The curse has returned...

So over the last couple of months I have noticed a "pulsating" feeling coming from Bumble B's rear wheel. I knew this was from last time my rear rim had worn out and was basically breaking though. But this rear wheel is just over a year old and shouldn't be wearing out so quickly, something was afoot....

I took it to my main man at Mamachari to check out. He trued the wheel for me but found something odd which he couldn't explain. Basically the brake surface was pushing out in odd places on different sides which he couldn't explain and his never seen anything like it. I had another rear wheel on order already so was just waiting and would swap it out. Told him I would have a closer look at the wheel to see if I could spot anything usual about it and report back. I mentioned that the last Velocity AeroHeat rim had a huge crack down the middle which you wouldn't see if the yellow rim tape was in place and then the light bulb idea came to us at the same time. Maybe the AeroHeat rim at split again and was wondering why.

Our theory is that under the extreme pressure of 100psi the Marathon + tires needed as well as my weight may have pushed it to its limit and over time it developed cracks which just got worse over time. Even though there is no mention of max tire pressure for these rims.

I finally got the replacement wheel from Brilliant Bikes (god damn courier didn't actually deliver to The HiVE but left it at the local courier drop off without leaving a "No one was in" card)

I took a very close too at the troubled rear wheel and our theory was right. The AeroHeat Rim had split again if you looked very closely. You can just about make out the crack developing. Not as bad as the first Velocity AeroHeat rim but I caught it much earlier than before.

2nd Velocity AeroHeat rim (Apr 16, 2016 - 2 Oct 2017)

I also found where the rim is joined it had split but I have a feeling that was from me taking the Marathon + tire off as its pretty new and tough to remove from the wheel. No way me and Bumble B's surgeon would have missed that split for damn sure.

2nd Velocity AeroHeat Rim (Apr 16, 2016 - 2 Oct 2017)

2nd Rear AeroHeat Rim:

Born:     Apr 16, 2016
Died:     Oct 2, 2017
Mileage: 3,453.98 miles

New Brompton Black Wide Range Sturmey Archer hub, looking all sexy in proper black which is what I've always wanted.

So Bumble B is back up to full strength again. WOOP :D

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

The Thames Bridges 2017

Its been awhile since I've ridden a decent distance so me and Bumble B headed to the Thames Bridges ride for the Stroke Association. We have done this particular ride a few times over the years and combines riding around London and rising money for a good cause.

Me and Bumble B arrived a little later than I had planned but its a pretty far distance from "The HiVE" to the start of the Thames Bridges start at Kings House Sports Ground near Barnes Bridge Station. Took me about 2hrs by train. I finally arrived at the start and got all registered. As always Bumble B causes abit of a stir when he arrives on the scene.

I was pretty much ready to go when a fellow Brompton rider Sylvia came up to me asking if I could  help with her Brompton. Being the gentlmen that I am, I could never turn down a lady in distress.

Turns out some how the straps for the rear rack for wrapped around the rear wheel sprockets and locked up. Tried to undo it but it was so tangled up I had to take the whole rear wheel off. Just when I did that the rear sprocket of her 3 speed pretty much fell off in my hand. Got Sylvia all sorted ready for her ride. She was doing the 8 mile ride so me and Bumble B waved her off on the start line.

Sylvia getting ready for the off

Me and Bumble B was pretty much ready to go but had to wait a little while for the safety briefing from the marshals and then we was off.

I didn't take many photos as I was mostly focused on making sure I was going the right way and cause there was a lot of other cyclists about I had to keep my wits about me so not to run into anyone.

Unlike other years of this ride, there was only 1 stop at around the 22 miles mark. Good supply of water, peanuts and other goodies for the hungry cyclist that has a few miles to go.

Refueling

While we was there I met this gentleman who came up to me and told me that he had seen us on this ride before and the legend and I inspired him to do this ride on his 70s Bickerton no less. Kudos my man, KUDOS.

This kind of thing really makes the legend happy, inspiring people to do things they couldn't think they could do.

Legend inspiring legends

Not long after we left the feeding station I started to "bonk" abit. I knew I probably would is why i made sure I ate a few bananas and took a few cereal bars with me. I didn't eat properly before I left the HiVE as I was a little excited to get going I suppose.

I just put my head down & got on with it while eating and drinking as much as I could counting down the miles to the finish. I was on my own for a good few miles so didn't really have anything to distract me from the "bonk". Finally caught up with a few others on the ride which made me feel much better and the "bonk" feeling started to fade away & I felt stronger.

