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!

London to Maldon nocturnal on a Brompton?

It seems like ages ago now, but on Friday, 5th September, I embarked on the last official nocturnal group ride of the season to Maldon. Well, almost Maldon, hence the question mark in the blog title. More on that later though.

Chelsea's rural heritage seen on a Brompton G-Line

The other day I found myself cycling in the now rather fancy Chelsea. As I past this particular building, first seen on one of Ross’s brilliant quite interesting Sunday rides a few years ago, I decided to stop and take a few photos of my Brompton G-Line…and the building in question of course! Yes you read that correctly…rural. 

The cows head on the building were once the mooo-dels (sorry, I could not resist) for Wright's Dairy, which proudly served Londoners with milk, from the late 1700s.

Overnight ride from Cambridge to King’s Lynn on a Brompton

Last Friday, I joined the lovely Friday peeps for a ride that is a firm favourite of many, but one I had never participated in before: Cambridge to King’s Lynn. Now, let me tell you, I had been asked whether I was going on this ride for some time, but as it doesn’t start in London and getting back can take a while longer than usual, I was rather undecided. But, when Dr John and Geoff, two chaps I know all too well, confirmed they were up for the challenge, I thought, “Why not?” So, I signed up and purchased my train tickets.

Modern architecture ride on a Brompton

Last Sunday I joined the lovely Friday peeps for an architectural cycle ride in which we would be treated to some of the more modern buildings the city has to offer. Starting at the usual Hyde Park Corner we set off in good time and in weather conditions that got better as the ride progressed. I even had the time for a few touristy photos.

Brutal Barbican on a Brompton

I have always held quite the soft spot for Brutalist architecture, often perceived as a subject of polarising opinion - one either loves it or loathes it. I firmly belong to the former category. Throughout my relatively unchanged residence in London, I have been fortunate to be in proximity to some great examples of this architectural style. The Barbican Centre, a quintessential representation of Brutalism, has always been a favourite and epitomises the aesthetics of this genre. As you might suspect, I possess literally thousands of photographs capturing various angles, times of day and different seasons.

Quite interesting ride on my Orange Titanium Brompton - Part 1

Last Sunday, I went on the sixth version of the ‘Quite Interesting Ride’ series, which is the brainchild of the gentleman that is, Ross. Regrettably, this was to be the last of his rides of this type, but that didn’t deter me from attending, even with the forecast predicting near-constant rain (more on that later)! After all, skin is waterproof!

The ride started near London Bridge station, and I had to resort to using several tube lines to get there on time. As you know, dear reader, I am not the biggest fan of public transport, but I steeled myself for the worst and got there in the end.

With that challenge behind me, I dusted off my trusty Orange Titanium Brompton for this occasion. (I wasn't keen on getting my G-Line or Brompton Electric wet)! Initially, riding one of my small-wheeled Brompton after such a long hiatus felt a bit odd - for about two minutes, that is. Once I found my rhythm, I was absolutely loving the ride. There’s something freeing about zipping around on a Brompton, even in drizzly conditions!

The premise of the ride was simple. We would visit 15 interesting locations covering roughly 15 miles of gentle cycling. It was a perfect opportunity to soak in the history of London. As we set off, each stop promised unique views and stories.

In this blog post, I will cover the first five locations. The rest will follow at a later date - when I have more time to write them. Keep an eye out for those. 

1. The Royal Exchange - Giant Grasshopper weathervane

The grasshopper was the emblem of Tudor financier, Sir Thomas Gresham. He founded the first Royal Exchange in 1565, establishing a vital hub for commerce. Moreover, he set up Gresham College, which delights audiences to this day with engaging public lectures. The grasshopper appears on top of the Royal Exchange building and also elsewhere in the City. 

But here’s a whimsical twist: it is said that Thomas’s ancestor, Roger de Gresham, was abandoned as a small child in the marshy parts of Norfolk. What a spot to be left! Remarkably, little Roger was eventually discovered by a lady, intriguingly drawn to the sound of a chirruping grasshopper. Now, whether this sound came from a genuine grasshopper or if young Roger was simply wailing like one remains a mystery. Perhaps it’s more likely that the tale springs from an old pun connecting Gresh and grass! Either way, it adds flavour to the Gresham legacy.

