Saturday, 8th June is a date I have had in my thoughts for quite some time. It is a date I have been looking forward to and one that at the start of the year I was anxious about.
The first of the big two on Saturday will be the IG Nocturne Folding Bike Race at Smithfield market. I entered this last year using my S2L which I have now sold and somehow managed to get in to the final. This year as the title of this blog entry suggests I will be taking my Titanium Orange Brompton with me. This is virtually the same weight as my old S2L but with all those extra gears.
The Nocturne is a great event. Fast, competitive and providing the nervous tension and anticipation that only out and out racing can bring. There will be some who will pontificate about what they are and aren't going to do and some who might imply the many spectators who turn up to watch will be in the presence of greatness. They are usually all mouth and very little trouser. I am there for the taking part...the experience....the atmosphere. If I get into the final great. If I don't...I don't.
The Nocturne is in two heats. Each heat involves racing to ones folded bicycle, unfolding and cycling at speed around the tight Smithfield circuit three times. The top half from each heat progresses to the final where five laps will need to be completed. It's tough believe me!.
I haven't really done anything in the way of training for the Nocturne. The big ride to Whitstable last week served that purpose. I have merely commuted on my Brompton, have porridge for breakfast, drink lots of fluids and have pasta for dinner.
Saturday morning will consist of me giving the bike a clean, oil the important bits and make sure that I am at Smithfield to sign in at about 15:00ish. If the Nocturne is anything like last year the atmosphere will be electric. The crowd really do make this event and even a humble rider like me can have several total strangers cheering them on. It is great really and for all of five minutes it is as if one is a professional sportsman.
I am in heat one with a number of friends. Progressing to the final will prove to be difficult as the field looks set to be very strong. The final with me in it will require almost Devine intervention.
Once the Nocturne is over I will have to get changed, fuel up and somehow get myself over to Alexandra Palace by 23:30 where I will take part in the charity Nightrider which will see me cycling 60 miles around London to return to Alexandra Palace early on Sunday morning.
When I signed up for this ride 60 miles sounded daunting, however having been on so many rides of similar and longer mileage, 60 miles is not really going to hold much fear for me.
Saturday is going to be quite a day. If you are going to the Nocturne and you see me (I'm sure you'll know which is me) make sure you shout out a few words of encouragement. I'm going to need it!
Thursday, 6 June 2013
Tuesday, 4 June 2013
Dead Garmin Edge 200
Unfortunately the Garmin Edge 200 which I bought last year before the Brompton World Championships has given up the ghost after just over a year. This is a great shame as I've really liked using it and apart from the nice people at Garmin letting me test out their 800 and 810 it has been a permanent fixture on my Brompton bikes.
I tend to look after the things I buy and to the casual observer you'd probably think it was in mint condition but alas something is not right. The first sign was it not recording the London to Whitstable ride. Well it seemed to but them the ride couldn't be opened and when connected to my Mac the particular ride just wouldn't load?
This morning on my commute I took it out again and despite having 100% charge it turned itself off completely halfway and didn't record anything. It was sort of doing this yesterday when I was playing around with it in a vague attempt to see if all was okay.
It's a bit upsetting as I will now have to try and buy another when funds allow. I'd probably go for the 510 as I like the size and the new features. As much as I loved the 810 it would be a bit too much for me to pay.
I will of course have to think about what happens next but I definitely want something soon as I find the Garmin data useful in a geeky sort of way. The 510 would certainly allow this and just might fit the bill. Decisions, decisions!!
I tend to look after the things I buy and to the casual observer you'd probably think it was in mint condition but alas something is not right. The first sign was it not recording the London to Whitstable ride. Well it seemed to but them the ride couldn't be opened and when connected to my Mac the particular ride just wouldn't load?
This morning on my commute I took it out again and despite having 100% charge it turned itself off completely halfway and didn't record anything. It was sort of doing this yesterday when I was playing around with it in a vague attempt to see if all was okay.
It's a bit upsetting as I will now have to try and buy another when funds allow. I'd probably go for the 510 as I like the size and the new features. As much as I loved the 810 it would be a bit too much for me to pay.
I will of course have to think about what happens next but I definitely want something soon as I find the Garmin data useful in a geeky sort of way. The 510 would certainly allow this and just might fit the bill. Decisions, decisions!!