Saw the tents in the distance and knew we had made it so really pushed in on the final straight to the finish line to the huge cheers of everyone.

The legend had done it, which big smile and congrats from everyone for a good ride. All I wanted was FOOD and lots of it. I finally found the food stalls and ordered up a HUGE cheese burger with pulled pork. I didn't even give myself a chance to take a photo of it as I just wanted sink my teeth into the meat and savour the taste explosion going on in my mouth.

IT WAS GLORIOUS

Finally had to make my back to the HiVE. Just as I was exiting my station I unfolded Bumble B and heard a *ping* I thought what the hell was that? I started to roll Bumble B and noticed something was jammed up in the rear wheel, had a closer look and found this.

I know my unfolding skills are awesome but I didn't figure they where THAT powerful. Lucky I actually have a brand new rear wheel on order from Brilliant Bikes.

I'd like to thank everyone for the support and cheers as well as the organizers of the Thames Bridges Ride.




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

Bromprix 2017

Today me and the legend attended the Bromprix 2017 at Cyclopark in Gravesend, Kent.This event was organised by a member of the London Brompton Club,  Steve Chopper.

It was a short trip on the train from my local station. I managed to find  Chun-Han Chan & hubby as we aimed to get the same train to Gravesend.

When the train did arrive we found a few other LBCer's heading to Bromprix 2017 and didn't even have to search the train, pretty much stepped onto the same carriage.

After a 20 minutes or so we arrived in Gravesend. I remembered being in Gravesend after a night ride a few years ago.

Jenny suggested heading to where the statue of Pocahontas. Never even knew this was here.

We heard that Chris B was in a nearby cafe called Promenade Cafe so we all headed over to get some food before heading to the Cyclopark.

I felt hungry as hell so we headed over there to have a quick snack before heading to the Cyclopark. I ordered up a awesome milkshake, Rhubarb crumble & Rum and raisin ice cream with ofcourse whipped cream.

Another thing I saw on the menu was pancakes, I thought I'd order up some thinking there where going to be something relatively small but BOY was I mistaken.

Even though I was warned by the staff at the cafe nothing could prepare me for what hit the table. I made a damned good attempt at them but DAMN it was all to much for me. Next time I should take heed of warnings.

It was then time to head off to the Cyclopark for the main event.

Steve Chooper, the event organizer had everything completely under control and gave us a brief outline of what was to happen. Also the first aides and track folks gave us a little talk about the Cyclopark itself and places to look out for.


Then it was time for a little practice lap around to see how the track felt and I have to say it is a very good track and just under 1 mile in length.

The weather was pretty much perfect for the day, nice sun with a little cloud so it wasn't to hot so we could easily wear our jackets for the race itself.

When we finally got to the racing I had a lighting brompton start, I couldn't believe it. with the Bromptons folded I had BBB unfolded and I was off down the track before anyone else. I was pretty much at the first corner which was some distance away before any one caught me and past me. I wasn't surprised at this as I'm pretty unfit and haven't done any proper rides or training for the last couple of yrs. After that I just took it easy and took in the views and chatted to a few who passed me.

After main race was over there was also a time trail which was fun to watch.

For attending the Bromprix 2017 everyone got a wonderful stitch badge of the occasion which I totally loved. This was actually designed by Steve Chooper himself and I think it looks awesome.

Just before we was heading back to Gravesend Station it started to rain quiet heavily at times but most of us waited til we thought it had finished and then made a mad dash to the station.

BIG HUGE thanks to Steve Chooper and all the folks at Cyclopark & Promenade Cafe in Gravesend

Cycling home I was greeted but a huge rainbow which I had to stop and take a picture off. This is the best one of the lot I took, can be pretty hard at times.

My cycle data of the Bromprix 2017

Water Bottle solution by Monkii

After the Rapha Nocturne 2017 event last weekend I was contacted by http://www.cyclemiles.co.uk/ who have been a fan of the legend for awhile.

They asked if I would do a review on their Monkii Clip and Monkii V Cage.

Monkii V Cages

From what I can tell it looks like the Monkii Clip has had a design update.

The clip itself is pretty simple design and even simpler to attach to the handle bar stem of your Brompton.

