Showing posts with label Charity. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Charity. Show all posts
Thursday, 31 July 2025
Monday, 2 October 2017
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.
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.
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.
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.....
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 |
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 |
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.....
Monday, 17 August 2015
Surprises at the London Bikeathon 2015
We did this charity ride last year and was looking forward to doing it again.
There are only 2 routes this year a 26 mile & 52 mile route. We choose to do the 52 mile route as the legend and I are pretty comfortable doing 52 miles these days.
26 mile route kept you in and around central London’s landmarks and would make good photography backdrops as well as exploring this great city.
52 Mile route took in most of the same landmarks as the 26 mile one but then went further towards Richmond Park to the west before returning back to the start at Brunswick Square Gardens.
With the legend all cleaned and oiled up ready to go we left for the starting point. As always a few of my cycling buddies where there on this ride and arranged to go with the ones that where doing 52 mile route.
Arrived 10mins late for the official start time but my friends waited up for me. This wasn’t a race or anything it was just going to be an enjoyable ride with my crazy cycling friends as always.
Winding our way though London never gets old for me as there is always a change somewhere along the way or another path to take.
Big or small wheeled bikes we was cycling for a great cause and enjoying what our city has to offer in great weather.
Came across a few places we have been on with other London Brompton Club rides of the past.
This is when Samantha decided to give me a present she has been working on for me. I’ve been admiring her cycling caps and bags etc for her Brompton for quiet sometime and I had asked when she had some time if she could make me a “bespoke” cycling cap with black and yellow stripes.
The forever smiling Jenny and fellow yellow Brompton.
Doing the 52 mile route we turned westward towards Richmond Park & the 26 mile route circled back towards Brunswick Square Gardens.
I had recently replaced my rear mudguard with a new black one and turned out the small wheel that goes on top of the mudguard had come loose and fallen off. Part of this goes on inside of the mudguard and this was what made all the noise as it came off between the tire and guard.
Luckily this wasn’t a fatal failure and BBB could still be ridden as the mudguard just rested on the stays. I had to more care when putting BBB in “parking” mode as the mudguard will now rest directly on the ground and no on the small wheel.
While stopped at Cafe Roehampton Gate, in Richmond Park which was our just over half way point we had something to eat and toilet break.
One of Samantha’s friends wanted to try out a Brompton and I think he liked it ALOT, even pulled off a “wheelie”
After leaving Cafe Roehampton Gate we went though Richmond Park to the other side. There was a big hill just after this so I knew I would probably be walking it, which I did but I noticed I seem to get up it a little more than I have in previous attempts.
Once we was coming into London again I felt a little better but knew I had to have some serious food when we finished and was already thinking of where and what to eat.
Getting to Brunswick Square Gardens I could see the volunteers smiling, slapping and directing us to the start/finish line. I looked down at my Garmin and saw that the ride was actually 49 miles and not the official 52.
About 10mins after eating this great meal my headache was all but gone.
It was a great ride with my cycling buddies and cant thank them enough esp Samantha for my new cap and bow tie. I can see other people wanting her services to make bespoke stuff for them.
Just before I left I asked after the cycling jerseys as I have said that for all the rides I go on that I will try and get a cycling jersey if they where available. Luckily they did have some to buy and got myself one at cheaper price as the charity is changing its name next month.
From Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research, which is abit of a mouthful tbh to BloodWise. With this they will be completely rebranding the charity with new design website, logos and other merchandise. So these cycling jerseys could become collectors items in the future :D
Another great ride, with wonderful people, weather and location. If you find any charity rides in your city please support it as best you can by riding and/or getting donations. Even more so if you have been effected in some way.
Here is our ride data as always
till the next ride, bee safe.....
There are only 2 routes this year a 26 mile & 52 mile route. We choose to do the 52 mile route as the legend and I are pretty comfortable doing 52 miles these days.
26 mile route kept you in and around central London’s landmarks and would make good photography backdrops as well as exploring this great city.
 |
| 26 Mile Route |
52 Mile route took in most of the same landmarks as the 26 mile one but then went further towards Richmond Park to the west before returning back to the start at Brunswick Square Gardens.
 |
| 52 Mile Route |
With the legend all cleaned and oiled up ready to go we left for the starting point. As always a few of my cycling buddies where there on this ride and arranged to go with the ones that where doing 52 mile route.
Arrived 10mins late for the official start time but my friends waited up for me. This wasn’t a race or anything it was just going to be an enjoyable ride with my crazy cycling friends as always.
Winding our way though London never gets old for me as there is always a change somewhere along the way or another path to take.
Big or small wheeled bikes we was cycling for a great cause and enjoying what our city has to offer in great weather.
Came across a few places we have been on with other London Brompton Club rides of the past.
After just 11 miles or so we came across out first pitstop at King Edward Memorial Park. As always on these rides there are many volunteers and even the odd bike maintenance guy giving help, advise and fixing simple mechanical problems you may have. Some cyclist’s this may be their first time on a ride like this and may have only ever just commuted to and from work. All those little niggling problems you may have had someone could have a quick look. It could be something really simple that just needed adjusting if they could they will fix it right there or at least advise you where to take it to get seen to properly.
This is when Samantha decided to give me a present she has been working on for me. I’ve been admiring her cycling caps and bags etc for her Brompton for quiet sometime and I had asked when she had some time if she could make me a “bespoke” cycling cap with black and yellow stripes.