Sunday, 2 June 2013
London to Whitstable - 66+ miles on a Brompton
Friday had been a busy day. I ventured to the top of Tower 42, returned home to go to the zoo with my family and then headed off to Charring Cross to meet my other fellow Bromptonians Mark and Geoff.
On my way to Charring Cross I had an incident with one of the many rickshaws that seem to be in abundance on Oxford Street. As one attempted to turn right it scraped a car behind me, then my leg and then the car in front! No serious damage done but I have a small cut and bruise. The driver of the car in front got out and laid in to the driver of the rickshaw and I just carried on my way.
Meeting my fellow Bromptonains we headed off for our usual meet point for the Friday night rides, Hyde Park Corner. Once there we excitedly waited for the big off and were joined by the last Bromptonian, Guy.
At midnight we were off. I pressed start on my Garmin 200 (as the Garmin Edge 810 has now sadly been returned to Garmin). Sadly and for reasons unknown my Garmin 200 seemed to record the entire ride as per normal and I recall looking at the ride history and seeing the stats. However when I was on the train home looking back at the ride, it wouldn't open at all? When I got home and tried loading it up alas it said there was an error. Shame really as the 200 has not done this before?
Friday night/Saturday morning was much warmer than the same time last week. This time I travelled light and didn't even need that many layers. As I intended I took my Titanium Orange Brompton with me. Just before the before the big off and safety talk we lined out Brompton bikes up into the traffic light formation. This was something we did at every opportunity for the rest of the ride.
As we headed out there was the usual sound of people clicking in to and out of their cleats when staring / stopping. I don't think I have written about this before but it is quite a nice sound almost musical in a percussive kind of way.
Getting out of London was again great fun and passing Buckingham Palace we headed off for another nocturnal adventure. As for the many previous nocturnal rides I have been on it is quite surprising how busy London is at night. London is marching ever closer to being a true 24 hour city.
We reached Greenwich in less than an hour and saw the Cutty Sark and Greenwich foot tunnel home into to view. Memories of many Greenwich adventures sprung into mind and I made a mental note to mention to Mark that we really should have another one. (The Greenwich rides are among my favourites).
Heading further east we reached Gravesend. Across the river Thames we could just make out the many industrial buildings that dominate this part of the Thames. Huge cruise ships were moored at Tilbury Docks and even in the night time gloom there was a buzz...atmosphere to the place.
Our halfway point was at the English Martyrs Church in Strood at about 34 miles. We eventually cycled along an off-road section that for me was on of the highlights of the entire ride. As we cycled along there was a canal or drainage ditch - not overly sure - on our right. The sound of Marsh Frogs filled the air and made a wonderful sound and quite a loud one at that. Marsh Frogs aren't actually British and were introduced to this country in the 1930's. (I know all this as they also have them at the London Wetlands Centre and the sound is a very familiar one).
At 02:53 we were stopped and told to look up to the heavens. We had been told during the pre-ride briefing that the International Space Station would be visible at around that time. At 02:53 we all looked up. The clouds parted to reveal a good number of stars. I was not sure of what to look for and didn't quite believe that one could see said Station but an excited shout came out from behind, 'look there!' To my amazement I saw what looked like a bright star fly across the sky at some considerable speed and certainly faster than a plane and in to the distance. Quite amazing!!
I have not really had much luck with astronomy over the years. I recall watching the late Sir Patrick Moore on the 'Sky at Night' informing that a comet would be visible in the might sky at a particular time. I remember it being a school holiday and convincing my mum and dad to allow me to go out into our back garden to await this astronomical phenomenon. I have vidid memories of going out armed with a torch, binoculars, thermos flash and sandwiches. Despite my best efforts I did not see the comet but a Heron flying low over our garden startled me and before realising it was a Heron I took it for a UFO and ran swiftly back inside, much to the amusement of my dad!
At about 34 miles we reached our big rest stop. There we had some lovely refreshments and I must say all these people that give up their time to do this are very good. With refreshments over we headed off again as the sun made it clear its intentions to rise sometime quite soon.
As we entered the outskirts of Rochester I could see the famous castle high up on the hill where it has done so since the year after the Battle of Hastings in 1066. It is incredibly well preserved and is a fine example of Norman architecture. (I must pay it a visit with the family one day).
With the sun rising the surrounding countryside was illuminated. It was quite beautiful. Many orchards lined our way forward and the Garden of England was certainly living up to its moniker.
