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.
Showing posts with label Night rides to the coast. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Night rides to the coast. Show all posts
Sunday, 31 August 2025
Sunday, 6 July 2025
Duo Brompton overnight ride London to Shoreham-on-Sea
Dr John and I had pencilled in the night of 4th July for a nocturnal adventure for some time. Thankfully we could both make it, so I headed off to the meeting point near the London Eye.
It was a mild night and apart from a light waterproof jacket - just in case - there was no need for lots of layers. London was busy. Hyde Park was closed off. It seemed as if there was some sort of event in there that was just finishing. Lots of people had cowboy boots and hats, a little like when Taylor Swift was in concert at Wembley. Any cycle lanes were filled with those awful rickshaw bicycle things. Why anyone uses them is a mystery?
I arrived in good time and so did Dr John. After getting ourselves ready and with the route loaded, we headed off into the night. It was good to catch up and Dr John is great company. As such the miles passed by very easily.
This route, although avoiding Ditchling Beacon, has quite a few ups and downs to keep one occupied. It is a route I have cycled twice with the lovely Fridays peeps and the ride leader for those rides - Jim - had chosen wisely.
Once we had passed the various Clapham stations and turned down Cathles Road things got quieter. Cycling through Tooting Common we saw several foxes embolden by the fact they were urban and on home turf. We passed a youngish chap lying on the floor. His friend shouted out from some distance away that he was okay and just drunk. I shouted back that he should not leave him and the chap on the floor then shouted back that he was okay.
This route seemed to get us out on to much quieter lanes sooner than our usual London to Brighton route. This made things even more enjoyable. We saw several more foxes, some deer and heard the odd bird or two letting us know it was there.
About 30is miles in we passed the traditional stop on the organised ride (Burstow Scout Hut) and settled to eat the snacks we had brought with us on the wall of a car dealership. This did seem to be in the middle of nowhere though?
At about 04:00 the sun was ever so slowly starting to appear, accompanied by an increased chorus of birdsong. I did not take many photos for this one. I blame chatting away to Dr John! The photo below was Newells Pond (I think) and like us cycling through the night another chap in a tent had probably fished all night. (I much prefer the cycling).
Saying our goodbyes, I got off at Farringdon and Dr John at St Pancras. Once home I was out for the count once my head hit the pillow.
This ride was a little over 67 miles and certainly provided a good workout. As always thanks to Dr John for his friendship and company. (And in case you ask, Dr John was banned from using moisturising body lotion for this ride)!
Hopefully we will have another adventure sometime soon and we might cycle to another favourite haunt.
Until next time, stay safe out there people!
Monday, 10 April 2023
Overnight London to Felpham...nearly!
Thursday was quite a busy day. I had been out with the family visiting a few places but I had been very organised and had the choice of either of my two Orange Brompton bicycles, both clean and raring to go. This ride to Felpham, not far from Bognor Regis was to be the first night ride of the season as the previous ride to Southend - which would have been the first - was cancelled due to poor weather. I set off with my Orange Titanium and made it to the start point in good time.
We reached Farthing Down and the cattle grid entry and exit a great deal later than we should, sadly due to punctures and waiting around. Normally, it is when it rains that there seems to be more punctures. Although quite chilly, the rain stayed away and it was just going to be one of those nights.
I am sure that the chap with all the punctures will be better prepared next time but it really was a complete pain in the arse that the ride was delayed for so long. The next ride will be to Burnham-on-Crouch in a few weeks time and already I look forward to it. Let's hope that we don't have a repeat of this number of mechanicals!
Many thanks to Bob for leading the ride and a special mention to the Tail End Charlies, Ross and Greg who both deserve an OBE!
Until next time, stay safe out there people (and always take a f*&%#@! inner tube)!!
.
Sunday, 25 August 2019
Early start, early finish Brompton London to Brighton
After what has seemed like ages, Dr John and I decided that Friday would be the perfect time/weather for a night ride to the coast - our favourite London to Brighton. As there had been some talk of train/tube lines been closed or disrupted, we chose to meet as close to 23:00 as we could and depart as soon thereafter.
