Well, with the Brompton World Championships but a step away and for the first time in London I decided to carry out some last minute prep and I am rather glad I did!
I will be taking my Titanium Orange Brompton with me tomorrow and after giving it a clean, some oil to the chain I took it out for a test run. The Tiller Cycles metal chain guard - which is in a fetching shade of orange matching the bike rather well - was making far too much noise for my liking. In fact over the past few journeys this has started to annoy me, so off it came and the original plastic Brompton guard put back on. No more annoying clanging sounds.
The rear tyre looked a little low on pressure so putting some air in I went for a quick spin. About an hour later the tyre looked low again. Taking the tyre off I could see that the inner tube had a small hold in it. Not sure how it got there as I haven't used the Titanium one much since the Nocturne? Replacing it didn't take too long and things look much better.
Last thing I did was to put the rider numbers on to my jacket and on the bike. There are lots more than previous years. There is a body number for the rear of your jacket. Shoulder numbers on left and right shoulders. Handlebar number as per usual for the front of the bike and even a number for the top of the tube. In addition to this there is a wristband.
On the weather front things are looking pretty good, however this is England we are talking about and the weather can quite literally do whatever it wants!
Remember if you are there and see a tall chap on an Orange Titanium Brompton, with an orange theme going on in the clothing department, please come and say hello.
To everyone taking part (spectators and participants) I wish you the very best of luck and hope that you enjoy the day. Spectators, should you see me glide past I would be obliged for some shouts of encouragement...I'll need them!!
Friday, 31 July 2015
Thursday, 30 July 2015
Performance Enhancing Substances at the Brompton World Championships
The Brompton World Championships is but a step away and I thought I would tackle the somewhat controversial subject matter of performance enhancing substances!
Now, just so you do not die of shock or think that I am suggesting anything untoward, I feel I need to reveal my stance. I am from the school of thought of au naturel. In fact I do not like taking an aspirin for a headache and wouldn't even take 'Infant Capol!' Now that I have cleared that up, please read on dear reader.
Of course, being a married, middle aged father of two Orangettes I really should know better than to think any of this will do me any good. However, part of the fun of the Brompton World Championships is the build up. It is a little like rugby before it all went the way of the professional. You might recall watching coverage of the Five Nations, where they followed one of the players who managed to fit it top level rugby commitments while working for the Royal Mail, British Gas or a local firm of solicitors.
On Saturday morning I will almost certainly have porridge with an extra handful of blueberries for good measure. Along with this I will possibly have a cup of coffee.
For luncheon I suspect I will have some poached eggs on muffins, bacon and some mushrooms washed down by several glasses of water.
Just before the BWC I might take one 'Shot Bloks' which I first saw David P taking on longer rides. Better than gels (that I cannot stand or get on with) they seem a much better alternative for that little extra hit.
I no fan of energy drinks but I still have this can given to be at the Nocturne and I suspect as some sort of placebo, it might also assist.
Tonight I will be having pasta in the hope that the slow release goodness will let their presence be known come 17:00 onwards on Saturday.
All Brompton World Championships I have attended have been special but will this one in London, a not far from where I was brought up be more so? We shall see but rest assured I will be telling you all about it.
Now, just so you do not die of shock or think that I am suggesting anything untoward, I feel I need to reveal my stance. I am from the school of thought of au naturel. In fact I do not like taking an aspirin for a headache and wouldn't even take 'Infant Capol!' Now that I have cleared that up, please read on dear reader.
Of course, being a married, middle aged father of two Orangettes I really should know better than to think any of this will do me any good. However, part of the fun of the Brompton World Championships is the build up. It is a little like rugby before it all went the way of the professional. You might recall watching coverage of the Five Nations, where they followed one of the players who managed to fit it top level rugby commitments while working for the Royal Mail, British Gas or a local firm of solicitors.
On Saturday morning I will almost certainly have porridge with an extra handful of blueberries for good measure. Along with this I will possibly have a cup of coffee.
