Air horn instead of a bell!

Some time ago I wrote a blog post in which I recalled someone using one of those bottles you could pump with air, attached to a horn that would emit a loud near-trumpet blast. A few days ago I saw something similar that left me somewhat speechless. 

On Victoria Embankment, almost starting from Westminster Bridge towards Blackfriars, I saw a gentleman on a very tatty looking mountain bike shout at anyone in his path. I did think that a bell might be less stressful for him but as I was soon to discover he had this covered. 

When a few tourists strayed into the bike lane, he unleashed a noise so loud and with such a shrill, it made me jump. As for the poor tourists, they were rendered rabbits in the headlights. They didn't know what the noise was, what matter of creature it came from and actually looked skywards after they had jumped upwards. To my shame I was already laughing and this was made worse by the gentleman shouting at them to 'move out of it!' Another blast of whatever he had made them jump further and run into the direction of each other. I was forced to stop pedalling and almost looked to see if cameras were pointing at me for my reaction - I could barely breathe. The tourists made it to the safety of the pavement but the gentleman gave another blast when he had past them. This caused more panic and induced me to give up cycling and semi-fold my Brompton and pretend I was looking at my Wahoo. 

Some time later and after some research I think I have identified what he had. It is billed as the world's loudest bike horn and it possibly is. I would love to know what your thoughts are on this. If I or someone I rode with used this in anger, I doubt I would get too far. 

Until next time, stay safe out there people!

The Brompton 12x speed

A few weeks ago one of my dear readers pointed out that in an owners manual about adjusting gears for the P Line, it mentioned a 12 gear version. It seems that along with more than a few other rumours, the reality is here. 

I think that it was always on the cards. A version of the Brompton gear hub would fit quite nicely in a wheel along with the 4x sprockets and all the other bits needed to run the gear cable are present and correct on the P Line - and I suspect the T Line. Think of this version as a Brompton with knobs on! 

The prospect of 12x gears will appeal to many out there. It would make ascending hills easier and motoring along the flats even speedier than before. Could this be the direction of travel for all future Brompton bikes?

It does seem likely that an all steel version could be on the cards. There is after all already a 4x speed Brompton Electric. A non-electric version is perhaps next to complement the P and T. 

With so many people happily commuting or going on adventures on the 2x, 3x and 6x speeds, these are all perfectly okay. I would imagine they will still be going strong in years to come. 

If you are at Brompton Junction in London, you will be able to view this 12x speed in all its glory. It is set to be released to the buying public soon.

Will I be getting one? Almost certainly not but never say never. The more important question is, will you?

Until next time, stay safe out there people!

Planning for upcoming adventures

I don't know about you, but after Christmas and once January is well under way, thoughts usually turn to what adventure can I go on. The night rides to the coast schedule looks set to be out sooner rather than later and this year may feature no rides in March and October. This is a shame but it does provide an opportunity. Firing off a text to Dr John I asked him to pencil in a date for the future. 

2023 was not a particularly good year for night rides to the coast. I combination of strike action meaning no trains back, clashes with other dates and availability meant that many plans were cancelled. There was another reason that prevented me on going on a few of these rides, but that is for another time perhaps. 

Dr John powering along

I have missed the night rides.  For many of you out there, the appeal is unfathomable and you cannot comprehend cycling through the night, into dawn and then get the train back for a bed and a few hours sleep. I suppose therein lies the appeal. The photo above and below (different locations) were taken not soon after dawn. The colours, sights, sounds of nature and otherwise silence is all rather addictive. 

As I type this looking out of my NW London window, I can see a light frost making me feel cold. Hopefully, in a few weeks the adventures will begin. 

Until next time, stay safe out there people!