To the Fish and Chip Shop on a Brompton

I managed to get out of work early so that I could make my way to the London Eye for a short early evening ride that had the simple aim of cycling to a chip shop in East London and cycling back. It would involve a 20 mile round trip and and the fact that over 20 people had signed up for this ride was testament to how popular an idea it was.

Having had a clear out of various cycling items I no longer had use for I met a few people who had agreed to buy them off me about an hour earlier than the meet time of 18:30. This suited me fine as I could indulge myself in taking photographs of whatever took my fancy on what proved to be a very busy South Bank.

Normally I am not a huge fan of street performers as occasionally I am left with the thought that I could do better myself. (One chap murdering a few songs strengthened this view). However, a chap dressed as a metal soldier was quite brilliant and really did move like a machine.

As the buyers of my surplus cycling items came and went I took the odd photo. The light was fading and the pictures do not really reflect just how dark it was becoming, such was the low light prowess of my camera.

The whole of the South Bank area was teaming with people and there was an expectant buzz in the air. I did wonder how many would be cycling on a 20 mile round trip on Brompton bicycles for fish and chips and took some satisfaction in concluding none would.

Looking towards one of the most famous clocks in the world fellow participants started to arrive. By the time I made my way to the start almost all were ready and waiting and the sun had well and truly gone.

It was great to see Mark (King of the Hill) again on his S1E X and it seemed like ages since we have ridden together on a ride. Another bonus was seeing Geoff, who like the Brighton overnight ride the previous week was able to make a surprise appearance. Anne was back on the bike again after sustaining a knee injury on a previous ride and it was lovely to see her back too. With a few more familiar faces and some new ones we had a brief run-through of the ride from our ride leader David before setting off into the night.

As we set off I could not help but be reminded of the Christmas Lights Ride. I suppose London is pretty well illuminated after dark as there are so many iconic buildings.

Our first brief stop was the tried and tested view across the Thames to the Tower of London. Those of you who have read my post on the Christmas ride might understand why I mentioned it when looking at the photograph below.

It was a lovely night but I probably needed an extra layer. Colder than I had predicted I felt the chill every time we stopped for too long.

The further east we cycled the less traffic we encountered. Having the roads almost to ourselves was a bonus and cycling through Canary Wharf was almost rendered a ghost town during our after hours sojourn.

As I cycled through Canary Wharf I again was struck that I must come there again to take more time to take a few photos. Although I keep thinking this, I have yet to actually do it.

We reached the Cutty Sark in Greenwich pretty quickly and the temptation of a hill was dangled in front of us. Anne sensibly declined, not wanting to put her recovery in jeopardy and waited for our return with others who didn't fancy a hill at that time of night.

During the week I found myself performing standing long jumps. I will not go into the reasons why but I will only say that at the time it was not only a good idea, it was a necessity. The result however was an abdomen that felt as though I had attempted hundreds of sit-ups without warming up. The hill was little trouble for me but I knew the muscles in my stomach would let me know about it the next day - which believe me they did! (No more standing long jumps)!

Returning to the Cutty Sark we made our way to the foot tunnel underneath the Thames - some via the lift, others using the stairs. On reaching the bottom the long stretch of tunnel, its acoustics and the general child-like enthusiasm that I feel is in all Bromptonians there was a gleeful tinging of bells, whoops of delight and eager acceleration.

By the time we reached the 'Britannia' fish and chips shop in Popular we were ready and a few hundred metres away I am certain I could detect the smell of fish and chips in the air.

Making our respective orders the staff coped valiantly in serving us all quickly. The last time I had chips from a chip shop was at this very location, the last time we did this ride. Never has the humble potato tasted so good.

Warmed by the hot food we made our return back to the London Eye. Mark, Geoff and I stayed at the back for most of the ride and it was good to catch up with Mark and what he was up to.

Stopping at the views towards Canary Wharf to take a photo we knew that we only had a few miles to go before we reached the end of the ride. Foolishly I had not charged my Garmin 810 after last weeks overnight ride to Brighton. This together with a weeks commute resulting in the battery dying during the middle of the ride, so I didn't know how many miles we had left to go.

Soon we reached the Tower of London where a few participants made their leave of the group. Not long after we reached the London Eye where we said our goodbyes and headed out separate ways. Another great ride and again thanks to David for leading and all these who participated.

I made my way to Hyde Park Corner and then through Hyde Park. Normally the park always has people ambling around either on foot or Boris Bikes. On this night there was not a soul apart from mine. By the time I had reached my car I had clocked up just over 30 miles.

Next week I have the hills of North London to look forward to and as regular readers will know I do love the challenge of a good hill.

London to Brighton on a Brompton Video

Friday night / Saturday morning saw me do the London to Brighton run. Really enjoyed it and you can read about it HERE if you have not already done so.

I managed to capture a little bit of video which I cobbled together. Trying to get clear video footage in the middle of the night is a little bit of a challenge but I think my little camera coped really well.

Try and watch it in the highest video quality setting (1080p HD) as my little camera is pretty sharp.

Hope that you enjoy it.

Link to video

The Conquest of Ditchling Beacon on a Brompton!

The London to Brighton ride has long been a favourite of many a cyclist. It is something many want to attempt whether it be as part of one of the many charity events or with a group of friends. It is a ride I have now done quite a few times but its draw - the dreaded Ditchling Beacon and especially when attempted overnight - is most appealing. When an all round good egg called Olaf agreed to lead this ride for 40+ riders, I could not refuse.

