Sunday Cycling

One of the many  great things about riding a bicycle is that you see things that you don't see if you are in a car.  

Two Sunday Pootles in succession showed me perfect examples of this.  The first took me over a couple of bridges under the most fantastic sky.  

London from the view of a bicycle really shows its best side. A collage of architectural structures through so many centuries, all sitting next door to each other in a unique mix and match - the new Blackfriars Bridge station leading towards St Paul's Cathedral.  What would Sir Christopher Wren make of it I wonder?

For the first Sunday of the two, I headed to Shoreditch for the last day of the Spin London Xmas show which gave me the chance to ride my single speed steed - although not yet flipped to fixed yet.  (Practice in a park will be a priority for this!) 

A week later, I was meeting up with a friend at Hyde Park Corner.  I was keen to see his much talked about and photo'd-on-Facebook new bicycle -a fixed wheel (he doesn't do gears) Cooper.  This was his first non commute ride on it. 

As I reached Hyde Park Corner I found him in the company of others, one of whom was Molly Cooper, the daughter of John Cooper who had built the bicycle! How fantastic was that?! Molly was riding a five-speed hub-geared Cooper on her way to Hyde Park and had spotted the bicycle so stopped to say hello.  Cool!!  

Like Woodrup, another family run and owned bike manufacturer, but Cooper started off with engines and the iconic Mini Cooper.  50 years later here it is sitting high up in the bicycle world as beautiful in design as well as being built on its engineering history. Superduper Cooper - just imagine what Abba could have done with a lyric like that!

Both Sunday rides brought me to Cycling Fayres. The first was focussing on Christmas and the second was a fundraising Cyclo Games sponsored by Vulpine raising money for Wheels for Wellbeing.  If you haven't heard of Wheels for Wellbeing,  it is a unique charity bringing cycling to people who through  disability, illness and sometimes age would not normally be able to ride a bicycle.

I have seen firsthand, at Herne Hill Velodrome, the laughter and enjoyment that their clients show as they are ridden around the track on bicycles, some for the very first time and others for the very first time in a very, very long time. Brilliant.

 

Arriving at the Vulpine Cyclofare just next door to those gas cylinders which disappear into the ground when empty), the aroma of coffee and hot food made me wonder why breakfast had only been fruit but we made our way to the first floor!

 

The fayre was another example of the way that cycling is capturing the imagination of people as they set up their businesses.  First off was Drops who turn photographs into wall mountable pictures.  They had run a photo competition asking for submissions of photographs the winner of which was being selected by us all as we arrived at Cyclogames we were asked to vote.  Tough choice!

Beers, vodkas, coffee and biscuits were all on offer although I managed to show some control and avoid all of them.  Petalon  www.petalon.co.uk are another genius new enterprise - bouquets delivered by bicycle.  So simple and yet so clever.

Into the main area and I met Mr Quino!  Last week I met Mr Paulus so now Paulos Quinos was complete.  A bicycle manufacturer from just outside Swansea. 

 

Lovely bicycles! We had a chat about cycling around the Gower Peninsular and reminisced of a great weekend spent there. They seemed suitably impressed that I had cycled to the summit of the Peninsular with someone who was riding fixed.  They gave me this postcard as it includes The Worms Head in Rhossili as a reminder of that weekend.

I caught up with Rachel from Michaux - I can't wait for my new bag from her collection to arrive. To have a bag that not only looks like a handbag rather than a camping accessory, but one that can be a shoulder bag, small rucksack or hip bag - and fit as though it was made for it on the back of my bicycle is really, really clever.

A chap came to say hello - a Man Called Bob with whom I had ridden to Banbury last year, following the route of the proposed HS2.  

Great to catch up with him.  He was off to take part in the inaugural London Recumbent Club ride which, hilariously, a few hours later I saw cycle through Parliament Square!

Cyclelove were also present at the Fayre and they had their artist Penelope drawing bespoke Christmas tags for customers who were signing up for their gift-wrapping service.  

