We are ready....

As promised I spend some TLC with Bumble B

Before & After

Before & After

Packed in my Carradice Zipped Roll Bag

I went out to get some waterproof gloves today at my local bike shop in Hackney, I finally settled on "SealSkin All Weather Cycling Gloves" with HiVis yellow backs (Will do a review after tonight's ride) I did want to get them in just black but they didn't have it in my size in store so I had to make to with the HiVis Yellow.

SealSkin All Weather Cycling Gloves

No seals where harmed in making of these gloves

Well we're both ready to go for tonight's LBC night ride. I may try to have a nap but I got a feeling I won;t be able to as I'm starting to get excited.

Preparation for LBC: The Monopoly Challenge

In a little over 24hrs I shall be taking part in another epic London Brompton Club ride. This is going to be another night time ride and I have to say I really do enjoy riding at night.

Every time I go on a big ride I learn something new. The thing I've learned recently is what to pack & what not to pack. In the past I have used my Brompton O Bag which is pretty big so it ends up getting stuffed with things that in the end don't get used. With a big front bag it creates alot of drag which I found out on the LBC Ride: London to Cambridge awhile back. I won't ever be making this mistake again.

This ride I'm going to use my Carradice Zipped Roll Saddle bag. As others have shown me that this saddle bag can hold alot, more than I even thought.

Taking the lead from my cycling buddy Mr. OrangeBrompton, here is my current list.

1. Spare inner tube.
2. Puncture repair kit & spanner. (thinking Brompton Toolkit in the future but shhhhh don't tell Mr. O)
3. Air Chuck & C02 cartridge.
4. Powergen USB power charger with leads for iPhone.
5. My ageing Lumix TZ5 camera. (need to update soon)
6. Thermos / water bottle.
7. Energy bars.
8. Replacement lens for sunglasses (yellow for night / dark for day)
9. Antiseptic wipes.
10. Altura Night Vision Over-trousers.
11. Oyster & some cash

But before all that I have to give Bumble B a good servicing before the ride as his in abit of a state at the moment with all the wind & rain we've been having over the last week or so.

What a Dirty Boy

Some TLC will be done in the morning, even try to tighten up my rear wheel hubs as I think they have worked loose a little as there is a little "play" when I wiggle the rear wheel. I'm not too worried about it as Bumble B will be completely overhauled in the next couple of weeks.

Loaded up my Garmin Edge 800 with the ride course done by David P and I have to say it looks very twisty but I know my Garmin will keep us on track as always.

The only thing is I hope the weather is a little kinder to us die-hard riders as for Saturday & Sunday its predicting "Snow Showers". But then again it could add to the excitement and fun of the ride itself as I haven't ridden much in snow. I know I'm prepared clothing wise that's for sure with my recent raid to LIDI when they had a cycling clothing sale recently where I managed to get some more baselayers bottoms & tops.

The Legend at LBC: The Thames Triple Chaser

To say I had been looking forward to this ride is an understatement. Yesterday didn't start out as great as I had hoped weather wise but I had prepared for the worst and nothing was going to stop me & my fellow Bromptonians from doing this ride.

Armed with full waterproofs I headed off into the direction of Charing Cross Station. Due to some underground works I got there a little later than I planned. On entering Charing Cross Station it was easy to find my fellow hardcore club members all suited and booted for what London's weather was going to throw at us for the day.

We waited for abit but finally we set off.

On this first bit we was on the roads in central London and heading down towards the Thames, our first stop was near Tower Bridge.

Tower Bridge

Sun Dial near Tower Bridge?

At this point we could feel a strong wind coming off from the river and we had to make sure we kept our Bromptons close to hand as couple actually blew over in the strong winds whipping up off the Thames

Wet but hardcore Bromptonians solidering on

Shelter in Victorian band stand

Our first stop was at this London farm & stables (Mudchute Park) which had a place to get some hot fluids and something sweet to eat.

Some of the residence

Very welcome sight

Static Penaton

Continuing along to Docklands we finally made it to the first foot tunnel. I didn't get to do the foot tunnel last time so this was something new to The Legend. This is the Greenwich Foot tunnel that comes out right next to the Cutty Sark had has been refurbished completely.

New Lift

A wet but hardcore Legend

Lift so big you could get a small car in

"No Cycling" in this foot tunnel

We then headed off towards Greenwich Park itself where alot of construction was going on the main road heading up to the top of the hill. At the top even though it was raining and overcast the view of London was breath taking as always.

The Thames Triple Line up

Thames Barrier Cafe

Another foot tunnel (The Woolwich Foot Tunnel), this one is still under refurbishment and its pretty much run down. Seeing it was so run down we decided like the rebels we are to ride though the tunnel.

Naughty Bromptonian

Woolwich Footway Tunnel

Thames Barrier

After the Thames Barrier we headed towards Emirates Air Line cable car.

6 Bromptonians & their B's in cable car

 

Big Ship

Another VERY short tunnel

Discovered a new cycle path at Naval College

The former Naval College

At the end of the ride a WELL deserved chocolate chip cookie & hot chocolate at the local river side Brewery.

Onsite Brewery with dates on when it will be ready

Another Hot Chocolate & a HUGE Chocolate Cookie

This was the end of the ride and it was a good ride even with the constant rain which had died off after the Emirates Air Line ride.

Me & OrangeBrompton decided to head back to London via the Thames Clipper which is always a great photo opportunity for us.

Anyone abusing their B's end up here

HMS Belfast & companion

The Shard

We disembarked the Thames Clipper at Embankment and me and Mr.OrangeBrompton said our goodbyes and ofcourse looking forward to the next  London Brompton Club ride.

I have to say as with Mr.OrangeBrompton that this is becoming one of my fav rides to do in Central London. Being by the Thames and with is every changing river side developments on going there will always be something different each time. Plus with less time on the busy London roads we where able to take in the sights of London itself and find its hidden areas.

Even with the constant rain & wind it was a good ride. Being dressed properly on a ride makes a HUGE difference in enjoying it as well as the great company. When the weather changes for the better the rides will be even more enjoyable if thats indeed possible.

Thanks again to everyone that attended (Mark L for great planned & lead ride) and hopefully those that didn't I hope you get to come on a LBC Ride as soon as your able.