A Ride Amongst Champions! Inaugural London Brompton Club Ride

The most miles I have done on my Brommie in one day is 35. A pootle around Central London that ended up including Richmond Park and Surbiton. The thought of actively choosing to ride a Brommie over long distances never appealed as I have way too much fun on my road bike. But curiosity kept me interested. I know people who have cycled from London to Scotland, Paris and Geneva on theirs so when I found an opportunity to ride from Reading to Richmond with this special band of Bromptonites I couldn't resist.

A train from that secret station - the one that moves every time I try and find it (I blame Michael Bond) and at 9.30 I found myself outside Reading Station with fellow Bromptonites. We gathered by the smoking area (?) and soon there were 16 of us! 

There was a large police presence in preparation for Reading v QPR and as the heavens opened during our leaders pep talk I was sorely tempted to pop into a pub and stay there!! However we all climbed into our wet weather gear and headed out of the city. About five miles later there was a visitation. 

Conveniently in a tunnel so we could take shelter. My brand new Lyzene pump (with a gauge) was called into action and proved itself to be the best small pump I have ever come across (and I've tried a few!)

Out of the tunnel (a reminder of the LonJoG tunnel outside Pitlochry came to my head)  back into the rain and we headed along the towpath. The weather kept looking like it might dry up but never quite where we were.

The two new additions to my winter wardrobe were however coming into their own. Up until now - winter wise (hmmm that could be a title for my next blog!) - I have worn two merino base layers and a cycling jersey under my Gore-the-best-purchase-ever-made-in-the-jacket-department-Oxygen jacket. Today however I have progressed to cashmere on top of my Merino base layer. A cashmere scarf, socks and jumper were absolutely perfect.

Part of me thinks I am a Gore girl as my Gore Oxygen jacket and over trousers are faultless and work as both waterproof and windproof yet still breathe rather than make me sweat like a shower. Gore have also brought out two new windstopper jackets although I haven't had a chance to put them to the test yet. However after today, cashmere is definitely my winter warmer!  I digress...Back to the ride!

 

I think it did stop raining for a bit - just after another visitation. This time we were by an old fashioned wooden bustop which provided some shelter from the elements. As with most cyclists the priority was to keep the bikes  out of the rain - the owners stayed outside!! I headed to the back to see if I could help with the visitation. A fellow Bromptonite produced his Lyzene tyre levers which were awesome and definitely on my Father Christmas list!!

 

Soon we were on our way again. The route was lovely and the company magnificent. All the Bromptons were err, Bromptons but they were all different! And they had travelled from afar. Oxford, Buckinghamshire and London for this special ride. Such a kind group.  I was offered biscuits at the start which set the standard of generosity for the day. General chats about a zillion different things, Some Brompton banter (obviously!) and much laughter. One of my fave moments was discovering how many of us were World Champions having taken part in the 2013 Brompton World Championships - and relegating the two that hadn't to the back of the ride!! Hilarious!!

 

We cycled on fast roads and country lanes. Some of the puddles we rode through reminded me of my ride to Germany this time last year but at least this time the water levels were not higher than my pedals!  Those riding without cleats stuck their feet out like Robert Redford in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid!! 

Charlie and I joined up as TECs (that's Tail End Charlie/Tail End Charlotte) which was great fun and I was allowed to be the one who called out All Up although there was no opportunity to do this because The Man at the Front cycled off before I could say it. Charlie and I had a right laugh as we realised that as this was not a Friday Night Ride to the Coast - it was a day ride and we were visible so the all up call was not required!  

 

We followed the Thames (although we were wetter)! The elevenses stop in Ascot turned to a pavement stop outside Costa who excelled themselves by offering us, non customers, Christmas Cake and biscuit samplers. I will be back!

 Reaching Windsor Great Park was sheer delight. What a lovely place in which to cycle. The rain had stopped and we rode through it six abreast. 

A pub lunch in Anglers Forehead which does quite the most spectacular food. What a chef they have in their kitchen. I did find their policy to add 50p to all orders paid by card - regardless of the amount or the card to be a bit greedy. £9.50 for a bowl of soup, bowl of chips, mineral water and a cup of tea was heading for London prices but my goodness it was delicious! They were very efficient and the outside area was perfect for visitation repairs!

I didn't dare stay inside for too long as I thought if I was too snug in the warm I would stay there for the afternoon.  A few of us stayed outside surrounded by Brommies - what's not to like?! With lunch over we were off! Out into a bit of drizzle, I put my sopping Gore gloves on at the recommendation of a fellow rider who suggested if I wiggled my fingers the gloves would warm up and dry up. Whoop! Whoop! They did! 

Along the Thames which was rather high, Hampton Court, Kingston and into Richmond. The sun had gone for the night and I realised what an urban ride my Brommie is - the lights were completely useless for seeing where I was going. I could be seen which is one thing but to not be able to see the road - potholes, glass and puddles is ridiculous. The rear hub and dynamo light system that I didn't chose when I bought my Brommie are about to be ordered. Hopefully suggestions and recommendations will be forthcoming - they will be very gratefully received. 

The other thing that tells me mine is an urban Brommie is the fact that I have never, ever seen it so caked in mud! Truly! 

As we headed to Richmond Station we said our goodbyes and thank yous. If they were missed - Aka Bob, David and David thank you. And to The London Brompton Club - thank you very much for making me feel so welcome and along with Charlie B for being such fine company.  If this is what it's like to do long rides on a Brommie - I am looking forward to the next one! Thank you everyone!

 57.18 miles in 4.24hrs with a top speed of 19.9 mph on the flat! Woohoooo!!!!!
 
The rest of my pics are here