Aussie on a Brompton

Norfolk treats

Misc, Trips 01/09/2013 Leave a comment

One of our delightful, sunny Norfolk days was very educational & entertaining. We discovered barns that were factories, broads that are waterways, mills that don’t grind grain, beached seals & heavenly cream scones!

Headed out on a drive & located Waxham barn. This restored historic barn was huge & built for threshing grain; very impressive – as was the Ploughman’s plate served in the cafe in an added wing. (I never cease to be amazed at the food offerings at some out-of-the-way places?)

Next stop was one of the preserved windmills, a National Trust site that provided local information & a cafe. It was all a treat, the information staff advice & food, the windmill tour, the local sights & wildlife. Our education came from understanding more about the Norfolk Broads; the low-lying lands needing continual drainage of water (to avoid returning to marsh-lands?) that is channeled into local canals & broad waterways via pumps originally operated through windmills (& now automated).

Next, acting on advice from the National Trust guides, we walked through to the coast, over the huge sand-dunes that form part of a coastal sea defence & along the sands to gaze upon dozens of lazing seals.

The final treat wasn’t the relief from finishing the long walk, nor from finding the NT cafe still open (both treats in themselves), it was the quality of the “cream scones”!

Village givens

Misc, Trips 28/08/2013 1 Comment

A week spent in the Cotswolds is going to guarantee various things: historic villages & towns, congestion & tourists, local & quaint traffic, & too many tea rooms?

Sometimes the villages are over-run with tourists; sometimes you get lucky…

The local traffic is going to include tractors, & you can’t avoid seeing Land Rovers…

Australian Rugby hasn’t been going too well in Bledisloe Cup competition with NZ, but it seems Lower Slaughter has been holding it’s own?

Canal views

Misc, Rides, Trips 23/08/2013 Comments: 2

We took a couple of excursions along the Kennet & Avon Canal. They weren’t very far but we took in some of the cycleway & some towpath & had good views of the countryside, the canal-boats, the rail-way & lots & lots of locks.

While riding from Bath towards Bristol (didn’t make it all the way) we came across this very serious engine driver & his train.

Another visit was to the Caen Hill Flight of locks, where we walked up & down more than 20 locks & watched the canal-boats during their 6-7 hour journey through the locks.
From near mid-way, looking up…

…& looking down

Folders galore

Bits, Trips 22/08/2013 Comments: 2

Looking in on Brompton dealers can be an interesting event. Finding a B-spoke Centre (Brompton Premium Dealer) in Malmesbury, a small town in the Cotswolds, I just had to look around. Lo & behold, there in a cabinet was my first actual sighting of a Brompton Toolkit. Yes, still equipped with the tyre levers that are due to be replaced but here it was; available! In fact, they had “too many…” & so I promptly purchased two. Quite a little engineering masterpiece & far classier than my version of an on-board tool set? I cannot fault the new toolkit (well, maybe I need to test the tyre levers first but I’m pretty confident in them) & my version was always meant to be temporary, with awkward fit & removal & a basic, limited tool-set now able to be retired.

Along with many Bromptons on display (& another 70 in stock?) there was the usual local bike shop wide assortment of bikes. What was a surprise was the variety of folding bikes (& e-bikes), with many brands – & some unusual models?

Bromptons included a Nano e-bike

How’s this for variety?

Dahons in 14″, 16” & 20″ wheel sizes – & “interesting” fold designs

So long London

Rides, Trips 14/08/2013 1 Comment

Spending time in London is always entertaining, somewhat addictive & definitely wearying. Whatever time you schedule will not be enough & so it was for this nine-day stay. Our activities comprised RideLondon cycling & the Brompton factory visit (blog posts on both) & also more cycling, museum visits, city walks & shopping. Rather than write lots, here’s some pics & observations –

The Waterloo train station bike rack was a mystery. Where were the owners? where & when did the bikes get used? was it a half-way stage before the owners jumped onto BorisBikes?

The BorisBikes rental system covers the central London area & has many, many docking stations. We didn’t use it but seems an impressive setup & good for regular transport around London. Has an access charge but as long as the rides are under 30mins then it’s free for you to just keep on bike-swapping at any of the docks.

Drivers are amazingly patient & observant for anything partially blocking their lane & the lane on the opposite side of the road. Makes being a mobile chicane & any minimal-sized onroad bike lane use a bit more confidence-inspiring – along with the “bike boxes” at the head of the traffic light queues?

Had a ride along the Great Union Canal & as ever, loved checking out the locks.

Great Windsor Park is great for riding, great in size & minimal traffic – but the “Long Walk” area has an unusual rule.

Pre-London but a ride on the Centurion Way reminded me of the delightful sculptures to be encountered on rail-trails.

