The Beeast

The Beeast PC

Had my new PC for a couple of months now but now that i have abit of free time due to my treatment I’ll be using it abit more. I didn't built it this time as I don't really have the patient or know how to get it done in a short space of time. I could do it but i research for months before hand and I just wanted to get something and get gaming soon as possible. I decided to get it built by CyberPowerPC UK who where very helpful and made changes when I asked & I finally went with this spec as its the latest available.

Review: Dual function pedals from Impalapro

 

 So I have always ridden with SPD pedals for many years and I honestly cant ride without them, the confidence they give me knowing my foot position is not going to change and general comfort level is amazing. So with the “N+1” I decided to get some SPD pedals but also needed to get something that my other half can use without having to change pedals or have SPD shoes.

Back to old hobbies. IR Photography

I have been looking back at some of my old hobbies I used to it on a regular basis. I even looked though some of my old HD full of my photography.

These days though taking a smart phone has enough camera power to get pretty good photos these days.

There is something special about this particular camera though is that I had it “converted” to take photos in different part of the electromagnetic spectrum that the normal human eyes can’t see.

Review: MTB Cycling SPD Shoes from FOTGROY

So my old MTB cycling shoes have been wearing out for the past year or so but never saw anything I liked. While searching on Amazon it came across these. I wasn’t so sure about the sizing as I’ve heard sizing with cycling shoes can be an issue but just got the biggest men’s size and took a leap of faith.

Review: Brompton Puncture Pouch & Multi-tool - 16inch wheel version

While surfing looking for new things to get for The Brompton BumbleBee SE.

As any half decent cycle rider would always have a puncture repair kit with them at all times I thought I’d give new to me Brompton Puncture Pouch & Multi tool repair kit a try.

Review: EBUYFIRE ultra Bright Smart Bike Tail Light

• The Legend & N+1 needed some backup rear lights and I opted for this little find on Amazon.
  
  
  

Review: Ergon GA3 Grips Mellow Yellow

Thanks to Brilliant Bikes we have our first upgrade to the Brompton BumbleBee Special Edition affectionately known as “N+1”

ERGON GA3 Handlebar Grips - Large - Yellow mellow

The ergonomic shape fits the contours of the hand and significantly reduced arm pump on long trails whilst the wing provides support to ensure the correct hand position preventing aches and pains.

• Carbon friendly CNC Aluminium clamps

• Replaceable bar end plugs

• Weigh approx 135g per pair

Super soft rubber compound for outstanding grip 

Increased contact face for optimised hand position to reduce aches

Uses: Trail riding, cross country, MTB-touring

Lock on clamp made from forged aluminium / CNC machined

Cycle 100 Miles this August for Prostate Cancer UK

Cycle The Month this August 2025

Review: Brompton BumbleBee C Line Special Edition

Over the years the I have had a very close relationship with Brompton Bicycles. 

When I first saw the adverts for the then new BumbleBee Brompton initially I was surprised and honoured. I commented on it with “ I feel a disturbance in the force!” Which resulted in many likes & comments.

I can almost imagine the meeting at Brompton HQ:

“We had The Legend here a many years ago. We took DNA samples and has been on ice ever since. Cloning technology has come along way since that time.”

“Is it safe? Is it Ethical ?”

“Let’s do it!”

Yeah I know my sense of humour can be odd at times..

In late February 2023 I got a message though instagram from none other the Creative Director at Brompton Bicycle. At first I was very sceptical that it was a real message but I confirmed the message was genuine. I think at first I was thinking they where offering me to be put on the waiting list to buy the special edition but to my surprise it was confirmed that Brompton where just going to send me one.

After confirming the specs of the Brompton BumbleBee C Line we (The Legend & I) had a new addiction to the family. N+1 (temp name maybe) will probably be a perfect day ride bike (No rain).

• Mid bar
• BWR 6 speed
• Mudguards  

Nothing to fancy but I wish I went for the Electric version. It did take awhile to get to me cause as fast as Brompton could make them, people were buying them.