2. Fine wooden doors at 23 Cornhill. 

This location was once the headquarters of the Cornhill Insurance Company, an establishment rich in history. 

The mahogany doors, designed by the esteemed Sir Walter Gilbert in 1939, are the highlight. He was quite the noteworthy figure, also responsible for the façade at Selfridges on Oxford Street and the gates of Buckingham Palace.

The intricate carvings on the doors catch the eye, each illustrating significant events that have shaped the area over time. They serve as a visual narrative, linking the past to the present. The doors are rather lovely and stand as a testament to the craftsmanship of their time, inviting visitors to pause and appreciate the stories they tell. Saying that, I have passed them countless times and never given them a second glance. It is only thanks to this ride that I know they existed at all!

3. Mercer's Maiden

This carving in Covent Garden is the symbol of the Mercer’s Guild and signifies their ownership, appearing on several buildings across London. While there are a few in Covent Garden, this mid-16th century example is uniquely set into the wall of a newer building. The Mercers originally specialised in fancy textiles and were the foremost guild in London, playing a significant role in the city’s commercial history.

4. St Lawrence Jewry, Gresham Street. (Another weathervane). 

The original church was built here in the 12th century but was destroyed in the Great Fire of London of 1666. It was subsequently rebuilt to the design of Sir Christopher Wren, renowned for his masterpiece, St Paul's Cathedral. However, this architectural tale is merely the backdrop to a much more intriguing...disturbing story.

St Lawrence, born in 225, served as a Christian deacon in Rome. His unwavering faith drew the ire of the Roman Prefect, who ordered a gridiron to be prepared, with hot coals seething beneath it. Yes, as one might surmise, St Lawrence was placed atop the gridiron - what a chilling fate and what a way to go! Ironically, he is honoured as the Patron Saint of individuals who work with fire. To add a layer of absurdity, he is also the Patron Saint of comedians. This latter designation may stem from the legend that, in defiance of his impending martyrdom, St Lawrence is alleged to have boldly declared, "I’m done on this side!"

5. The Castle pub, Farringdon.

The Castle pub, adorned with the distinctive three brass balls on its sign, both outside and inside, is renowned for its unique status as a pawnbroker. The origins of this unusual designation trace back to an incident involving a gentleman who, having suffered considerable losses at a nearby cockfight, probably up the road in Clerkenwell, sought assistance at the Castle Pub. In need of immediate funds, he implored the landlord to advance him some cash, offering his gold pocket watch as collateral. The landlord acquiesced, and soon after, a royal employee reclaimed the watch with a cash payment. The gentleman with the watch was in fact George IV. This transaction resulted in the landlord receiving a Royal Warrant, thereby officially permitting the Castle to operate as a pawnbroker. Consequently, it stands as the only pub in England with such a privilege. In contrast, if one finds themselves financially bereft at your local Wetherspoons, exchanging a bicycle for cash would be an improbable endeavour!

Well, that is you lot for now. Many thanks to Ross for all his research and effort into these rides. They are quite simply brilliant. There will be more in a future blog post so keep an eye for it. 

Until next time, stay safe out there people!

Meeting up with my Partner in Crime

It has been far too long since I went out for a cycle ride with my Partner in Crime, so early last week we arranged to go for one of our favoured routes that we have been on countless times before.

We met at the London Eye and were soon off in an easterly direction. Our first port of call however was to stop off for a quick hot drink and snack. Feeling suitably refreshed we continued. It didn’t take long for us to catch up on what we had been up to. 

My Partner in Crime has recently been diagnosed with prostate cancer. When I found out about this, I experienced a few reactions that varied from disbelief, to anger to sadness and then positivity. Thankfully it has been caught early and positivity is something my riding Partner exhibited. You can read his blog post about this. Click here.

At Wapping we stopped at Pelican Stairs adjacent to the Prospect of Whitby pub. Luckily as the tide was out, meaning we could go onto the foreshore of the Thames. We are definitely kindred spirits and needed no encouragement to take lots of photographs of our respective Brompton bicycles. 

