Cycling Cufflinks all the way from North Dakota

This blog is and perhaps always will be an online diary of my cycling adventures and I am constantly humbled by the many kind emails I receive from all corners of the globe.

Very occasionally a valued reader feels the need to say a thank you to this humble blog writer in the form of a gift. So it was with some interest that I opened a small package all the way from Mandan, North Dakota in the USA.

The package had been sent by Peter and Kathy who like reading about my travels in and around London and who themselves both have fairly new Brompton bicycles.

Inside was a small cardboard box and inside that was a pair of cufflinks, that were no ordinary pair of cufflinks. They were small parts of a Campegnolo R11, 11 speed chain made into a pair of cufflinks.

Peter and Kathy didn't make the cufflinks as far as I am aware but they are brilliant! I am one of those people who insist on wearing double cuff shirts but I do not have that many cufflinks at all.

These are wonderful and I can see me wearing them everyday. I would imagine that to the more observant they will undoubtedly spark conservation about where I got them and what they are.

To Peter and Kathy I have to of course say a very big thank you. I am very grateful for this wonderful gift but it really wasn't necessary. I know that you are planning an extended holiday in Europe, of which London will feature highly on your list of places to visit. When you do come, please let me know so that I may thank you in person.

Rohan Waterproof Organiser for Brompton Rides

Regular readers will know that I regularly cycle in all weather conditions. This can be day or night and sometimes long periods throughout an entire night. Since getting my iPhone 6 Plus, its size has meant I cannot simply out it in my pocket and have resorted carrying it safely in an old camera case. In addition, in order to keep things waterproof I have had to place this camera case in a small dry bag.

I have been looking for a solution for some time and a recent chance visit to the Rohan shop in Covent Garden, London saw me finding something that will definitely work well for me.

The Dry Safe Organiser by Rohan is a travel organiser made from waterproof materials. I suspect it is meant for those going on holiday or outdoor types but it fits my needs perfectly.

The dimensions are 18.5cm x 10cm x 2.5cm so it is quite compact. It is made from a 'Hyperbaric polyamide' which is waterproof and the welded seam aids it waterproofing prowess. It is also a strong material that is tear resistant.

Inside there is a large compartment with space for up to eight credit cards, a large zipped pocket and two organiser sleeves. Apart from all of this, I bought it as I am able to safely stow my iPhone inside, thus keeping it safe and waterproof. I have a small neoprene pocket that my phone fits into and will probably use that too to protect against knocks while this organiser sits in my bag / rear jersey pocket.

As far as weight goes it must only weigh a few grams and certainly wouldn't upset the sensitivities of even the strictest weight-weenie!

Welded seams

While looking at this I also saw that Rohan sold a small waterproof pocket that would fit some case and credit cards. This would be great for times when I am not on the bike.

I am pretty pleased with this set up. The camera case solution or wrapping my phone in a freezer bag, wasn't one and this makes me a great deal happier, especially with events like the Dunwich Dynamo where packing light/efficiently is a good idea.

Brompton Urban Bimble Video

When you go for a cycle ride on your Brompton, you are almost guaranteed to see lots of things that take your interest. Rather than write about it I will let the short video clip tell you all you need to know about a recent solo ride I went on, to nowhere in particular.

As always watch it in the highest quality you can.

Link to video