Moving day Friday & time to say “So long London, hello Wiltshire”, as we continue our push northwards…

RideLondoning

Rides, Trips 12/08/2013 Leave a comment

Pre-trip planning had highlighted RideLondon cycling events on the weekend following BWC2013 so what else to do but schedule some time in London? Moving into London on the Wednesday was going to provide just over a week to fit in lots of activities, including our Palace visit (ie Brompton factory) as well as the weekend cycling events.

Saturday was the RideLondon FreeCycle event, where tens of thousands circulated on a 8mile closed section of roads containing some of London’s best tourist-sights. From our Isleworth flat to inner London, we decided to try out traveling by train & Tube with Ralph & Robinson. The train was simple enough, with lots of non-folders trying to also squeeze in. At Waterloo we switched to the Tube & tested ourselves with regular fold & unfolds, up & down escalators & tunnels. I think we coped ok but perhaps we’d need to observe what happens for peak hour commuting before attempting any more?

Arriving at Green Park station, we managed to meet-up with some of the London Brompton Club members & started the ride together but got hopelessly separated before the first lap was done. Perhaps it was better that way, because I inadvertently treated one member’s Brompton with a lot less respect than he would have liked (sorry Andrew). I was assisting an enquiry about the price of a Brompton & scrambling for the likely UK price, I suggested that it started about £750 & was probably twice that for a high-end model. To which the enquirer asked if “…BumbleBee over there is one of the high-end models?” Oh no, said I, it’s just a… – before realising what I’d said about “The Legend”, that is CrazyBee’s pride & joy. Hopefully all will be forgiven next time?

Unfortunately, the FreeCycle event wasn’t exactly traffic-free as it seemed to be almost wall-to-wall bikes, including family groups taking the chance to escort little Brad or Victoria on their maiden rides – or so it seemed? Highly entertaining for most but frustrating for anyone wanting to set a new record (certainly not me) or drop out/in as the sights dictated (maybe me?). Very well marshalled but barrier controlled to the point of dictating where you could leave the course? Probably very necessary – & it certainly kept those pesky pedestrians at bay & allowed “us bikers” our own piece of London (for about 7 hours). I’m not a fan of family rides although when they are point-to-point – such as Sydney’s “CycleSydney” event – maybe it keeps people focused on moving along? The London ride certainly had a different feel – & it could be conveniently handled in small dosages (between those essential coffee & food stops).

Sunday was more my cup of tea, so to speak, as the RideLondon Surrey Classic race was going to follow the 2012 Olympic course. Featuring 8 Pro-Tour teams (& lots of other Pro teams) meant for a serious cycle race. We figured to catch the action out on the course at a couple of locations – & definitely skip the crowds at the finish on The Mall – so headed out on Ralph & Robinson from our flat, intending to also include a bit of Thames touring. First off we navigated back to Richmond Park & this time (rather than driving there in Kanga) we managed to ride up Nightingale Lane! (well almost, but three-quarters of the way up is a bit of a win for both of us). In Richmond Park the course was fully barriered so we settled in at a corner that included a lovely chicane of cobblestones. No dramas with the Pros however, for they swept through rapidly – with an Orica-Greenedge rider trying to make a break on the field.

Once the whole race circus was through, we rode back down to the Thames & ambled in the direction of Kingston. It seemed that a sunny Sunday in London was a magnet for crowds relaxing along the river & our progress was rather (pleasantly) slow. It’s certainly well-equipped along the way, with hotels, riverboat dining & cafes – but still has open areas & even some “off road” tracks through bush. Eventually we found Kingston-on-Thames & joined in the festivities that were arranged – not just for us, for the race made two passes through Kingston & so the town certainly went to some effort!

As is usual with cycle racing, we had a group to observe coming through the town before the peloton swept through & then a number of small groups made their way toward London. Once the last solitary rider was gone (closely followed by a broom-wagon?) then it was time for us to retrace our steps/tracks all the way back home. Quite a grand day out?

Truly home

My Brompton, Rides, Trips 03/08/2013 Leave a comment

The invitation from Will to visit the Palace was definite; 1:30pm Friday. Fortunately, the possible conflict of an invite from Will, Kate & George to visit that other palace was averted & so we were free to get along to the Brompton palace, or factory.

First off for the day was a revisit to Richmond Park, where I had once done laps on my race bike wearing club kit, seemingly “another lifetime ago” (ie pre-Defibrillator days). This time it was after driving Kanga through a Sat-Nav guided tour of so many back streets & finding ourselves on a rather steep ascent – “of course, THE Nightingale Lane… now I understand…”. Onward to the park & unloading Ralph & Robinson, for at least one lap? (The drive turned out to be one of those, “faster to ride…” trips & we couldn’t miss seeing Will later?) Hmmm… steeper climbs in the park than I remember – & the stags seem to have had a busy time (& acting like they owned the place?). Oh well, another lap on another day? Back to our flat & then point our bikes towards the main event.