 I caught sight of a series of books which could be worth another look!

Brompton, not such a small retailer but right up there in geniusness, were also there and I complemented them on their new tool kit which I bought last week.  They should give Master classes in design.  Their bicycles may weigh a bit more than I like to carry about but the design is in a league of its own.  The tool kit is equally clever and fits perfectly inside the bicycle!  Literally!

ibike London were there with all sorts of things - my favourite being their bicycle wall storage unit. So neat and simple.   

The founder of ibikelondon has done more for cycling than most people know as his invention, cyclehoop(s) are located and growing in numbers all over London which means that more and more of us have cycle parking facilities across many boroughs.  They also designed this bicycle storage that Hackney Borough Council provided for Spin London.   

As well as their range of all things bicycles they also lead rides around London. Sadly I couldn't make the one on Saturday but hopefully will be able to join them in the New Year.

In the spirit of fundraising for Wheels for Wellbeing, a charity cake bake had taken place.  How on earth the judges are going to select a winner from these I have no idea.  I found myself drawn to this one - not least because I just read a friends account of his trip to Istanbul here  and quite frankly, he deserves cake!

At the fayre there were several competitions to take part in. Rollapaluza, where two bicycles set up on rollers allow you to compete against next to you by pedalling as fast as you can was the first one I saw.  Hard, really hard, way too hard for me!  

Brompton were running a folding competition - hilarious although I didn't participate as I know that my fastest is nearly 20 seconds which to quite a few is a very long time! And there was a track standing competition.  If only!  Although I can think of several friends who could have possibly won that or at least more likely than me.

 

It was a very relaxed day, a great ride in and a great ride home.  And brilliant to know that there is such a wide range of cycling enthusiasts pushing envelopes in cycling products and accessories.  Vulpine - thank you so much for hosting this special event.

I am putting my list of Top Ten Cycling Presents for Christmas together - trying to keep it to 10 is going to be difficult.  Any suggestions gratefully received!

We headed west along the Embankment as we felt it was appropriate that we finished the route via Parliament Square to pay our respects to the late Nelson Mandela.  He may no longer be on this earth but the legacy that he has left behind is, to me, by far the greatest thing that one human being has done for the whole of humankind, ever.  Sir, you were  a life changer, not just in South Africa but across the world. You will never be forgotten.  (The rest of the pics are here

Christmas is Coming - all things bicycling are on Santas' radar (I hope)!

In preparation for the big day, a couple of weeks ago I was invited to a Women's Cycling Evening at Evans in London's West End (I know, it sounds like a theatre production).  However,   this event was too good to miss and I managed to be there early enough to receive a goody bag.  There were about 30 of us and we all took advantage of the food and drink kindly provided. 

 A member of staff gave an interesting talk on how to gear up for winter, introducing base layers, jerseys and various outer layers depending on the weather.  The special discounts available for the evening allowed me to stock up on Defeet socks and a Helly Hansen merino baselayer.  

It was a very enjoyable, informative and positive evening - not least as it highlighted how female cyclists are of all ages, riding all sorts of bicycles. I met some serious commuters, triathletes and those who just like to travel a couple of miles every few days.   Apparently statisticians across the cycling fraternity frequently find that the percentage of male/female cyclists is not 50:50.  I have no idea why this is - I have so much fun riding my bike that I just want everyone else to do it too!

It was really encouraging to know that organisations are doing more than just selling merchandise.  Evans have also run maintenance classes and they arrange rides.  They are not alone. Velovixen (am I really on their website?!) and Brompton are also leading rides as indeed do CTC .  Riding in a group means that you have less to think about because the route is the concern of someone else so you can just concentrate on pedalling and chatting!

 

Continuing with the Christmas shopping.... the Buy British theme I followed (as much as I could) for my bike for life is brilliantly being followed by Spin London who earlier in the year hosted an Urban Bike Show that showcased British designers and British products.  