Monkii Clip

The clip has rubber pads to protect the paint work of the stem and allen key bolts to tighten so its very secure once installed. I would still put some tape protection on the stem anyway as you can never have too much protection on the paint work for the legend.

Now the actual cage itself that can hold different sizes of bottles cause of the velcro and rubber grip. When the bottle is in its pretty hard for it to fall out, so pretty damn secure.

Monkii Cage

Monkii Cage

I got to say I'm liking this Monkii system for holding the water bottle, its solid and I have yet to hear of the bottle popping out as I know a few of my cycling buddies also have this system.

monkii clip B – Brompton – For monkii cage, monkii mono, or monkii V wedge £17.95

monkii V cage bicycle bottle cage (Black, Bright Pink, White, Purple) £17.95

monkii cage bicycle bottle cage (Orange, Black, Pink, Pea Green, White) £17.95

Thanks to http://www.cyclemiles.co.uk/ for sending me the Monkii system for me to review, I also hear that they are very big fans of the legend. Well who isn't? :D


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

Rapha London Nocturne 2017

Well today was the first event that me and the legend have attended for a VERY long time.

The legend was all prepped and ready to rock and roll. Thanks to the guys at Brompton Junction London for giving him a complete overhaul, fine tuning and race fit.

Fully prepped & ready to rock

We haven't attended the Nocturne for a couple of years so I was a little nervous if i was honest but once I was on my way there I felt a lot better and knew I would be seeing all my cycling friends again which i haven't for a long time.

Was going to try and meet up with my cycling partner in crime My Orange Brompton & Mark "King of the Hills" but with everything closed off and blocked it was going to be impossible for me to get there so I went straight to the registration desk and signed up.

As always the legend gets lots of attention, a few folks said they remembered us from the last time we attended, well we are kinda hard to miss, just saying.

Under wraps

After makign sure Bumble B was all tucked away and safe I went a wondering around with Orange and Mark to check out the riders area.

Rapha Stand

The guys looking abit serious starting to get their game faces on.

Mark "King of the Hills" & Orange Brompton

Slowly but surely the riders area started to fill up with more riders and bikes. Many hand shakes and hellos to everyone. Started to check out each others bike to see what improvement have been made and any secret additions. Its all hush hush of what they have done.

More Folding bike racers

Joe Browns machine

 When I checked out Joe Browns machine I thought "Damn his got a dinner plate for a chain ring on !"

60 or 63 Front chain ring

Some serious machines for the other bikes racing today with their turbos and rollers.

Warm up area

As we was walking around me and Orange Brompton got interviewed by a camera crew, abit embarrassing but got to get used to the attention we get when in full Brompton race mode. Will try and look out for the footage and post it here if it made it though editing that is. Notied the camera man taking a few very close up shots of Bumble B, so glad he got cleaned up and I re aligned his strips. Cant have the legend looking back on TV now can we.

Ready to turn and burn

It was time to get ready for the race, all the riders gathered together to get to the start grid. Lots of good lucks and safety talks, picked a number out of a hat which put me pretty close to the back which was fine by me, I didn't want to get in the way of the hardcore racers as I was in for the fun of it.

Short video of the start of the race and you can see what a great start I got. I was pretty surprised at how fast I managed it :D

Thanks to James Houston for filming and sending me this :D

Just as I was crossing the start/finish line when I started one rider went straight into the crash barrier and it looked pretty bad, I hope that rider was ok. I think there may have been about 2 crashed in my race but I hope the riders and bikes are ok and where able to ride on.

I have to say while we was racing there was a hell of a lot of encouragement from the crowd cheering all the riders but seemed that me and the legend got a lot more cheers at times. Even more so on the final straights as the crowd where banging on the advising boards and I actually physical feel the sound.

As always I heard, well more like felt my cycling buddies though out the race on different parts of the course cheering me and the legend on, they really do stand out as I know exactly who it is even though I probably got my head down focusing on the race.

The course I feel was more technical than any I had raced before. I noticed that on the corners I would catch up to people pretty fast just cause I took the racing line and didn't slow down on entry so then my exit was much faster. Being central London though there was some major head winds in places which was another thing to battle.

The race was 10 laps and I did about 8 laps before the race finished and riders where asked to slow down and return to the riders area. Not bad for me so I'm ok with that.

Took a little time to recover and then me, Orange and Mark headed out to where some of our LBC friends where hanging out. Found James, Alasdair, Chun-Han, Roger, Sam, Alex and Chris. Lots of hugs and hand shakes and chatted for a good while. Chun-Han had said to be before the start of the race that she had something for me. I had no idea what but I knew it would be something I'd love.