We struggled a bit to find the Brompton factory. After all, there’s no LED-guided pathway & they prefer to produce bikes rather than entertain casual visitors to reception? Also, Ralph & Robinson were of no help; they may have truly been “going home” – but had forgotten the way! Once parked inside at reception, our host Will (“World’s fastest MD”?) was soon on hand to provide a comprehensive tour. Amongst the memorabilia, I thought Andrew Ritchie’s listing of funding requests, replies, interviews & rejections was rather telling?

I had imagined that my background in engineering & systems (& my wife’s lack of same) may have dulled things somewhat, but no: we encountered an impressive array of sights & facts that were captivating. No previous reports on the brazing systems had accurately conveyed the sophistication & workmanship employed. Quality control & build development was far more effective & concentrated than is obvious in the seemingly unchanged production models. Yes, some new products of late but the ongoing development & “finessing” are worthy recipients of the staff efforts & so encouraging to encounter. So much to the whole visit – operational restructuring & improvements? shifts for the 7-day operations? staff recruitment, motivations & sharing? (all discussed but damn, I should have had a recorder running throughout?).

Sadly, I was not left to my own devices to endlessly wander the factory for the whole day (& then some?) but was truly appreciative of our tour & personal attention. Thanks Will, thanks Brompton – please keep those little wheels rolling out the door.

Goodwood Tally-ho

Rides, Trips 30/07/2013 Comments: 3

A wonderful time at BWC2013 was surely had by all who travelled to the Goodwood Motor Circuit, Chichester. For our first BWC trip & to this new venue we took a cottage at Pagham nearby & drove Kanga up each day. Our cottage location incidentally, used to be the home for Derek Bell, the multi-winner of Le Mans & his early racing career at Goodwood was for the family-run Church Farm Racing Team. Staying near Goodwood & seeing light aircraft doing aerobatics overhead, reminded me that Goodwood also has an aerodrome in the infield. At the circuit there were historic sights aplenty: the buildings & infrastructure, famous racer names for parts of the track, “Goodwood Revival” pre-1966 historic support vehicles, bronze statues of renowned racers & flyers & also the regular take-offs (with the occasional aerobatics) & landings by an assortment of aircraft, including Tiger Moth & WWII warbirds. An atmosphere that just seemed so appropriate to the BWC?

Our late-afternoon Friday attendance was intended just for BWC registration & race-pack pickup but the setting & atmosphere was very entertaining. Some hours were spent cruising the exhibit area & we fielded countless enquiries about aspects of Ralph & Robinson’s setups – eg my small luggage bag, bidon cages, MKS pedals, Alfine 11-speed, etc. Perhaps I’d better start a Brompton-modding business?

Saturday & day 2 for us was to spectate the Sprint & Eliminator events & start meeting many of the Facebook group London Brompton Club members – & especially Mick, LBC co-founder (thanks Mick, for those Facetime chats for advice on pre-trip matters). So many (& too many?) LBCers to put faces to names & Brompton pics? A great day & I was starting to suspect that the non-Brompton events at this “Orbital Cycling Festival” were a minor player – & that “Brompton-Sunday” was going to be massive?

Day 3 & Sunday dawned bright & exciting, headed off early for a fast-paced, blur of a day? Bromptons galore being unloaded at the car park & starting to see some wonderful outfits for this “business-attire dress-code day”. Off on a sighting lap & a familiar face pulls up alongside: “World’s Fastest MD”, Will Butler-Adams – & a very productive chat? (more news later?) Endless pre-race chatter/meetings with LBCers & others, before a “Field of Folded Bromptons” are assembled on the grid.

Bromptons aligned in rows by race numbers, in groups of about 160 bikes each, to start in 4 waves 90secs apart (wave 1 for us). The rider briefing confirms the sensible start procedures; running(?) to the folded bikes, unfolding & walking them to the road, then riding onto the circuit & over the timing mat to start the race – no panic & far safer than an all-in scramble? (& avoiding a near riot at the briefing when it was suggested that we should carry the bikes to the track?) Retreat to await the Le Mans start & then an air horn blast signals the off…

Who can run in such congestion? Stayed calm & got it all together, dodged through those still bums-up unfolding & clipped in & away! Kept off the racing line & watched swarms of Bromptons continually coming by – & then the later waves just kept whizzing through! With my heart rate “digitally restricted”, I was headed for a steady (but flat out?) ride – although the head winds were tough & the Alfine trigger shifter got a work-out to keep my cadence up. Certainly jolly hot work; new outfit next time? Had a marvelous “grandstand seat” in watching never-ending Bromptons circulating. Got lapped twice by the leaders (such a fantastic pace & legs a blur) & once by my wife (creditable 36:54 for 11th in class & her first race) – but still a lap to go for me? So tempting to “take the medal & end it all” but I soldiered on – & even managed to chat with a fellow sufferer from the Netherlands before crossing the line & stopping my Garmin at 51:16 (race timing spot-on!). Now that’s how you get your “money’s worth” in racing – before getting stuck into the recovery food & photo sessions.