First Impressions:

It feels a lot lighter than The Legend. Probably different techniques in making it over the years so making it stronger and lighter in the process. Cause its lighter it feels abit more nimble.

Men’s Health…

So in early May 2025 I was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer. It’s in its early stages and treatment has already begun.  The doctors say cause I’m young (54 is young for this) and it’s been caught early I have very good chance to beat this thing. The thing of it is that ive had no symptoms at all and this is why it’s also called a silent killer.

My dad died of Prostate Cancer a couple of years ago and I’ve been getting regular checks ever since.

So anybody (guys) please get checked if your mid 40s onwards. Even more so if your family has a history  of cancer. 

1 in 8 men get it. (1 in 4 black men, For some reason is much higher in black men.)

I’ve come to realisation that men don’t talk about this kind of stuff cause well if your not in pain, bleeding or something not dropped off then you carry on. I’m mostly posting this for everyone to get their minds in gear to look after themselves and have health checks more. Go to doctors and ask for atleast a yearly check and blood work especially if your family has history of illnesses like this.

Prostate Cancer UK

Cancer Research UK

Macmillan Cancer Support

Brompton World Championships 2025

My Boys

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

Brompton World Championship 2025

Once again it’s come to that time of year when Brompton organise a few people to dress up funny and ride these tiny wheeled bikes. No matter what i always get excited in the run up to the Brompton World Championships as I get to meet and greet old friends would i have know for over a decade who I consider family as well as making new friends from all over this little blue ball floating in space.

When i finally made it to the event I was surprised by the amount of new faces around. All smiles at seeing the Legend entering to Brompton Area. Met up with a couple of old skool LBC members as well as a few new ones. Pity my partner in crime Mr. Orange couldn’t make it this year, i think he would have enjoyed it especially if it was racing with his new G Line

A lot of Bumble B Clones around :D

It was damn hot, the hottest its been this year 30C

Some good racing this year

I feel a disturbance in the force with this one…..

Finally the legends meet. Great meeting the man himself CEO of Brompton Will Butler-Adams 

As always it was great being at the World Championships as at one point I wasn’t sure I was going to go at all. I keep saying this to myself that I will be making more posts but then life kinda throws a few curve balls at you and you have to prioritise things.

till the next ride, bee safe….

Brompton Social Ride 2025

As always I look forward to the BWC every year as sometimes its the only chance I get to meet and greet many of my Brompton family new and old from all over the world. I wasn't so sure I would be able to make it due to my current health issues but it gave me a goal to aim for if I was feeling up to it.

Me and the boys where running a little late due to it being the hottest day of the year (tomorrow Race day supposed to be even hotter 31C) Having got the Legend fully serviced for over a week. My mechanic was pretty busy as when the sun comes out, everyone digs out there bikes out of the sheds and noticed a few things need fixing. But I wasn’t worried as I knew my boy was in good hands.

Jumping on the Victoria line was fun as I could see already there were problems due to the insane temperatures already causing delays etc. Pulled up at the meeting point alittle late but msgd the infamous Chris who with Brompton organised this social ride. Luckily there we’re to far down at Buckingham Palace. I noticed there were a few more late arrivals so guided them to the place thought Hyde Park Corner and straight down the Mall. I’m an old hand with traffic normally in a double decker Boris Bus and had almost forgotten I was guiding people. I was “threading” thought traffic pretty wildly cause i just wanted to see my kin. :)

Finally with my kin folk :D so many new faces and i have to admit the only face I recognised was Chris 

Nice little ride and as always a huge thank you to everyone for going and especially to Brompton Staff, ride leader Chris and the markers of the ride. Hopefully everyone had a good nights sleep and ready for tomorrows awesomely great racing near Kings Cross, London.

Me and the legend are looking forward to meeting you all, especially as its my boy’s birthday. 16yrs old and still going strong :D

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