Awesome wooden Bee

Awww I was really touched by this gift, the power of the Bumble B is strong with everyone that knows us it seems and that hasn't changed at all. :)

Orange Brompton and Bumble B

It was a good day and enjoyed meeting everyone again. Thanks for all the encouragement, cheers and comments on BBB and my outfit.

Big thanks to Rapha

I've always enjoyed the Nocturne and training begins for next year....

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

Guess who's back home?

Finally my boy is back home at the HiVE.

His been away far too long and I've truly missed the little guy.

The troublesome top tube hinge is still stiff even though its been changed twice. From what the surgeon (Mechanic Marco) says that the hinge may have slightly bent a little so the pin doesn't just drop though the hole like it should so making it a little stiff to fold. He will be getting a better explanation of whats happened from the high IQ folks at Brompton HQ in the next day or so.

Other than that BBB is pretty much completely overhauled and riding like new. Brompton Junction even gave him a really good clean too which was a nice little surprise. I haven't been looking after and cleaning him as much as I should do the last year or so.

Because BBB is so clean I can see there are a few areas of paint that have come off so Brompton Junction gave me a fresh batch of touch up paint to sort that out when we have the time. 

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

Complications...

I had a call yesterday afternoon from the head surgeon (mechanic) at  Brompton Junction London.

There was a slight complication with BBB's routine surgery (overhaul) as I was supposed to pick him up that day.

Nothing serious but the head surgeon (mechanic) wanted to keep him in a few more days. Everything went to plan other than the hinge replacement didn't take as well as it should and the surgical team wanted to do it again just to be safe. Which gives me a few more days to get some other bits and bobs ready for his return to the HiVE.

Pre Op

So in the mean time I'm riding red "Loaner" Trust me its not LEGENDARY!!

Red is a S6L and its the first time I've ridden a S Type. Finding that I'm pushed forward quiet alot and a lot more weight is on my hands and wrists so I'm glad I didn't get a S type back in the day. I will be glad to have BBB back thats for sure

The Loaner "RED"

Yes folks you heard it here first, the LEGEND will be out racing at the Rapha Nocturne London Folding Bike Race. The race starts around 17:30 on the 10th June so be there to cheer on the legend's return.

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

Return of the legend?

Its been a long time since I have typed into this blog but we are still here.

My cycling partner in crime My OrangeBrompton asked me for a ride yesterday and I was thinking it had been a long time since I've rode other than my commutes to work.

Met up with My OrangeBrompton at the London Eye, a good meeting point for all rides we have been on and headed in the direction of the Thames Barrier.

While was was riding we talked about everything we been up to.

I also noticed that Orange's P Type was sporting the new brake/gear levers. I haven't been keeping up to date with the latest developments at Brompton over the last year so these where a new thing to me. I may have a closer look at some point but from my initial short view of them they may not be the most have thing to upgrade BBB with yet. Current gear and brake levers work fine at the moment but will try and actually ride with a Brompton with them on so I can see & feel for sure. That's if they actually can fit on a normal M type as I think I read somewhere they won't for some reason. I may have been wrong. I'll look into it at deeper at some point.

I didn't have any cameras with me other than my trusty iPhone and didn't even really think of taking photos if I'm honest. This time Orange was sporting alot of photography equipment and was happily snapping away, just like old times.

Dusting of the cobwebs

We made our way up to the Thames Barrier which is an old haunt of ours that we like to head to along the Thames River Path. The staff have asked where I've been when Orange has gone on his own at times, we are kinda hard to miss I guess.

I don't know what it is about the scones and clotted cream there but it completely different to what I've had elsewhere and I totally love it.

It was a nice short ride for me to get back into the way of things. We cycled to a undersground station near by and jumped on a train heading back to the center. I noticed we was going past the Decathlon Store in Canary Water and remembered I needed to get some new overshoes as the ALDI ones I've had for a good few yrs have basically fallen apart and some cycling glasses.

B'TWIN 300 CYCLING OVERSHOES - BLACK/WHITE

I figured I'd give these ago but man they are so tight trying to get on over my MTB shoes though and these are the biggest size they come in.


On a side note I would like to thank everyone that has contacted us, asked after me and the legend. We are fine and will be blogging and riding more soon.


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