Cyclists are a little like Hobbits I think as for elevenses I will probably have some homemade flapjacks and this time a herbal tea - the type that does not require milk, doesn't particularly taste that good, but is meant to be great for detoxing etc.
For luncheon I suspect I will have some poached eggs on muffins, bacon and some mushrooms washed down by several glasses of water.
Just before the BWC I might take one 'Shot Bloks' which I first saw David P taking on longer rides. Better than gels (that I cannot stand or get on with) they seem a much better alternative for that little extra hit.
I no fan of energy drinks but I still have this can given to be at the Nocturne and I suspect as some sort of placebo, it might also assist.
Tonight I will be having pasta in the hope that the slow release goodness will let their presence be known come 17:00 onwards on Saturday.
All Brompton World Championships I have attended have been special but will this one in London, a not far from where I was brought up be more so? We shall see but rest assured I will be telling you all about it.
Monday, 27 July 2015
Deadly Encounter with Steve Backshall
I don't know about you but I do not really watch a great deal of television. Most of what comes on is of little interest to me. The only genre I do regularly watch is anything to do with wildlife and nature. When my two Orangettes were younger one of their favourite programmes was basically anything that Steve Backshall was in - various National Geographic progammes, 'The Really Wild Show' and perhaps their favourite of all 'Deadly 60.' They have of course got to an age where they have almost left such programmes behind but the chance to see Steve Backshall live in person at Whipsnade Zoo was too good an opportunity to miss.
Whipsnade have been running their 'Deadly Explorer Trail' since 18th July where you or your little ones can learn how to be an explorer, learning all the skills you might require. There were some adverts for 'Deadly Summer Shows' at which Steve Backshall would be there live to present some of there zoos own deadly residents. I said to the Orangettes that I was booking for us to see Steve Backshall and if truth be told I was perhaps more excited than they were.
Arriving at the zoo in good time a queue had already formed and soon we were in it. We didn't have to wait too long and before we knew it we were seated and waiting. After a little build up out Steve came with an assortment of several parrots that instantly flew skyward. It was quite an opening. Some soared in a huge arc, while others flew just above the heads of those seated.
Steve was a very skilled presenter and engaged the crowd straight away. His knowledge about the animals he was presenting was extensive and he delivered it in an informative and enthusiastic manner.
When certain birds didn't cooperate he was unfazed and carried on like a trooper.
At one point in proceedings he opened the floor up to questions. A few children were lucky to ask their hero a question or two.
Sadly after 30 minutes which seemed to feel like 5 the curtain had to fall and the 'Deadly Summer Show' came to an end. Steve suggested that children line up in a great big semi-circle facing outwards and he would come along and pose for photos, as long as parents were at the ready with their cameras. I cannot tell you how I resisted the temptation of lining up among them to see the look of horror on my Orangette's faces.
Steve was a very skilled presenter and engaged the crowd straight away. His knowledge about the animals he was presenting was extensive and he delivered it in an informative and enthusiastic manner.
When certain birds didn't cooperate he was unfazed and carried on like a trooper.
At one point in proceedings he opened the floor up to questions. A few children were lucky to ask their hero a question or two.
 |
| Thinking of the answer to a question |
 |
| Nice chap |
Sadly after 30 minutes which seemed to feel like 5 the curtain had to fall and the 'Deadly Summer Show' came to an end. Steve suggested that children line up in a great big semi-circle facing outwards and he would come along and pose for photos, as long as parents were at the ready with their cameras. I cannot tell you how I resisted the temptation of lining up among them to see the look of horror on my Orangette's faces.
Sadly, this was the last of the shows, so you won't be able to see him until he does it again in the future. As you may have guessed I like the 'Deadly 60' programmes and wish that Steve would make more of them and some more adult orientated nature programmes. He seems very sincere, passionate about what he does and for my money a very good presenter. The only thing now is to get a signed photo!
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