All night London Christmas lights ride

A few weeks ago, Dr John and I put a date into the calendar for a Christmas all night ride in London. Last Friday (13th) was that day, so just before midnight we met at our usual starting point.

I arrived in good time soon Dr John did too, perhaps surprised at my new addition to the fleet. We wasted little time and soon headed off into the night. The route loaded into my Wahoo started from near Trafalgar Square and passed not too far from where we had met, so I decided to pick it up from there. The Wahoo however, for reasons unknown, didn't take kindly to this and was not cooperating. In the end we headed back to the start as we had lots of time on our hands. 

We knew that by the time we reached the really famous Christmas lights they would be turned off but this ride was more about taking in whatever was there to be seen, cycling through the night and catching up.

The first location that proved rather pretty was Borough Market. Normally this is heaving and it was strange to see it totally empty.

We headed London Bridge and Tooley Street and then, the London viewing area not far from the London Mayor's office. 

Even Dr John was taking the odd photo - something he only does occasionally - so we were both at it. 

We headed out further east to Canary Wharf which was pretty empty. As said, we knew that doing this would mean that when we returned to Oxford Street and Regents Street (where the most famous Christmas lights can be found), the lights would be turned off. It did however result in the roads being a little quieter and therefore worthwhile doing. 

We arrived at the Greenwich foot tunnel, which by law is required to be open 24 hours. Naturally, it provided a few photo opportunities. It was good fun. Unbeknownst to us, inside lift at the other end of the tunnel someone was there sleeping in their sleeping bag. It made me feel quite guilty and a sobering reminder of how lucky I am. 

Crossing the Millennium foot bridge we headed back towards Central London on fairly quiet roads. Of course, London was still awash with all manner of people out and about. 

The lights on Regents Street and Oxford Street were off, but there were lots on Bond Street. Many of the high-end shops had competing displays as we cycled down. 

On Piccadilly, Fortnum and Mason had a lovely display - as usual. My late mum used to have a few haunts mainly of the cup of tea and cake variety and this place was one of them, so fond memories. I haven’t been there many times since. 

Our last stop was Covent Garden. Normally a location I avoid during daylight hours as it is so busy. In the early hours it was empty - apart from a few tourists taking photos. 

I had to pay a visit to Brompton Junction as I knew the window would feature a G-Line. 

After this, Dr John and I tried to find somewhere open to get an early breakfast from about 06:00. Sadly, we didn’t have any luck (even at Euston Station). We said our goodbyes and Dr John went to get his train and I headed north. Many thanks to Dr John for his company and friendship. 

As I reached Swain’s Lane I felt that I had got to know my G-Line a little better and very pleased that I have one. When making my ascent, mist or fog gently travelled from the east to west side of the cemetery. I was glad to cycle past it, despite it making things a little like a Victorian Christmas!

Until next time, stay safe out there people. 

Oh and by the way, I bought a Brompton G-Line!

Yes, you did read correctly and no this was not some sort of Orange Brompton clickbait. I have a spankingly new Orange G-Line. Reasons why...I will let me explain. 

You might have read my blog post about going to the Brompton G-Line launch at Brompton Junction at Covent Garden. By the time I had left the shop, I had seen the G-Line in the flesh, picked one up and sat on one. I departed before test-rides began however I did get the general vibe as to whether or not it was for me. Not that long after this, I managed to test a couple of G-Lines to ascertain what size would be good for me and an order was placed. After what seemed like an eternity, it arrived. 

So, why did I buy one I hear you ask. There are quite a few reasons - which is good as it justifies buying one - I suppose. The G-Line is meant to be the Brompton that one can take anywhere for longer and in comfort. Off-road and gravel feature in this. At the launch event, a Brompton employee told us about his experience of using one for an overnight adventure to the South Coast. He camped overnight, went off-road and had mud festooned all over the G-Line he used. Mine won't be used for carrying a bivvy bag and tent on my rear rack and camping in a field overnight (or during the day). It will however take me much more happily along canal towpaths, riverside tracks and over the worse of London's potholes and cobbles. 

Having tested out the G-Line on many of the surfaces listed above, it passed with flying colours. It coped with ease and the addition of disc brakes provided confidence when the rain, puddles and potholes appeared. 

There are not a huge range of options but I went for the 8x speed Alfine with rack and mudguards. The only other option was to go electric but my existing Brompton Electric 12x speed - which I love - has that covered. Obviously, I went for Adventure Orange - a colour that could have been made for me. 

The 8x speed Alfine is all good as far as I am concerned. For hills it is a little like, if not better than my 6x speed with a 44T chainring. The 20 inch wheels perhaps accounting for my feeling it is a little better than my 44T chainring 6x speed when ascending hills. On the flats the G-Line glides along rather happily. Again, it is very similar to my 44T, 6x speed. I do think that when I swap the current off-road Schwalbe One tyres with Continental Urbans, it will allow the bike to roll even better. The shifter works well and I do like it. Having a rack is a first for me. Perhaps I will be able to strap an artisan loaf to it from a fancy N6 establishment? I am sure I will find a suitable use for it now and then. 

The G-Line is a bigger bike than my other Brompton bikes but not that much larger if that makes sense. I have taken it on the tube and there were no issues for me. This extra size does make it roll rather well across everything I have been on so far and dare I say...it affords a much better ride than all my existing Brompton bicycles. Having cycled across the wastelands of Hampstead Heath and ascended Swain's Lane, I have already found my G-Line to be of great use!

Still very much early days and a great deal more testing to do, but I like it. I like it a great deal!!

Until next time, stay safe out there people!

Over the Thames on the IFS Cloud Cable Car

A couple of weeks ago I cycled down from north London with the intention of heading testing out a route that takes one towards Greenwich and the surrounding area. I ended up on the the north side of the Thames, with the O2 in the distance. 

I decided to take the IFS Cloud Cable Car - as it is now called - across the river. It has been ages since I did this and it was possibly when I was on a cycle ride with many other Brompton users, all crammed into one of the cars each.

There was no queuing at all and taking a Brompton (or any bicycle for that matter) was easy. I simply tapped in on entry and out when I exited. 

The member of staff I saw supervising people get on the cars was very pleasant and liked my Brompton. A few cars went passed as he asked a few questions about it as he was planning to get one himself by Christmas. (Hope that you managed to get one).

 

The views have changed a little since I last travelled on the cable car. Developments have gone up and others are work in progress. From the top of the car the views do stretch out quite a bit, despite it being a little cloudy. 

Occasionally, the car wobbled ever so slightly and my mind was taken to Roger Moore travelling in something similar having to contend with Jaws! Thankfully, nothing like this was ever going to happen!

At the other side I got off, tapped out and headed back along the Thames path towards central London. From there it was back to north London.

The Cable Car will hopefully stay for a few more years. It is definitely a touristy thing to do. I cannot think that anyone would use it as part of their commute. It does tend to close in high winds (for obvious reasons) so worth checking the TLF website before considering it, just in case. 

Until next time, stay safe out there people!