It went  really well - not least because of the very high standard and ingenuity of the products and the people behind them.  Small, independent bicycle and accessory businesses were given centre stage without being in the shadow of the big boys/girls.

From 29th November until 1st December  Spin London are hosting a Christmas Coffee and Shopping event and I popped in to see what was what.  I wasn't disappointed. They have set it up as a small Christmas Fayre, with stalls of hot food, hot drinks and a coffee market that could keep you caffeinated until Christmas!

 

The bicycle peeps included Mosquito Bikes who are based in Islington. They have introduced Velocity GB, a London based designer making clothes to ride in. I will have to encourage Fitzrovia Cycles who produced my bike for life to go and have a look!  

I met Beelco who are designing outerwear and Ragpicker.cc Ragpicker who are sponsoring  the 5th floor racing team  I caught up with Rachel who is the star behind Michaux and have found my perfect Christmas present.  

Roadrags, Fused Bags and Paulus Quiros Paulus Quiros (beautiful and I wished my Woodrup was there!) were alongside Hackney GT - all brilliant brands behind which were their actual creators - not the Sales Team but the real deal.

 

As I left I caught up with the man behind Trophy- the innovative way to store your bicycle which has been announced Winner of the Best New Product Award at Home London 2013. Well done Ross, that's fantastic! And your fixed tandem is amazing!

The Fayre may be small but it is well worth a visit - definitely don't eat anything before you go there and whatever you do, keep off the coffee - you will be spoilt for choice!

Thank you Spin London - the shows you put together are a real reflection on the passion for cycling that it, to me, deserves. 

A Week Worth Waiting For

Some months ago I followed the advice of a friend and made the somewhat startling decision to have a bike built - truly bespoke - just for me. I have never had anything made for me before and never imagined that I would, ever, so this was not going to be a culmination of rushed and rash decisions.

Initially, to try and justify this bespokeness I had to reiterate how cycling seems to have taken over my life in the past few years. I ride a bike every single day, it's my main form of exercise, my only form of transport, my job and for those that know me (although this blog may give a hint) my absolute passion!  I am never happier than when I'm riding a bicycle - grinning from ear to ear the moment my hands are on the brakes and handlebars or my feet are on the pedals!

The decision as to which frame and frame builder to use was made easy for me. I chose Leeds-based Woodrup as frame builders purely because of A Man Called Vernon. 

 

Last year said Vernon rode his brand new Woodrup Chimera on a ride I was on and let me try it. It was amazing. A beautiful bike that he rode and rides all over the country including up the beast of Brighton (aka to the top of Ditchling Beacon). 

 

Finding out some months ago that Fitzrovia Bicycles in New Cavendish Street, W1 are the only London dealer for Woodrup sealed the deal. I did pop on a train to Leeds to meet the frame builder - Kevin Sayles. I also met the head of Woodrup - a family run business started by a husband and wife team with a passion for cycling. 
 

 
Having a bike built has been a fascinating journey all of its own. Both Woodrup and Fitzrovia have been so informative and helpful. Their bicycle knowledge has been outstanding. Kevin has been building bicycles for 35 years. Tom, Will, Alex and their team at Fitzrovia are all brilliant - a group of high calibre mechanics who all really know their stuff and really understand what puts the cycles into bicycles and how to match excellent service with standards. 

They have researched and sourced a variety of components for consideration, providing explanations and advice on the pros and cons of each, always promoting the cheaper alternatives rather than the most money-spinning. None of them, not even for a moment made me feel small or stupid by the questions I was asking or by my lack of technical know how.

Indeed, not being the worlds greatest mechanic I have chosen components that are going to last. Selecting one version then swapping it out in a few months time is not for me.  Friends have also given great advice - disc brakes yes but hydraulic no. My ability to repair hydraulic disc brakes in the middle of nowhere or indeed in the middle of the kitchen would be a big fat no-no!