Our meet location was the usual one not too far from the London Eye. Dr John was there before me and after a getting routes loaded, lights turned on, we were off.
The weather was as predicted near perfect - warm, gentle breeze and very much short sleeves. The first few miles up to Clapham South we took at a slightly quicker pace as we wanted to avoid the clubbers, taxi drivers and pedestrians that fill the area and occasionally do unpredictable things. This worked well and before long we were on quieter roads.
Our pace was purposeful and the miles flew by as Dr John and I chewed the fat about all sorts - which is always one of the welcome features of our rides together.
The cattle grid at Farthing Downs in Coulsdon in the London Brough of Croydon always marks the point at which the urban really does change into the semi-rural and then rural. At the top we looked at views down to Croydon central. Gazing skyward we could see that it was cloudless with stars and constellations visible. I tried to spot a few from my memories of Sir Patrick Moore and his programme 'The Sky at Night.' Failing dismally, I used and app on my iPhone which indicated the Milky Way was to our right. I have had this app for a number of years and not used it in anger. Of course I could not see this with the naked eye but I was nonetheless proud of locating it for once!
As we cycled along Tawny Owls could be heard making their wavering 'boohoo' call. This was followed by foxes, bats and - the highlight - a young badger that ran straight in front of us.
Our normal halfway stop had formally been outside a scout hut in Burstow where we have brought our own food/snacks and eaten them while standing outside. Dr John did a little bit of research and found a 24-hour service station that had a seating area, toilet, food, snacks and a hot drinks machine. This came at almost 29 miles. Sadly, the hot drinks machine was not working so we bought a cold bottle of water and bot of us had a chicken and salad sandwich - at least I think it was chicken! Feeling suitably refreshed we headed out to continue.
For the last few minutes inside the service station I started to feel cold. Dr John said that this might be due to the air-conditioning but I decided to put on a light packable jacket. I needed to as I felt really cold when I stepped outside. Added to this was the sudden appearance of fog. As soon as you hit it the temperature went down by a considerable amount. We pressed on towards Turner Hill, hoping the the exertion of making an ascent would warn us up. By the time we had reached the top it must have worked as both of us took off the boil in the bag jackets we had been wearing.
We were making wonderful timing and pressed on for perhaps the highlight of the ride - Ditchling Beacon. There are many climbs in the UK but Ditchling Beacon is rather famous - perhaps because of the annual London to Brighton charity cycle ride. At 0.9 miles it has an average gradient of 9% and a maximum of 16%. It isn't easy by any means and I suspect much harder on a Brompton!
The base of the Beacon came upon us quite suddenly and after a few last minute preparations we made our ascent in darkness. It was before 05:00 in the a.m. after all. We rode up the Beacon together and after its several false summits we made it. Still dark, with nothing to therefore see and take a photo of we cycled towards central Brighton.
Most of the last few miles are downhill and this was wonderful! Pedals could be turned easily on the flats and the last little bit into Brighton was all freewheeling. We decided to head for the station and at about 05.10 we had done it. With our train departing at 05:26 we had the time to buy a coffee and almond croissant before boarding our train - which must have been my earliest departure from Brighton.
The journey lasted a little over an hour for me and I spent some of this time calculating the quickest route home, barring in mind there were some part-closures of various lines. With my route sorted I said goodbye to Dr John and got off at London Bridge. I was home by 07:15 so was rather pleased.
Another great ride and many thanks to Dr John for agreeing to do this...again! I cannot think how many times I have written this but nocturnal rides are addictive. There is just something about them. Lots of people view the notion of cycling through the night to a seaside location and then getting the train back as insanity but they are great fun! Until next time...
Our meet location was the usual one not too far from the London Eye. Dr John was there before me and after a getting routes loaded, lights turned on, we were off.
The weather was as predicted near perfect - warm, gentle breeze and very much short sleeves. The first few miles up to Clapham South we took at a slightly quicker pace as we wanted to avoid the clubbers, taxi drivers and pedestrians that fill the area and occasionally do unpredictable things. This worked well and before long we were on quieter roads.
Our pace was purposeful and the miles flew by as Dr John and I chewed the fat about all sorts - which is always one of the welcome features of our rides together.