The meeting point was Hyde Park Corner and I had to be there by 23:30. I tried to time my arrival but arrived just after 23:00. Having packed one of my good cameras (as the forecast was that it was going to stay dry) I decided to take a few night shots.

The meeting point

The Arch was illuminated bright blue as there was apparently a private function therein. It was as I was gazing at this that Geoff rolled up along with David. I had thought that David and I would be the only Brompton contingent but Geoff had managed to come too. This was great as I enjoy cycling with Geoff.

Gradually the other riders came and as usual there were all manner of bicycles - road bike to maintain bikes and everything in-between. After a brief safety talk by Olaf we had a few moments to get ourselves ready for the off.

Bob (on his big bike) was also there acting as a tail end Charlie. It was good to see him and again a shame that I wasn't able to see more of him as he was doing the important job of ensuring the tail was safe and sound.

Where the Duke of Wellington once lived

Every so often we stopped and waited for the rest of the riders to catch up. This is a great approach as lots of different riders can participate and enjoy the ride. I suspect that many could have completed the journey from London to Brighton considerably faster, in fact many were cycling back to London when then reached Brighton (including Olaf and Bob) but doing it this way is very inclusive.

As we neared Clapham our path was blocked by Police cars and officers some of which had guns. To use common parlance, something was going down big time! In fact it was all like one of those fly on the wall Police television programmes. Circumventing the problem area we carried on.

A few miles later on as we waited for the tail to catch up, there was another incident involving the Police and a resident. I believe it was a domestic. Once all had caught up, we left the area to the sounds of someone possibly being arrested, not being too happy at being possibly arrested. It was all happening!

We were making good progress and weather wise it was clear with little cloud. The moon which was almost full helped to illuminate the roads we cycled on. When cycling I felt okay but stopping too long brought a slight chill.

Descending Reigate Hill was aided by the light of the moon but I tried to keep my speed in check and could be described as cycling down at mincing speed when compared to some of the more hardened cyclists.

Just before 30 miles we reached Gatwick Airport which was to act as our halfway stop. Being open 24 hours, warm, lots of food shops and perhaps the best toilets likely to be encountered on an overnight cycle ride, it was a good location to lay up for a while.

The first time we visited the toilets we were impressed. I was equally impressed by the 2.5 metre by 1.5 metre private cubical this time.

I did not even mind - and if truth be told welcomed - the piped music to aid proceedings. The time music could be described as mellow, jazzy jazz.

With our rest over we pressed on. As always I knew I would be frozen after being inside in the warm and decided to put on my cycling balaclava. This worked well to keep out the chill but after about 15 minutes I was baking and had to stop to take it off.

We cycled along very purposefully as as always on these rides I found myself alone following a distant rear light. I must have cycled several miles before catching up with a larger group. You might think this lonely or dull but it isn't. It provides lots of time to consider all sorts of things. By the time I regrouped I have mulled over lots of things I have been thinking about and come up with suitable ideas.

As approached 50 miles the wind started batter us head on. It was difficult to keep going without it sapping ones energy. Soon signs for Ditchling presented and the countdown on miles to go began.

The ascent of Ditchling Beacon is 1,445 metres long with a height gain of 142 metres. Many say that it holds the title of climb that has forced more riders off their bikes than any other. It is rated as 6 out of 10 and although I have conquered it a few times before it has to be respected.

As I approached the base of the Beacon I saw David making his ascent. I had every confidence he would make it fairly easily and at a good speed. I stopped in the car park as its base to make some final preparations. I downed the last of my water and took off a layer. Geoff arrived shortly after and was doing much the same. I set off for my ascent. Would I make it? My legs felt tired after battling the strong headwind.

Straight away the road had a steep gradient. It wasn't long before I had run out of gears. I kept going and kept as much of a rhythm as I could. After about 200 metres I pretty much knew I would do it but perhaps one of the reasons why so many riders put a foot down or start walking up is because it seems to have several false summits. I have cycled the Beacon several times but as I gazed as the views below to my left I thought I have done it, only to discover I had not!

Finally, I reached the actual summit and was welcomed by a breeze so strong it was difficult to turn the pedals. It eased slightly and I pushed harder to get to the top. I had done it. Ditchling Beacon had been conquered...again.

The views were stunning and I took the time to take a few photos trying to hold my camera steady as I was being battered by strong winds.

The views

Other riders started to make it up the Beacon, cheered on my others and not long after me Geoff came into view. He had done it too and made it up all the way for the first time without a foot down. Brilliant.

The sign at the top of the Beacon

It is steeper in the flesh!

David admiring the views

We stayed for a few minutes taking in the views, atmosphere and the fact we had tamed the Beacon on a Brompton before realising we were hungry and wanted breakfast.

With only a few miles to go we headed out but the strong winds made progress hard and slow. My legs felt as thought they had had enough but the incentive of breakfast kept me going - just about.

Breakfast ordered and eaten with enthusiasm David and I said our goodbyes before retiring to the railway station and home. The 09:19 train left on time and we managed to get good seats. David and I said our goodbyes and I made it home not too long after. 

This is Geoff's photo. I started eating mine before I had the idea to take a photo

This was another great adventure and I was glad to chalk up another victory against the Beacon. The Brompton truly is a wonderful little bicycles and again I hope David, Geoff and I proved that they are so much more than just a short distance urban commuter.

Many thanks to Olaf for organising a great ride and his team of tail end Charlies. Thanks also to David and Geoff for their company.

In a few weeks we will return to Brighton, this time for a more relaxed photo opportunity sort of ride and I look forward to that.

The map and ride data can be viewed via the link below.

Link to map and ride data