The Duo returns to the fold

So this morning I was up at a decent hour instead of silly o'clock of the last few days. Heading into central London my plan was to use the underground to Oxford Circus & cycle to the meeting point of the London Eye. I made it in good time and saw my partner in crime OrangeBrompton already there waiting for me. I did notice a huge police presence on the way there so figured there was probably some more protests happening which have been going on for a whole week already.

We said our hellos and headed off down the Thames River from the London Eye.

After I parted ways with Orange after our little ride along the Thames River I decided to cycle homewards. I was near Piccadilly Circus and was interested it taking photos of the #TuskLions that have been dotted around London.

The Tusk Lion Trail 2021

10 August – 24 September 2021

London, Bristol, Edinburgh – UK | The Hamptons – USA

Wellington – New Zealand | Nairobi – Kenya | Sydney – Australia

A global celebration of African lions and the people who live alongside them through exceptional art.

47 life-sized lion sculptures, designed and made by some of the planet’s foremost artists, musicians and sportspeople, are roaming streets around the world to highlight the threats currently faced by ‘the King of Beasts’, and to raise vital funds to support community conservation and livelihoods impacted by Covid-19 across Africa.

Curated by Chris Westbrook, this is an art trail like no other. The sculptures take you on a tour of iconic locations around the globe, from Piccadilly Circus in the heart of London’s West End to the forecourt of New Zealand’s Parliament building in Wellington. The lions bring to life the stories of these iconic predators as well as the people who work tirelessly to protect them.

Look out, world. The lions have landed!

Would have liked to have gotten more of the Lions but the people and traffic was getting worse and noticed the police where getting a little more heightened and even saw the beginnings of a few protesters and events starting to form.

Once again a good little ride and more to follow in future I'm sure as well as longer rides to as my fitness level gets better over time.

till the next ride, bee safe.....

I can't believe it's 9 YEARS of the LBC

I cant' believe the London Brompton Club is 9 years old. Seems that I only just yesterdaythe club started and exploded. 9 years later I'm a part of a Brompton cycling club which now has over 6000 members world wide and been on so many many adventures over the years & made many life long friends.

The timing was perfect as I would be finished from work in plenty of time to be at the meeting point of Canada Gate near Buckingham Palace for 17:00hrs  

Decided that I would cycling straight from work to the meeting place to save time and to make sure I would actually go. Lucky I had packed my waterproofs as I made sure I looked at the weather forecast for the day. Man within 10 mins of me making my way though Hackney and into Islington I had to stop under a tree as the heavens truly opened up and the rain was so heavy I couldn't even see the road for a while under a tree I put on my overtrousers and waited for the rain to ease abit. Eventually the rain stopped enough and i continued to the meeting point. Once there I was greeted by smiles from old and new members

Because of the threatening rain clouds we decided to head to Brompton Junction where the Mile Monster Jenny and those lovely folks at brompton Junction had put on a lovely little spread for us after hours.

I haven't been to the new store yet but it only moved a coupe doors down from the old. The difference though was massive as now the store has alot more space and different design.

I was total shock as I wasn't expecting anything like this to be happening and I have to thank Jenny the Mile Monster and ofcourse Brompton Junction (Brompton Bicycle) for all the support over the years.

Had to get a little shot of me with my alter ego on BJ's huge Instagram display

I have to say I was abit moved by the words from  Bob as he made a little speech about the LBC, how it came about, how great it was to be apart of it and thanked every member and Brompton Junction for their hospitality.

till the next ride, bee safe.....

Glamping 2021 in the Surrey Hills

Last weekend I went on a little glamping holiday weekend just 2 hrs drive outside of London into deepest darkest Alford in the Surrey Hills is a wonderful little camp site in the Springbok Farm Estate. A set of 5 tents all together which can house up to 4/5 people each.

Onsite there are 2 kitchens with gas cookers, barbecue stove, sink, coffee and tea facilities. Each tent can have there own fire pit and supply of burning materials.

Over the next few days we adventured around the local area,finding little gems of villages, buildings and walks.

As well as popping into the local pubs for lunches & dinners.

Just a short drive away was the seaside town of Worthing. Lovely place to spend sometime and have ice cream and walking along the beach front.

Ofcourse I saw a few of my kin on our camping holidays so had to say hello

I have to say I really enjoyed my time Glamping and would recommend it to anyone even if you have never camped before. It's good way to totally unplug and enjoy the outdoors.

Glamping Holiday

till the next ride, bee safe.....

Good Luck Dulwich Dynamo 2021 riders.

So later today just a few crazy cyclists will be riding the unsupported Dulwich Dynamo Overnight Ride. This is a yearly ride which is 120miles from Hackney to Dulwich on the coast throughout Saturday 24th July to Sunday or whenever you get there.  

The legend and I have done this once many years ago with a whole bunch of thr London Brompton Club clan and was probably one of my must fun and longest ever ride to date. 

To everyone taking part in it this year be extra safe and I have heard that they may not be any coaches or very resisted seats to return to the starting point or back to the big smile London. I know I have heard some doing  the “Round Trip” there and back, kudos to anyone attempting this craziness. 

As the first 5miles or so is actually on my commuting route to the HiVE I shall cheer those that I pass or pass me. 

till the next ride, bee safe.....

Kew Gardens: Secret World of Plants After Hours

Late summer evenings are getting warmer and warmer. What better way to spend time admiring nature in probably one of London’s most beautiful gardens, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

At the moment Kew are having an event called, "Secret World of Plants".Running from 1st May – 19th September 2021  Tickets

Art works you can actually sit on

Hollyhock (google image search)

Ivy Geranium 

(google image search)

Bush Lilly 

(google image search)

Rehmannia Glutinosa

Banana Tree

Sernna bicapsularis

Highly recommended for a nice relaxing time of walking and even sitting about on the grass enjoying the warm summer nights as well as the restaurant there with good food and drink if you don't come with anything for a  picnic

 "Secret World of Plants".Running from 1st May – 19th September 2021  Tickets

till the next ride, bee safe.....