The cattle grid at Farthing Downs in Coulsdon in the London Brough of Croydon always marks the point at which the urban really does change into the semi-rural and then rural. At the top we looked at views down to Croydon central. Gazing skyward we could see that it was cloudless with stars and constellations visible. I tried to spot a few from my memories of Sir Patrick Moore and his programme 'The Sky at Night.' Failing dismally, I used and app on my iPhone which indicated the Milky Way was to our right. I have had this app for a number of years and not used it in anger. Of course I could not see this with the naked eye but I was nonetheless proud of locating it for once!
As we cycled along Tawny Owls could be heard making their wavering 'boohoo' call. This was followed by foxes, bats and - the highlight - a young badger that ran straight in front of us.
Our normal halfway stop had formally been outside a scout hut in Burstow where we have brought our own food/snacks and eaten them while standing outside. Dr John did a little bit of research and found a 24-hour service station that had a seating area, toilet, food, snacks and a hot drinks machine. This came at almost 29 miles. Sadly, the hot drinks machine was not working so we bought a cold bottle of water and bot of us had a chicken and salad sandwich - at least I think it was chicken! Feeling suitably refreshed we headed out to continue.
For the last few minutes inside the service station I started to feel cold. Dr John said that this might be due to the air-conditioning but I decided to put on a light packable jacket. I needed to as I felt really cold when I stepped outside. Added to this was the sudden appearance of fog. As soon as you hit it the temperature went down by a considerable amount. We pressed on towards Turner Hill, hoping the the exertion of making an ascent would warn us up. By the time we had reached the top it must have worked as both of us took off the boil in the bag jackets we had been wearing.
We were making wonderful timing and pressed on for perhaps the highlight of the ride - Ditchling Beacon. There are many climbs in the UK but Ditchling Beacon is rather famous - perhaps because of the annual London to Brighton charity cycle ride. At 0.9 miles it has an average gradient of 9% and a maximum of 16%. It isn't easy by any means and I suspect much harder on a Brompton!
The base of the Beacon came upon us quite suddenly and after a few last minute preparations we made our ascent in darkness. It was before 05:00 in the a.m. after all. We rode up the Beacon together and after its several false summits we made it. Still dark, with nothing to therefore see and take a photo of we cycled towards central Brighton.
Most of the last few miles are downhill and this was wonderful! Pedals could be turned easily on the flats and the last little bit into Brighton was all freewheeling. We decided to head for the station and at about 05.10 we had done it. With our train departing at 05:26 we had the time to buy a coffee and almond croissant before boarding our train - which must have been my earliest departure from Brighton.
The journey lasted a little over an hour for me and I spent some of this time calculating the quickest route home, barring in mind there were some part-closures of various lines. With my route sorted I said goodbye to Dr John and got off at London Bridge. I was home by 07:15 so was rather pleased.
Another great ride and many thanks to Dr John for agreeing to do this...again! I cannot think how many times I have written this but nocturnal rides are addictive. There is just something about them. Lots of people view the notion of cycling through the night to a seaside location and then getting the train back as insanity but they are great fun! Until next time...
Sunday, 26 May 2019
Brompton London to Maldon night ride
Last Friday night I took part in another night ride to the coast, this time to Maldon. This location was a first last year and I enjoyed it greatly. It was sensibly back again but this years ride would be very different for yours truly.
I had been looking forward to the ride during preceding week and had got both of my Brompton bikes ready, so that I could choose whichever one I wanted to on the day. With the weather looking very favourable I opted for my new Flame Lacquer after I had investigated the possible weather scenarios very carefully indeed - sticking my head out of the front door five minutes before I had to leave.
Starting from my base in SW7 it was a lovely mild night and knowing I was too early decided to take the scenic route. Pressing start on my Wahoo Bolt I set off. At the traffic lights near Buckingham Palace I couple - worse for wear - enquired about my Brompton. They told me that they loved it. They then told me that they loved London. They then told me that they loved me and had the lights not turned green I feel that several well intentioned hugs might have been forthcoming!