Just around the corner from Fitzrovia Bicycles is Velorution who, as another independent bike shop, also hand pick the items they sell including the new Brooks Cambium B17 saddle which rather than being made from leather is made from rubber.

My approach to listen to the experts has paid off a million times - I have had the bicycle for one week and I am, to coin a phrase, as happy as a pancake! When I collected it I thought that either I was going to ride it straight home, put it on the wall and never ride it again or I was going to ride it until morning. 

 

I couldn't believe how incredible it was - so smooth and nothing felt that it was brand new as it was so easy. It was like slicing water. Or stirring a cup of tea.  There really has been no element of having to wear it in - like you do when you buy a new pair of shoes. It really is so comfortable, I can hardly believe it. 15 miles later I managed to force myself to head home in time for supper.  My top speed with very little effort was 25.9mph! Wowser!! Another 15 miles the next day and then I had to wait a week until I could ride it again. This time with a group of friends I haven't seen for a while. Really strong cyclists - all of whom could repair their hydraulic disc brakes in an instant! 

 
Four of us set off from Hyde Park corner towards Trafalgar Square. Our conversational pace had split us into two groups and by the time we realised we had lost the other two we were already at St Paul's Cathedral. A quick call established a visitation had delayed TC and Ianrauk so we headed east. 

Our destination was Trinity Buoys Wharf although I think I should rename it Trinity Boys Wharf as the male contingents always love it. Full fat carbed breakfasts in a melange of inventive activities. Respectful though I am of Sir Michael Faraday and his workshop it seems to be the only Sunday London Ride destination at the moment...! Luckily rb58 guided me through the City and on to the A13 so we could have a real bike ride rather than the ghastly super(not)myway that is full of shared pavements, glass, potholes and roads that run across it that I have used before to the wharf. 

At Fat Buoys Diner breakfasts were consumed, Jurek and Wanda1010 joined us and we all chatted about all sorts of stuff. As we do! This included the Fridays rides and we were all of the view that no matter how many rides we do - nobody but nobody leads a group ride to the standard that their Leggships do (and yes AH that includes you because you put the icing on the cake for all of us). 

The time flew by, more teas and coffees then it was time to go. A quick look at a tidal bell and then off to the Woolwich ferry after a visitation was repaired. This provided an opportunity for Ianrauk to test ride my bike. I think he liked it! He did give me some cleaning tips - some of which I have already put into practise!  

 

Our timing at the Woolwich ferry was perfect - we rode down the ramp and the barriers closed behind us.  I was busy taking pics and a man stepped out of his car to take a group shot. Very kind.  Those of us with gears set ourselves in the lower ones ready for the ramp and once on the main road we all headed off into different directions - TC1 and I headed back to town.

What a day. There had been much hilarity! Frinstance .... Being told we hadn't needed to go to HPC conveniences because Mista Preston wasn't with us! And the speed at which we all ran outside to watch TC1 ride fixed - convinced he was going to come a cropper (when of course he was as cool as a, err, cat)!!  

And Ianrauk saying that rb58s steel fixed steed was nothing but a toy bike - to which rb58 replied - yes, gears are for girls!! And the moment later on when I was struggling with the amount of force I needed to keep up with TC1. "Is there a headwind?" I puffed. "No" came the reply "you are in the wrong gear" he went on. I looked at my feet and pedalled with all my might. "Are you sure there isn't a headwind?" I asked again. "Ha! Yes indeed there is a headwind and it's quite strong" came back the guffawing reply! He was actually laughing at his own joke!!

I don't know many miles I rode but every one a winner! I can't believe how long it's been since I've seen these fab peeps and much look forward to doing it again. As for Woodrup and Fitzrovia Cycles - I am very, very happy! It has been a very humbling experience, understanding the true meaning of the word craftsmanship. My bike for life has me smiling already - no wonder I call myself the 5mile cyclist!