You had to be there to enjoy the afternoon tea – with Brompton staff wielding endless tea pots – the Gin & Tonics, & finally the exuberant presentations. Was there a brief shower about now? I don’t think too many noticed. Beforehand, some said that the numbers would be down because Goodwood lacked the hills & atmosphere? I feel Goodwood was an excellent location (even with the head winds?) – & I suspect lots more will think that next time?

Kanga squeeze

Trips 28/07/2013 1 Comment

A name for our UK rental Kia Cee’d Eco has been suggested as Kanga (maybe related to my driving?). Without any driving manual supplied, I’ve resisted the urge to try reading any info off the Internet & just make do with some “on-the-job” training. Interesting little car, a turbo diesel manual with an “Eco mode” that turns off the engine when stationary, out of gear & with clutch out – but turns the engine back on when depressing the clutch. The dash is a maze of warning lights, gauges & dials & something new is noticed every day. Also, the first night-time drive was confusing, with varying light levels noticed before realising that there were directional lights that came on when the wheels were turned. I’m guessing we’ll learn more as we go along?

The important question was whether it would fit our Bromptons in the boot (as we’d booked a VW Golf after testing the Brompton fit – but realised that we may receive “an equivalent”). I’m pretty sure that the boot is smaller overall (especially with the rear wheel arches intruding?) but things fit. My initial loading determined that the saddles were best located in the outer rear corners & with a slight overlap of the wheels. Once in our first cottage stay, I rearranged things by folding up one of the bike bags & placing it to one side, then putting Ralph on an angle on top, with the saddle turned 90° & nestling into the end of the bike bag (& both removable pedals taken off). Robinson was then placed on the same angle beside Ralph, with the saddle resting on Ralph’s folded front wheel (with some padding between). On daily trips the Bromptons ride along in the boot (wearing their covers, if necessary), while helmets, bags, etc are carried in the cabin (& the 2nd bike bag is left in the cottage).

When space is at a premium when moving on to the next of our weekly cottage stays, we can cover the Bromptons & place luggage bags & helmets in the boot & carry the 2nd bike bag folded up behind one of the seats. I could probably carry the Bromptons & all luggage in a number of ways but this setup lets the bikes stay out of sight. The urge to upgrade to a larger car is best avoided, with dearer rentals, high fuel costs & no doubt many narrow lanes to negotiate?

Hard work

Trips 26/07/2013 1 Comment

This travel lark is rather hard work. Getting into London at 5am after a 13hour BA flight (on which I inherited a broken headphone socket & a super-hard seat squab) was the start of a wearying day. Heathrow added a little amusement with a gift “Celebrating a very special new arrival” but we weren’t fooled; it was for Will & Kate’s new arrival, not ours.

Next up was the rental car pickup & a few hours later we were done! Done with Europcar, that’s for sure! Long queues & sales tactics were not fun. Maybe we just got the sales agent from hell? Repeated upgrade attempts, lots of scare tactics for the heavy-handed “wear & tear” demands, confusion about phone contacts during our travel (turns out that Europcar want to keep tabs on our mileage – but we booked for “unlimited”?). Eventually we got to drive away in our “Golf or equivalent” Kia Cee’d Eco – with bike bags split between the boot & back seat (in Australia I’d checked that the Bromptons would fit in the boot of a Golf; fingers crossed with the unpacking for this one?)

Early arrival hotel check-in was completed & then a freshen-up before heading off to acquire 3G Sims for iPads & iPhones. Having researched carriers & Sim availability, it was interesting that we needed to find an O2 shop to get what we needed (rather than expect product knowledge at multi-carrier outlets?).

Day one then moved to wind-down mode, with a great pizza & Aussie red wine at the hotel – & then into a lovely comfy bed!

Day two saw the unpacking of Ralph & Robinson from their Vincita bags & accompanying clothing/padding? Ralph’s only issue was the mudguard stays needed a slight tweak to get tyre clearance again. Robinson with a rack had no mudguard issues (not even the front) but – oh no, a “bent ear”!? (ie rear frame roller wheel support) I’d pushed the seat post well down below the level of the Eazy-wheels but… (next time, remove the roller wheels?)

The Bromptons fit into the Kia’s boot (still can’t think of a name for the car?) was just ok; the rear wheel arches intruded & made things rather tight but we were “ok to go!”