I arrived at the start location just after 23:30. Our ride leader and gentleman among men, Nick ticked my name off and told me that as I was doing a job I would need to stand up on the steps when he went through the safety briefing. I had been raised through the ranks! At some point in the early hours of a previous night ride to the coast, Nick had asked whether I would be able to act as the person who rides with him at the front and under his instruction arrange for junctions and what have you to be marked by willing volunteers. I said yes. I was very grateful that Nick had faith in me.
After the safety briefing we were off at the stroke of midnight. I was on Nick's rear wheel for the entire ride and the experience of riding solely at the front was very different to being a participant riding wherever you fancied. There seemed to be no waiting around and we just keep moving. I liked it.
At Waltham, seeing one of Queen Eleanor's crosses I remembered a previous ride to Cambridge. The Eleanor Crosses were a collection of twelve monuments marking the resting place of her body as it moved along the route from Lincoln to London. Built between 1291 and 1294 the one most Londoners know well to look at, is the one that stands just outside Charring Cross railway station.
There were a few familiar faces in the ride. On Brompton bikes were Jenny, Simon and Chris. On big wheels - as he would be cycling home afterwards - was Mark. Another participant had the same make of bicycle as Mark but in a rather fetching orange, so a photo had to be taken.
A couple of hours in to the ride we more or less left the urban behind. On this ride I saw a deer, foxes, badger and rat all run across our path. In addition to this there was the faint outline of the odd bat or two flying around in total and almost unearthly silence.
At about 40 miles in and at roughly 04:00 in the a.m. we reached 'TheVillage Tearoom' at Hatfield Heath. For £6 you could get a hot drink, sandwich and particularly fine flapjack. As space was tight, when I had finished I took my Brompton outside to let anyone who wanted to take my place.
I also wanted to acclimatise to the outside conditions. I felt cold and felt compelled to put on an ultra-light jacket. This stayed on until a few miles later when I had sufficiently warmed up.
We all set off again at about 05:00 with the sun well and truly risen. The views were stunning and at one point a rainbow arched its way across the sky. I didn't stop to take a photo as I normally would but it is such moments that make rides like this so addictive.
Throughout the night Mark would join me at the front for a chat, only for us to get to a junction and me ask him to act as way marker. Despite this we talked about another cycling adventure in the not too distant future.
It was a really mild night and as we got closer to Maldon the sun started to shine a little. Spots of rain fell occasionally but it didn't amount to anything. I was glad of this as I didn't really want too much of the wet stuff to fall on my new Brompton. My new Brompton rode really well and I enjoyed using it a great deal. The front O-bag and no saddlebag felt a little strange at first as I normally use the latter. By the end of the ride I liked this setup a great deal. This bike has now done well over 100 miles so I will need to book it in somewhere for its initial service.
The last few miles to the Jolly Sailor pub in Maldon went quickly and at just after 08:00 we had done it. With no station at Maldon I would need to cycle another 7 and a bit miles to Witham that did have one. I decided - as I often do - to forgo breakfast and head back home. Saying goodbye to Nick, Mark, Chris and Jenny and a few of the other participants I headed off.
The journey to Witham station was picturesque and quiet, along country lanes. I arrived at the station in very good time - despite taking a leisurely pace - I arrived at Liverpool Street just after 09:30 and home just after 10:00.
This was a lovely ride! A really great route and well organised by Nick. Many thanks to him for having faith in me and to the many willing participants who kindly agreed to mark various junctions. Also thanks to Ross, Greg and Tim at the rear. It was great that there were lots of first time riders and hopefully they will come back for more.
The route was shy of 66 miles but in total I cycled just under 86 miles. Had I know I was close to the magic 100 miles I might have cycled just a little more. Until the next adventure...
I had been looking forward to the ride during preceding week and had got both of my Brompton bikes ready, so that I could choose whichever one I wanted to on the day. With the weather looking very favourable I opted for my new Flame Lacquer after I had investigated the possible weather scenarios very carefully indeed - sticking my head out of the front door five minutes before I had to leave.