The pace was brisk and felt faster than all the other Friday night rides I had been on. This suited me and I enjoyed it greatly. I did see from my Garmin that my average speed was saying 13.01 mph 2/3 in to the ride but I have to report that I suspect my poor little Edge 200 is on its way out as it wouldn't work today either. Mark said that his average was 12.8 mph so I would say his figures are more accurate.
The villages we passed through all looked rather lovely with many of the building being very old. Again it would be nice to pay some of these locations again at some point.
Passing along country lanes at this time of the morning meant that one could hear the dawn chorus in all its glory. I saw Wrens, Robins, Yellowhammers and when passing anywhere with water and reeds, Sedge and Reed Warblers.
At just over 66 miles we reached Whitstable. The weather had turned slightly and cloud cover and a strong wind was noticeable. Santury came in the form of the 'Waterfront' pub which served a pretty mean full English. After breakfast we said our goodbyes to Guy who wanted to get the earlier train back to London. Mark, Geoff and I decided to get the 09:39 which meant that we would have time for a few photo opportunities. We also said our goodbyes to the gentleman that is Simon who organises these rides so well.
Once breakfast was over the weather seemed to perk up a little and the clouds were blown over to make way for the sun to shine through.
The seafront is dominated by lots of small beach huts. Most are brightly coloured and those facing the sea have a wonderful view. This view comes at a price as I am told that when they rarely come on to the market some can fetch over £30,000!
Of course we had to reproduce our Brompton traffic light pose and I suspect that when we are next on a ride we will be doing the same again!
High Speed Javelin Train Data and Maps
On my way to Charring Cross I had an incident with one of the many rickshaws that seem to be in abundance on Oxford Street. As one attempted to turn right it scraped a car behind me, then my leg and then the car in front! No serious damage done but I have a small cut and bruise. The driver of the car in front got out and laid in to the driver of the rickshaw and I just carried on my way.
Meeting my fellow Bromptonains we headed off for our usual meet point for the Friday night rides, Hyde Park Corner. Once there we excitedly waited for the big off and were joined by the last Bromptonian, Guy.
At midnight we were off. I pressed start on my Garmin 200 (as the Garmin Edge 810 has now sadly been returned to Garmin). Sadly and for reasons unknown my Garmin 200 seemed to record the entire ride as per normal and I recall looking at the ride history and seeing the stats. However when I was on the train home looking back at the ride, it wouldn't open at all? When I got home and tried loading it up alas it said there was an error. Shame really as the 200 has not done this before?
Friday night/Saturday morning was much warmer than the same time last week. This time I travelled light and didn't even need that many layers. As I intended I took my Titanium Orange Brompton with me. Just before the before the big off and safety talk we lined out Brompton bikes up into the traffic light formation. This was something we did at every opportunity for the rest of the ride.
As we headed out there was the usual sound of people clicking in to and out of their cleats when staring / stopping. I don't think I have written about this before but it is quite a nice sound almost musical in a percussive kind of way.
Getting out of London was again great fun and passing Buckingham Palace we headed off for another nocturnal adventure. As for the many previous nocturnal rides I have been on it is quite surprising how busy London is at night. London is marching ever closer to being a true 24 hour city.
We reached Greenwich in less than an hour and saw the Cutty Sark and Greenwich foot tunnel home into to view. Memories of many Greenwich adventures sprung into mind and I made a mental note to mention to Mark that we really should have another one. (The Greenwich rides are among my favourites).
Heading further east we reached Gravesend. Across the river Thames we could just make out the many industrial buildings that dominate this part of the Thames. Huge cruise ships were moored at Tilbury Docks and even in the night time gloom there was a buzz...atmosphere to the place.
Our halfway point was at the English Martyrs Church in Strood at about 34 miles. We eventually cycled along an off-road section that for me was on of the highlights of the entire ride. As we cycled along there was a canal or drainage ditch - not overly sure - on our right. The sound of Marsh Frogs filled the air and made a wonderful sound and quite a loud one at that. Marsh Frogs aren't actually British and were introduced to this country in the 1930's. (I know all this as they also have them at the London Wetlands Centre and the sound is a very familiar one).