Heading further east we reminisced about the many adventures we had been on. This included a never to be forgotten return journey from Whitstable! Read about that one HERE!! Our night rides to the coast. The several Brompton World Championships we have attended. We even recalled a time where a group of us inadvertently strayed onto a railway line with trains rolling past. (Understandably, I have not written a blog post about that one, nor will I)!! 

We reached the Thames Flood Barrier but the information centre (and cafe) is now only open on Saturday. So, we headed back to the establishment where we had a snack to have something more substantial. 

Of the Brompton peeps, Andrew is one of the Brompton users I have know the longest. We would never have met had it not been for the fact we both had a Brompton bicycle. We were I suppose drawn to each other. He had the Bumblebee thing going on and I the Orange thing. It is in many ways incredible that a wonderful friendship started as a result. We are both older - probably not wiser - and I know that I will have many more years of adventure on two small wheels. 

Until next time, stay safe out there people. 

Using a Brompton on canal towpaths

A recent article in 'The Guardian' caught my attention and got me thinking whether I agreed or disagreed. The article was titled, 'On roads, cyclists are vulnerable - but on towpaths they're a menace.'

The article tells of the huge increase in cycling (surly a goo thing) many of which choose - in large numbers - to cycle on canal towpaths that are narrow, uneven and bolt during the Industrial Revolution for horses to slowly tow boats. It goes on to state that cyclists using canal towpaths as a key commuter route is not sustainable. 

My experience of using towpaths in rush hour is limited. Yes they have been busy but not a problem. he section I always use is that from Ladbroke Grove to Primrose Hill - which is perhaps on of the busier routes. Ask any cyclist they they are using this particular towpath during rush hour (or perhaps any other section) and the answer will be quite obvious - no cars, safer, feel more confident. 

The article goes on to subscribe to a trial ban on cycling on canals at peak times, with on-the-spot fines issued at various checkpoints for those who ignore this. This I really cannot agree with. Make roads safer and continue to invest more in the cycle infrastructure and those using towpaths as their commuter route will almost certainly switch. Prohibiting cyclists from using their bicycles on canal towpaths during peak hours may result in many abandoning their bikes altogether. This wouldn't be good at all.

When I cycle on a towpath, I always give way to pedestrians, dog walkers, joggers etc..,  and do so to other cyclists when and where appropriate. I try to be courteous and polite at all times. In doing so I have not had any issues or been the cause of any. 

Preparation for my Brompton Ride46

Miracles sometimes happen. Lightening sometimes strikes twice. The stars align in the right position. Occasionally kismet works in ones favour. I am of course talking about me getting a place in the Prudential Ride46. (Sadly, all of these didn't quite work for me securing a place at the Brompton World Championships this year). 

Next Thursday I plan to pop down to ExCel London where I will pick up my ride number and bits and pieces needed to participate in the Ride46. Also on at the same time is the Prudential Ride London Cycling Show where lots of cycling related exhibitors will be showing and perhaps selling all sorts of gear.

I have been deliberating which of my Brompton bicycles to take with me. At the moment I am coming down on the side of my Orange Special Edition rather than my Flame Lacquer. Saying that every time I gaze at the pure loveliness of the Flame Lacquer, I instantly change my mind!

One thing I won't be doing is turning whatever bikes I end up using to eating spec. So, there will be no change to Kojak tyres, removing the dynamo wheel, swapping out the saddle for a lighter one etc. It will just be the bike I normally use. Saying that, what I will do is to try and edit down what I take with me. My tool kit will be at a minimum as will the items I choose to carry with me. It will just be a case of making sure I give the bike the once over - and of course that it is sparklingly clean!!

As far a strategies go, I haven't got any. The Ride46 isn't a race and I will go as fast /slow as I feel I want to. I only wish that some of the other participants would take the same view. The previous time I took part in the Ride46 the last few miles weren't that pleasant as several roadies who had started the Ride100 earlier in the day, rode selfishly and stupidly obviously wanting to record the quickest time they could. 

I am very much looking forward to it all and I know that there are a few other Brompton riders also taking part. If you see me, do say hello!

I wonder if the 2019 ribbon is orange?!