Starting from my base in SW7 it was a lovely mild night and knowing I was too early decided to take the scenic route. Pressing start on my Wahoo Bolt I set off. At the traffic lights near Buckingham Palace I couple - worse for wear - enquired about my Brompton. They told me that they loved it. They then told me that they loved London. They then told me that they loved me and had the lights not turned green I feel that several well intentioned hugs might have been forthcoming!
I arrived at the start location just after 23:30. Our ride leader and gentleman among men, Nick ticked my name off and told me that as I was doing a job I would need to stand up on the steps when he went through the safety briefing. I had been raised through the ranks! At some point in the early hours of a previous night ride to the coast, Nick had asked whether I would be able to act as the person who rides with him at the front and under his instruction arrange for junctions and what have you to be marked by willing volunteers. I said yes. I was very grateful that Nick had faith in me.
After the safety briefing we were off at the stroke of midnight. I was on Nick's rear wheel for the entire ride and the experience of riding solely at the front was very different to being a participant riding wherever you fancied. There seemed to be no waiting around and we just keep moving. I liked it.
We stopped every so often and at one location near a pub a Russian lady came over to enquire about what we were doing and where we were going. She was very interested and telling her where she could look up the group she said that it was definately the sort of thing she'd like to try. Another new recruit hopefully?
My first junction soon arrived and I politely asked for a participant behind me to mark it. They did and we moved on. Nick gave instructions on what he'd like and I made it my business to make sure it was carried out. It worked very well. As I had been provided with the route beforehand, on my Wahoo Bolt I could see junctions coming up and arranged for several of them to me marked without Nick having to ask. I enjoyed doing it. For a few junctions I could not get 'I've got the power' by Snap out of my head!
At Waltham, seeing one of Queen Eleanor's crosses I remembered a previous ride to Cambridge. The Eleanor Crosses were a collection of twelve monuments marking the resting place of her body as it moved along the route from Lincoln to London. Built between 1291 and 1294 the one most Londoners know well to look at, is the one that stands just outside Charring Cross railway station.
There were a few familiar faces in the ride. On Brompton bikes were Jenny, Simon and Chris. On big wheels - as he would be cycling home afterwards - was Mark. Another participant had the same make of bicycle as Mark but in a rather fetching orange, so a photo had to be taken.
A couple of hours in to the ride we more or less left the urban behind. On this ride I saw a deer, foxes, badger and rat all run across our path. In addition to this there was the faint outline of the odd bat or two flying around in total and almost unearthly silence.
At about 40 miles in and at roughly 04:00 in the a.m. we reached 'TheVillage Tearoom' at Hatfield Heath. For £6 you could get a hot drink, sandwich and particularly fine flapjack. As space was tight, when I had finished I took my Brompton outside to let anyone who wanted to take my place.
I also wanted to acclimatise to the outside conditions. I felt cold and felt compelled to put on an ultra-light jacket. This stayed on until a few miles later when I had sufficiently warmed up.
We all set off again at about 05:00 with the sun well and truly risen. The views were stunning and at one point a rainbow arched its way across the sky. I didn't stop to take a photo as I normally would but it is such moments that make rides like this so addictive.
Throughout the night Mark would join me at the front for a chat, only for us to get to a junction and me ask him to act as way marker. Despite this we talked about another cycling adventure in the not too distant future.
It was a really mild night and as we got closer to Maldon the sun started to shine a little. Spots of rain fell occasionally but it didn't amount to anything. I was glad of this as I didn't really want too much of the wet stuff to fall on my new Brompton. My new Brompton rode really well and I enjoyed using it a great deal. The front O-bag and no saddlebag felt a little strange at first as I normally use the latter. By the end of the ride I liked this setup a great deal. This bike has now done well over 100 miles so I will need to book it in somewhere for its initial service.
The last few miles to the Jolly Sailor pub in Maldon went quickly and at just after 08:00 we had done it. With no station at Maldon I would need to cycle another 7 and a bit miles to Witham that did have one. I decided - as I often do - to forgo breakfast and head back home. Saying goodbye to Nick, Mark, Chris and Jenny and a few of the other participants I headed off.
The journey to Witham station was picturesque and quiet, along country lanes. I arrived at the station in very good time - despite taking a leisurely pace - I arrived at Liverpool Street just after 09:30 and home just after 10:00.