I didn’t think she would be able to find the material but she did and made this awesome cycling cap with matching bow tie too.
I can tell you how honoured I was to receive such a gift from Samantha and I completely LOVE it! I almost wished I didn't have a helmet on so I could show it off more.
 |
| Bespoke Bee cap |
It was good to see so many riding with the cycle official jersey on and I made a metal note to try and buy myself one at the end of the ride if they where available.
The forever smiling Jenny and fellow yellow Brompton.
 |
| Jenny making it look easy |
Doing the 52 mile route we turned westward towards Richmond Park & the 26 mile route circled back towards Brunswick Square Gardens.
This is the place to do some serious training and always many cyclist in and around the park. There is also quiet alot of deer running freely around so you have to keep an eye out. Even with all the traffic moving around the deer's are so used to it they just keep doing whatever deer's do.
Not long after entering Richmond Park, I was hearing some very odd noises. I thought it was someone else's bike or a car with a problem then O hear an almighty bang and the rear of BBB shaking for about 3 seconds and then nothing. I thought my rear wheel had an explosive puncture or worse the hub gear and self destructed.
I had recently replaced my rear mudguard with a new black one and turned out the small wheel that goes on top of the mudguard had come loose and fallen off. Part of this goes on inside of the mudguard and this was what made all the noise as it came off between the tire and guard.
Managed to retrieve the small wheel and the bend holding plate but the nuts and bolts where gone.
One of Samantha’s friends wanted to try out a Brompton and I think he liked it ALOT, even pulled off a “wheelie”
It was now just a hard final push to finish this ride off as I was starting to feel a headache coming on as I hadn't eaten enough proper food & didn’t want to stop. Note to self to bring some savoury sandwiches and not just jam & cereal type bars.
Once we was coming into London again I felt a little better but knew I had to have some serious food when we finished and was already thinking of where and what to eat.
Getting to Brunswick Square Gardens I could see the volunteers smiling, slapping and directing us to the start/finish line. I looked down at my Garmin and saw that the ride was actually 49 miles and not the official 52.
Crossed the line and received my medal although the same as last years one still love it just the same.
 |
| Another medal for the Legend |
Took on some more water and a few snacks but needed some proper food and quickly as my headache was started to get a little worse.
We found a little place not to far from the park called the “The King of Falafel” which did a great little dish of the day. I had the chicken & trust me it tasted great and was EXACTLY what I needed.
It was a great ride with my cycling buddies and cant thank them enough esp Samantha for my new cap and bow tie. I can see other people wanting her services to make bespoke stuff for them.
Just before I left I asked after the cycling jerseys as I have said that for all the rides I go on that I will try and get a cycling jersey if they where available. Luckily they did have some to buy and got myself one at cheaper price as the charity is changing its name next month.
From Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research, which is abit of a mouthful tbh to BloodWise. With this they will be completely rebranding the charity with new design website, logos and other merchandise. So these cycling jerseys could become collectors items in the future :D
Another great ride, with wonderful people, weather and location. If you find any charity rides in your city please support it as best you can by riding and/or getting donations. Even more so if you have been effected in some way.
Here is our ride data as always
Sunday, 17 May 2015
Thames Bridges Bike Ride 2015 #TBBR
Once again it was time for the Thames Bridges Bike Ride & this will be my 3rd time of riding for the Stroke Association. This would also be my first biggish ride with the latest upgrades.
Having made it a little late for my official start time of 08:00 as I had forgotten that the Hackney Half Marathon was on which delayed me a little in getting to my local overground train station on route to Southwark.
Once there though I saw a few faces I recognized, esp a very smiley pink fairy. The one and only Chris Bridge was on good form in her pink fairy outfit.
With out wasting anymore time we was off on our way, our first bridge was Tower Bridge
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| Tower Bridge |
This guy caught my eye as when I was younger I had the same kind of BMX made by Raleigh, the Super Tuff Burner. The one I had though was the deluxe version which was gold frame, handle bars, with black skyway wheels. Even back then I had customized it abit by adding green tyres & brake cables. God I miss that bike. I may have to see if I can spot one on eBay one of these days and relive my youth again ;)
 |
| Super Tuff Burner |
The bridges where starting to blur together and we’ve only just started.
Heading down though Battersea Park towards the first pitstop
Still smiling away, it was great weather for a great ride with friends
While we was at the first pitstop Chris made a friend with this pug dog. The pug was having so much fun that I swear it was purring like a little kitten, I kid you not. Was great to see, I could almost see Chris putting the little pug into her front bag and riding the rest of the Bridges with her new friend.
Off we went again as we still had quiet a few bridges to cross.
 |
| Chris B always ready to pose |
Made it to pitstop 2 in good time at Ham Common
The final push this time didn't feel as bad as last year, maybe my fitness level is a little higher, anyways we pushed on though Hampton Court to the actually finish which was a slightly different place than last year as I noticed there was boards up and construction.
Under the finishing line and receiving our medals and cheers from everyone and we had done it, the Classic Thames Bridges 2015 was complete, time for a good little rest and FOOD.
I had remembered about the burger I had last year which was awesome but this year another rider mentioned something different and had to have a taste for myself. I have to say I was pretty impressed with it and wolfed it down.
Everyone having a good rest and chat before heading off homeward
You can still donate on Brompton BumbleB's Donation page
Video I took of the day Thames Bridges Bike Ride 2015 (Timelapse)
till the next ride, bee safe.....
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