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.....

Brompton World Championships 2024, the return...

After a 5 year absence & a global pandemic the Brompton World Championships are back and better than ever.

The location this year was at Coal Drops Arms around the back of Kings Cross Station, London. This year the Brompton World Championships was a part The London Cycling Festival (VIA Criterium) a whole weekend of races as well as stalls for cycling, coffee and beers. 

The day before there was LBC: BWC Friday Social Ride to Spitalfields Market

Finally we have arrived

I had got a message from my partner in crime Mr.Orange and we arranged to meet up at our old meeting point and head to the venue in style. People in central London hadn't seen this kind of thing for a long time, full on legendary bromptons in all their glory.

The festival wasn't officially open just yet or registration so I was about to look around and check the track. Had been warned by a few other riders 1 or 2 corner had to be careful of as there had been racing the day before and there was a huge crash. Also there was abit of a incline and decent in the course which I had to have a really close look at. 

Me and Mr.Orange decided to head further afield in search of some fuel (food) and a good old catch up as we hadn't ridden together for quiet a few years :(

Breakfast fit for a Legend

We returned and got registered and my start time was in the afternoon. There was going to be a number of heats, I counted about 15 maybe all together and rough estimate of 500 riders. Yeah you read that right.

So as the morning went on more and more Brompton racers came up to register and ofcourse me and Mr.Orange drew a lot of attention and where happy to pose for photos with our fellow Brompton legends & fans.

Then is was on with the races. So much creative talent on show as people donned on their unique style and taste when it comes to being a 100% Brompton cyclist

So many different characters, styles and takes on what a Brompton ride should be wearing while enjoying the most versatile & best folding bike on the planet.

In time it was time for The Legend to take to the track.

2 very good friends from 'Up North'

Huge thanks for Samantha for taking a few shots with my camera. Very much apricated it.😘

 

Go go go...

Mr.Orange getting the inside line

and then my race was over. For me is nothing to do with what my lap times are or what position I got but the taking part and seeing everyone enjoying themselves. My aging camera started to have issues so didn't get much else after this. 

I am very disappointed though that there where NO medals for those that took part. That was always one of my favourite things about taking part in the BWC. 

Well thats it for this years BWC2024 is done and dusted. I'm planning on taking part in more rides in future as well as more blog postings.

Big thanks to Brompton Bicycles Ltd, London Brompton Club admin & members & ofcourse the followers and fans of  "The Legend" for making it a really special day for everyone.

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