This was a lovely ride! A really great route and well organised by Nick. Many thanks to him for having faith in me and to the many willing participants who kindly agreed to mark various junctions. Also thanks to Ross, Greg and Tim at the rear. It was great that there were lots of first time riders and hopefully they will come back for more.
The route was shy of 66 miles but in total I cycled just under 86 miles. Had I know I was close to the magic 100 miles I might have cycled just a little more. Until the next adventure...
Sunday, 12 May 2019
Brompton Bristol to Barry Island ride
This ride was slightly different to the night rides to the coast that I normally do insofar as it was to start in daylight. From my base in SW7 I decided nip across the road to Hyde Park where I would cross the park on my way to Paddington Station. The evening was mild and hundreds of people were taking advantage of the good weather, perhaps delaying their journeys to spend some time in the park.
I arrived at Paddington just before 20:30 and when I took the photo below I could see my fellow Bromptonians Geoff, Mark (King of the Hill) and Dr John waiting inside the station. Parts of the station and the main track shed was build by Brunel in 1854.
No sooner had I got in, the notice popped up to say that our train was at the platform and ready to be boarded. Wasting little time we made out way to our reserved seats. By chance I was to sit next to veteran night ride to the coast, Adrian. With my Brompton locked to the nearby luggage rack, I retired to my seat for the couple of hours the journey would take.
Geoff and Mark were in another carriage while Dr John and I chewed the fat about all sorts. A message came through from Mark that sort of indicated that there might be a buffet car. Dr John and I were out of our seats heading towards the carriage of Geoff and Mark wondering what we might be able to purchase. Sadly when we got to Geoff and Mark its became obvious that there was no buffet carriage. Later - back in our seats - a lady came down the isle with one of those miniature trolleys. As far as the buffet carriage was concerned, this was it!
Our train rolled into Bristol Temple Meads station - also designed by Brunel - at 22:28. When I tried to unlock the cable lock I had used, to my horror I could not get the key into the lock! I attempted to do this a few times, slowly and carefully and then more frantically. I had visions of the train departing with me still trying to get the key into the lock. Thankfully it eventually worked much to my relief but I will not be using this one again and will think about buying one a little more expensive than the £2.99 I paid for it!
On the way outside I saw the Brunel inspired mosaic I had seen last time round and could not resist a photo. There was also one of the Clifton Suspension Bridge in which Brunel had a big part of play.
We made our way the the meeting point near Bristol Cathedral, with Mark giving us some information about what he remembered when he lived in Bristol several years ago. Bristol city centre looked busy to say the least. The presence of a couple of police officers on police horses hinted that things might get lively!
Of course I wasted little time in taking as many photographs as I could of the surroundings and if I am honest, using them shamelessly as the background of photos of my Orange Brompton!
Our ride leader Steve provided some very good interactive safety instructions and when we heard the chime signalling midnight from the Cathedral bells, we were off.
The ride would feature us crossing several bridges and liking bridges this was a very big plus point. The first was the Clifton Suspension. The original bridge was designed by Brunel with heavy design input from Willlam Barlow and John Hawkshaw. It now has a Grade I listed which will hopefully preserve it for future generations.
Not too long after the Clifton Suspension Bridge we saw the next in the distance. This was the Avonmouth Bridge. Opened back in 1974 it is almost 100 ft above the water below. I'd wager it would be an impressive thing to see in daylight but for our nocturnal adventure I could see little.
The Severn Bridge - 154 ft above the River Severn - had a great cycle lane segregated from the M48 motorway that it shares.
At the other side of the bridge we entered Wales and a sign on the other side of the road confirmed that we were in a different country.
It was great riding in a Brompton quartet again. It felt like ages since this had happened. Sadly I fear it a rare occurrence as we have all dipped our toes into all that is road bike.
At about 35ish miles we reached the halfway stop which for us was a 24-hour McDonalds. It seems rather strange eating there in the early hours of the morning but it was functional.