At 02:53 we were stopped and told to look up to the heavens. We had been told during the pre-ride briefing that the International Space Station would be visible at around that time. At 02:53 we all looked up. The clouds parted to reveal a good number of stars. I was not sure of what to look for and didn't quite believe that one could see said Station but an excited shout came out from behind, 'look there!' To my amazement I saw what looked like a bright star fly across the sky at some considerable speed and certainly faster than a plane and in to the distance. Quite amazing!!
I have not really had much luck with astronomy over the years. I recall watching the late Sir Patrick Moore on the 'Sky at Night' informing that a comet would be visible in the might sky at a particular time. I remember it being a school holiday and convincing my mum and dad to allow me to go out into our back garden to await this astronomical phenomenon. I have vidid memories of going out armed with a torch, binoculars, thermos flash and sandwiches. Despite my best efforts I did not see the comet but a Heron flying low over our garden startled me and before realising it was a Heron I took it for a UFO and ran swiftly back inside, much to the amusement of my dad!
At about 34 miles we reached our big rest stop. There we had some lovely refreshments and I must say all these people that give up their time to do this are very good. With refreshments over we headed off again as the sun made it clear its intentions to rise sometime quite soon.
As we entered the outskirts of Rochester I could see the famous castle high up on the hill where it has done so since the year after the Battle of Hastings in 1066. It is incredibly well preserved and is a fine example of Norman architecture. (I must pay it a visit with the family one day).
With the sun rising the surrounding countryside was illuminated. It was quite beautiful. Many orchards lined our way forward and the Garden of England was certainly living up to its moniker.
The pace was brisk and felt faster than all the other Friday night rides I had been on. This suited me and I enjoyed it greatly. I did see from my Garmin that my average speed was saying 13.01 mph 2/3 in to the ride but I have to report that I suspect my poor little Edge 200 is on its way out as it wouldn't work today either. Mark said that his average was 12.8 mph so I would say his figures are more accurate.
The villages we passed through all looked rather lovely with many of the building being very old. Again it would be nice to pay some of these locations again at some point.
Passing along country lanes at this time of the morning meant that one could hear the dawn chorus in all its glory. I saw Wrens, Robins, Yellowhammers and when passing anywhere with water and reeds, Sedge and Reed Warblers.
At just over 66 miles we reached Whitstable. The weather had turned slightly and cloud cover and a strong wind was noticeable. Santury came in the form of the 'Waterfront' pub which served a pretty mean full English. After breakfast we said our goodbyes to Guy who wanted to get the earlier train back to London. Mark, Geoff and I decided to get the 09:39 which meant that we would have time for a few photo opportunities. We also said our goodbyes to the gentleman that is Simon who organises these rides so well.
Once breakfast was over the weather seemed to perk up a little and the clouds were blown over to make way for the sun to shine through.
The seafront is dominated by lots of small beach huts. Most are brightly coloured and those facing the sea have a wonderful view. This view comes at a price as I am told that when they rarely come on to the market some can fetch over £30,000!
Of course we had to reproduce our Brompton traffic light pose and I suspect that when we are next on a ride we will be doing the same again!
We boarded the train at Whitstable to take the one stop to Faversham. We did this as at Faversham there awaited a Javelin train that was the fast train back to St Pancras. This train was certainly fast. Just for fun I turned my Garmin Edge 200 on and was able to record a small section of the journey where it topped 134 mph. Data and maps for that below.
I said goodbye to Mark and Geoff as they got off before me and at St Pancras I got off and cycled the remaining 8 miles.
This was a brilliant ride! The company was good as were the views. The off track section was great and seeing the International Space Station was a bonus. This was a brisk pace and provided a good final big training run for the Nocturne and Nightrider next week!
My little Titanium Orange Brompton and that of my fellow Bromptonians were able to keep up with it larger wheeled cousins. In fact we were in the tops third of the pack for most of the ride. One man on his first Friday ride was amazed that we were attempting it on Brompton bikes. I suspect he had a different view as a blaze of different colours whizzed past him and more than kept up with him.
As I type this entry I do not feel any worse for wear. A good nights sleep and a hot bath seem to do wonders. Again I find myself reflecting on this ride and again I come to the same conclusion. There is something about these night rides that are good for the mind, body and soul. They are not something I would care to do every week but now and again they are a great deal of fun. If you don't believe me why not have a go yourself. As I wrote before it doesn't have to be as far or as fast. Cycling near to where you live might give you a taste. Give it a try. What's the worse that can happen?
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