. I could not resist in writing this blog post as a result. 

New saddle and grips for my Orange Titanium

It has been a busy week and an even busier weekend. I have been using my Orange Titanium a little more and one of the reasons for this is that it is now a much more comfy riding experience. I will let me explain. 

My favourite of the Magnificent Seven, Kensal Green cemetery

I was passing through my favourite of the Magnificent Seven cemeteries in London, Kensal Green on my G-Line the other day. Whilst doing so I could not help but pass the grave of rake, rapscallion and rogue that was George Smythe. 

London to Shoreham-on -Sea overnight on a Brompton

Friday night into Saturday morning saw me taking part in a Friday night ride to the coast: Shoreham-on-Sea. Armed with my trusty Orange Titanium, I set off for the start not far from the London Eye, feeling reasonably optimistic and only mildly aware that I was about to spend the best part of the night pedalling in the direction of a seaside town while most sensible people were either asleep or making poor choices of their own.

The Curious Case of the Lamppost-Bound Brompton

There’s a particular species of urban cyclist that fascinates and terrifies me in equal measure: the Brompton owner who (steel yourself for this)…leaves their bike locked to a lamppost. Yes, you read that right. The same folding wonder designed to slip discreetly under your desk, disappear into the boot of a cab, or quietly insinuate itself into the luggage compartment of a train is instead chained outside like it is an abandoned pony. 

Opening a parcel containing a new Brooks saddle can be painful - Part 2

Last week I hinted at a Part 2 for all things saddles. Here it is. As I wrote this it brought back more an a few memories! A few years ago, there was a ride called the ‘St Crispin’s Day Ride’ which was great fun. I remember signing up for it the following year but was unable to participate due to a rather dramatic, avoidable, and painful accident involving a new Brooks saddle.

Back to a Brooks saddle - Part 1

There comes a time in every cyclist’s life when they look at their saddle and think, ‘You know what? This one makes my arse hurt!!’

The Cobblemonster 2026 on my G-Line a day early!

The official Cobblemonster event is happening today, but I had other plans for Sunday, so I decided to tackle it a day early. I set off bright and early on my G-Line, arriving at Barbican, conveniently along the route. I figured I’d start and finish there. After a few quick adjustments I’d prepared the day before, I loaded the route… and off I went.

A painful overnight Brompton London to Leigh-on-Sea

The first official night ride to the coast of 2026 took place last Thursday into Friday - and it turned out to be something of an eye-opener. More on that shortly.

Delightful Musical Discovery on My Orange Brompton

Last Friday, I embarked upon a ride on my trusty Orange Superlight, a bicycle that rarely fails to bring a smile to my face. As I pedalled through the bustling streets of London, I decided to take a brief stop near the iconic St Mary Le Bow church in Cheapside to check my phone for a message I was expecting. It was here that I had a delightful encounter with a gentleman who was intrigued by my Brompton. We struck up a conversation, and to my surprise, he mentioned that there was a lunchtime concert happening within the church in about 20 minutes or so.

A Midnight Brompton Adventure: less than two weeks away.

The nocturnal ride season is almost upon us, and if you’ve been following my escapades, you’ll know I have a soft spot for the odd night ride - especially those that whisk me away to the coast. In less than two weeks, I shall be dusting off one of my trusty Brompton and pedalling off into the night!

Back again this Sunday.

I sadly missed one Sunday posting for lots of technical issues that I will not bother you with. It got to the point where I was seriously considering throwing in the towel. All seems to be resolved and I hope normal service will be resumed. So, see you on Sunday, 22nd March. 

Until then, stay safe out there people.

P G Wodehouse locations seen on a Brompton

It is no secret that I am a bit of a PG Wodehouse fan. I bought one of his books at a church jumble sale when I was quite young and was soon drawn into the world of - for me at least - his best creation, Bertie Wooster. Bertie! The epitome of a well-meaning but hopelessly inept young man, forever entangled in matrimonial mishaps and impractical bets.

A Pilgrimage to the Spring London Pen Show 2026

Now this blog post is nothing to do with Brompton bicycles or cycling. Regular readers will know that I do like the odd fountain pen. So, this blog post is about that. I quite understand if it is not for you though.

Celebrating a Milestone: 4 Million Page Views!

I had planned to write and publish a completely different blog post to this one (that will now have to wait). Yesterday, at about 11 in the a.m. I took a rare peek at my blog statistics and was delighted to discover that I have surpassed an incredible 4 million page views! It feels just like yesterday when I celebrated reaching the 3 million mark back in November 2024. The growth in such a short time is truly heartwarming.

Ride London Event Put on Indefinite Pause

The Ride London event, a much-anticipated cycling extravaganza that has brought together thousands of cyclists and spectators alike, has recently been put on indefinite pause. This decision - although not really a surprise - has left many in the cycling community pondering the implications of such a significant change.

Lycra: A Fashion Statement or a Cry for Help?

Back in April 2024, I wrote a blog post I simply titled, Lycra! The link to that post can be found HERE. I am afraid that I am back to writing about what cyclists wear, and I warn you in advance, many of you might not be best pleased. Here we go.

Brompton Electric 12-speed for me rather than 4-speed

First of all, can you believe it is February! The weather is still pretty awful here in London but at least January is over with. 

It will only be a few weeks away that I will have had my Brompton Electric for two years. Recently, it has been on my mind, and I thought it fitting to share my experiences in a blog post. If you take a look at my blog archive, you will notice that 2023 was rather sparse in terms of posts. The reason for this was straightforward: I had a knee issue that made cycling unwise for a while. It was one of those on-and-off situations, but by June 2023, I decided to consult my doctor.

Why I Take Lots of Photos of My Brompton

As a keen cyclist (that means only on one of my Brompton bicycles) and someone who has always liked taking photos, my Brompton bike has become more than just a mode of transport; it almost acts as a muse on my countless adventures. Each photograph I take of my Brompton tells a story, capturing not just the bike itself but the experiences and memories I’ve gathered along the way.

Brutal London Brompton Bicycle Ride

At the start of the overnight ride to Maldon back in September 2025, my friend Geoff kindly gifted me a map of Brutalist London. This lists the locations of some of London's choice brutalist architecture. Mapping myself out a little 11 mile route, I ventured out to try and locate as many as I could. 

The Great Lime Bicycle Blockade

The Tower of London, a majestic fortress steeped in history, where tales of kings, queens, and the occasional beheading echo through the ages. (It is little bit like one of those awful theme parks now). But lo and behold, what greets the unsuspecting visitor? A veritable army of Lime hire bicycles parked haphazardly and blocking the pavement like the carnage from a recent battle.

On my Brompton G-Line Through Richmond Park After Dark

Picture a crisp, clear night in Richmond Park, the moon hanging high like a giant disco ball illuminating the path ahead and me, armed with my trusty Brompton G Line, ready to traverse the vast expanse ahead. What could possibly go wrong?

My Orange Brompton Plans for 2026

Happy New Year! As I look ahead to 2026, I find myself filled with excitement and anticipation for the adventures that await me on my trusty Orange Brompton bicycles. Cycling has been a source of exercise and relaxation for more years than I care to mention, and I believe that the streets of London offer endless opportunities for exploration and discovery. This year, I am determined to make the most of my rides, not only by visiting interesting locations but also by delving further into the rich history that our capital has to offer.