When we emerged from McDonalds dawn was approaching and I felt a little chilly. Nothing too bad and all I needed was a neck buff to see me through the first few miles. I had decided to take my Orange Brompton rather than my new Flame Lacquer. No particular reasons for this other than I didn't want to neglect my Orange Brompton. Geoff was sporting his new S6L Flame Lacquer so whenever I thought about my new bike, I just gazed at his.
At Newport we arrived at the Newport Transport Bridge. With less than ten of these left, this particular one is fully operational. It must be great fun to travel across on the platform.
Wales is beautiful. The early dawn sky gave us many colours and few could resist taking a photo of the scene you can see below.
One of the things I saw the last time round were lots and lots of little ponies at the side of the road, tied up happily munching grass. This time I made it my business to try and get a photo of one or two of them.
When I was on the ride last year, I decided to bail at Cardiff. This year as we were making excellent progress I pressed on and I am glad that I did.
We cycled around Cardiff Bay with blue skies and the sun shining. It looked so pretty and I wish that I had of brought a better camera than that on my iPhone.
We approached Barry Island just after 8:00 a.m. and the clouds seemed to almost disappear from sight. With almost 69 miles clocked up it was a very enjoyable adventure.
Barry was used as a location for the BBC television programme 'Gavin and Stacey.' This was not really my thing possibly as I have never found James Cordon remotely entertaining. As far popular culture is concerned I was more impressed that the third, forth and fifth series of 'Being Human' was filmed there.
Geoff stayed to have some breakfast as visit relatives and would make his return later in the day. Mark, Dr John and I had to be back at Cardiff for out 9:26 train back to Paddington. Saying our goodbyes we made out way to Barry Station to get the train to Cardiff Central.
Thirty minutes later we arrived at Cardiff, got some food and boarded the train. On the platform there were loads of people with suitcases and when the train pulled in we ran (as best you can with a Brompton) to the carriage with our reserved seats. Being such a long train we were all spend out evenly and our seats were next to the racks.
The journey was two hours and during that time the three of us nodded off more than a few times. Pulling into Paddington Station at 11:30 a.m. we had made good time. Saying our goodbyes we made our separate ways home.
This was a lovely ride and thanks to Steve for leading and Adrian for his tail end Charlie duties. As I wrote previously it was great for Geoff, Mark, Dr John and I to be riding together on our Brompton bikes. Mark likened us to a band getting back together again. I wonder whether the same metaphor would have been used had we all been on road bikes all those years ago when we first started this night riding to the coast lark? Until next time...
I arrived at Paddington just before 20:30 and when I took the photo below I could see my fellow Bromptonians Geoff, Mark (King of the Hill) and Dr John waiting inside the station. Parts of the station and the main track shed was build by Brunel in 1854.
 |
| Where is all starts |
No sooner had I got in, the notice popped up to say that our train was at the platform and ready to be boarded. Wasting little time we made out way to our reserved seats. By chance I was to sit next to veteran night ride to the coast, Adrian. With my Brompton locked to the nearby luggage rack, I retired to my seat for the couple of hours the journey would take.
 |
| Geoff with a rather fine S6L Flame Lacquer |
Geoff and Mark were in another carriage while Dr John and I chewed the fat about all sorts. A message came through from Mark that sort of indicated that there might be a buffet car. Dr John and I were out of our seats heading towards the carriage of Geoff and Mark wondering what we might be able to purchase. Sadly when we got to Geoff and Mark its became obvious that there was no buffet carriage. Later - back in our seats - a lady came down the isle with one of those miniature trolleys. As far as the buffet carriage was concerned, this was it!
Our train rolled into Bristol Temple Meads station - also designed by Brunel - at 22:28. When I tried to unlock the cable lock I had used, to my horror I could not get the key into the lock! I attempted to do this a few times, slowly and carefully and then more frantically. I had visions of the train departing with me still trying to get the key into the lock. Thankfully it eventually worked much to my relief but I will not be using this one again and will think about buying one a little more expensive than the £2.99 I paid for it!
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| Bristol Temple Meads railway station |
On the way outside I saw the Brunel inspired mosaic I had seen last time round and could not resist a photo. There was also one of the Clifton Suspension Bridge in which Brunel had a big part of play.
We made our way the the meeting point near Bristol Cathedral, with Mark giving us some information about what he remembered when he lived in Bristol several years ago. Bristol city centre looked busy to say the least. The presence of a couple of police officers on police horses hinted that things might get lively!
Of course I wasted little time in taking as many photographs as I could of the surroundings and if I am honest, using them shamelessly as the background of photos of my Orange Brompton!
Our ride leader Steve provided some very good interactive safety instructions and when we heard the chime signalling midnight from the Cathedral bells, we were off.
The ride would feature us crossing several bridges and liking bridges this was a very big plus point. The first was the Clifton Suspension. The original bridge was designed by Brunel with heavy design input from Willlam Barlow and John Hawkshaw. It now has a Grade I listed which will hopefully preserve it for future generations.
Not too long after the Clifton Suspension Bridge we saw the next in the distance. This was the Avonmouth Bridge. Opened back in 1974 it is almost 100 ft above the water below. I'd wager it would be an impressive thing to see in daylight but for our nocturnal adventure I could see little.
The Severn Bridge - 154 ft above the River Severn - had a great cycle lane segregated from the M48 motorway that it shares.
At the other side of the bridge we entered Wales and a sign on the other side of the road confirmed that we were in a different country.
It was great riding in a Brompton quartet again. It felt like ages since this had happened. Sadly I fear it a rare occurrence as we have all dipped our toes into all that is road bike.
At about 35ish miles we reached the halfway stop which for us was a 24-hour McDonalds. It seems rather strange eating there in the early hours of the morning but it was functional.
When we emerged from McDonalds dawn was approaching and I felt a little chilly. Nothing too bad and all I needed was a neck buff to see me through the first few miles. I had decided to take my Orange Brompton rather than my new Flame Lacquer. No particular reasons for this other than I didn't want to neglect my Orange Brompton. Geoff was sporting his new S6L Flame Lacquer so whenever I thought about my new bike, I just gazed at his.
At Newport we arrived at the Newport Transport Bridge. With less than ten of these left, this particular one is fully operational. It must be great fun to travel across on the platform.
Wales is beautiful. The early dawn sky gave us many colours and few could resist taking a photo of the scene you can see below.
One of the things I saw the last time round were lots and lots of little ponies at the side of the road, tied up happily munching grass. This time I made it my business to try and get a photo of one or two of them.
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| The Brompton peloton rides again |
When I was on the ride last year, I decided to bail at Cardiff. This year as we were making excellent progress I pressed on and I am glad that I did.
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| Wales Millennium Centre in the distance |
We cycled around Cardiff Bay with blue skies and the sun shining. It looked so pretty and I wish that I had of brought a better camera than that on my iPhone.
We approached Barry Island just after 8:00 a.m. and the clouds seemed to almost disappear from sight. With almost 69 miles clocked up it was a very enjoyable adventure.
Barry was used as a location for the BBC television programme 'Gavin and Stacey.' This was not really my thing possibly as I have never found James Cordon remotely entertaining. As far popular culture is concerned I was more impressed that the third, forth and fifth series of 'Being Human' was filmed there.
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| Barry Island |
Geoff stayed to have some breakfast as visit relatives and would make his return later in the day. Mark, Dr John and I had to be back at Cardiff for out 9:26 train back to Paddington. Saying our goodbyes we made out way to Barry Station to get the train to Cardiff Central.
Thirty minutes later we arrived at Cardiff, got some food and boarded the train. On the platform there were loads of people with suitcases and when the train pulled in we ran (as best you can with a Brompton) to the carriage with our reserved seats. Being such a long train we were all spend out evenly and our seats were next to the racks.
The journey was two hours and during that time the three of us nodded off more than a few times. Pulling into Paddington Station at 11:30 a.m. we had made good time. Saying our goodbyes we made our separate ways home.
This was a lovely ride and thanks to Steve for leading and Adrian for his tail end Charlie duties. As I wrote previously it was great for Geoff, Mark, Dr John and I to be riding together on our Brompton bikes. Mark likened us to a band getting back together again. I wonder whether the same metaphor would have been used had we all been on road bikes all those years ago when we first started this night riding to the coast lark? Until next time...
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| The route |
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