Brompton World Champtionship 2015 - You are in or out.

Simon Smith is the most important person for me at yesterday's Brompton World Championship 2015 (BWC).  I have been monitoring his movement all day from the time he boarded his train on the way to London from Hertfordshire.  He told me that his ETA (estimated arrival time ) at a station in London is 12.45pm.  I am anxious to met him for he has the "guest pass" that he no longer need but which I desperately require to gain access to the hospitality area along The Mall where the Brompton Bike race will take place.

Zoomzoom admiring The Mall

I have never met Simon before. But thanks to his London Bromptons Club (LBC) Facebook posting, we finally met at 3.33pm as he handed me the all important guest pass over the fence at the entrance to Brompton enclave. I was relieved.

The Belgian contingent

Without fear of hindrance and with high sense of being privileged, I walked confidently into Brompton hospitality area with Zoomzoom.  In plain English this is the area where the riders and their guest congregate before the start of the race, the exact area I want to get access to.  This is where I will be able to rub shoulders with the riders and say hi and hello to the lovely people from overseas I met during last year's BWC at Goodwood. 

Mac Beltran and friend from Italy

As soon as I stepped into the arena, I was in party mode.  I made sure I was dressed up for the occasion and as if I was going to participate in the race. As you know Lycra is a no no in Brompton Race.  So I wore a pair of expensive looking soft light gray leather shoes and Desigual shirt I bought in Barcelona, a dark blue summer suit and red shorts from H&M and a bow tie in navy blue with a touch of red and yellow.  I thought I looked smart casual.

From Japan

It was a very happy and festive atmosphere and everyone exchanged pleasantries.  My head turned into a rotating robotic head as I did not know where to look first.  Everyone was beautifully attired.
Everyone was looking young and beautiful.  Men were mostly in suit and tie and in fashionably cut shorts.  Oh no, it was not like those boring and almost uniform liked suits you see during FAMAS award nights.  The attires on displayed  were very individual in all exciting and personalized shapes and colours. The lady riders were equally impressive in their choice of gear.  My favorite was the lady wearing a full wedding gown accompanied by her groom. They are from Italy.

Representing Brompton Mafia from USA

The scenes were a feast for my eyes.  Everyone was so friendly and obliging when I asked permission to take their photos. I had a wonderful time chatting and taking photos of riders from Japan, Belgium, Barcelona, Norway, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Switzerland, France and Bristol and from other exotic parts for the world.

Valery Lopez and friend from Barcelona

I was also very happy to see David Parkinson from LBC finally getting a place in the race.  I almost lost my voice shouting and cheering for him and the rest of the LBC gang.  Jenny Chung was super.  She was flying over the race course effortlessly like a little swan. I was going to describe her as legendary but that word has been patented to Bubble Bee and of course Bubble Bee is the darling of everybody.  I was also so happy to see again a couple from Canada, Jon Rivero and partner.  I met them briefly last year and we promised to see each other this year.  It was a pity we had very little time to chat as the race was soon underway.

From France

In no time, the riders were in position and at the strike of 5pm, the first wave of riders were off like bullets, except for one rider who had difficulty unfolding her bike. She however, earned the loudest applause as she finally got it going.  I would have died from embarrassment but she took it in stride and pedal along cheerfully.

A beautiful smile. 

The race was terrific. It was electrifying.  The front runners were so fast.  You blink and they disappear.  The race was soon over after the first rider crossed the finished line in just under 30 minutes.  Phew.... I was more exhausted than the riders for shouting and yelling and cheering.  I should have brought an amplifier.

Representing Malaysia

Slowly the riders descended unto the hospitality area once again exhausted but happy, exchanging their 30 minute race experience and carrying around necks their much earned medals. It was a nice medal.  I liked it.

A happy and lucky couple.  Both got a place in the race.

I had a nice time and I enjoyed cheering with few LBC members.  I stayed awhile then said my quick goodbye. 

As I hesitantly headed towards the exit, a little sadness crept into my senses.  For it confirmed in my mind that BWC 2015 is the beginning of an end of an era.

Jon Rivero and friend from Canada.  Nice to see you both. 

An era when BWC is more of a fun day out. A time when the whole Brompton family is one and united, when there were no barriers, no fences, when you can still say with certainty "see you next year".  It was an event when you see couples in matching costume, a bunch of riders in similar attire, a senior gent and ladies just happy to enjoy the ride instead of being there to race.  An era where the  the spectator is not segregated from the participant.

Flowers in a basket.  It won't be BWC without it.

Earlier before I stepped in the hospitality section, when I was waiting for Simon to hand me over the guest pass over the fence, I got into conversation with a young gentleman from France.  He told me that he is outside of the fence because he does not have a guest pass to join his girlfriend who got a place in the race. When I introduced myself, he gave me a big friendly smile and he said he had read my blog.  Zoomzoom's cruising and riding adventures.

From Scotland

I felt sorry for him, being outside, left alone and segregated. He was resigned to the fact that he will be watching the event from outside the fence on his own, away from his girlfriend. I decided to give him the guest pass that Simon gave me.  He was so happy and he could not believe his luck.

Representing Bristol

That guest pass was actually for a friend of mine who was in the same predicament as I was.  He too did not get a place in the race.  During the day we did the Freecycle together and the plan was after the Freecycle, we would separate.  I will join my LBC friends in the Brompton hospitality area and he will just wait for me somewhere until the race is over. But when I heard that Simon has a spare pass I grabbed the opportunity to have it for my friend.  My friend decided not to use the pass in the last minute because he said there is really nothing for him there.  He was not racing, I was not racing and he hardly know anyone there. He felt he would just be a hanger on. 

Switzerland ?  sorry I can't remember.

He was also disappointed and bitter about how Brompton carried on with this year's BWC.  This business of lottery where everyone is supposed to be have the same equal chance of getting a place seems to be more of a theory than a practice. He felt that your chance of getting a place increases dramatically depending on your age, your country of residence, and if you are well known to Brompton manufacturer. I share his sentiment. It was very noticeable that there were very few oldies among the riders as compared to last year's.

The young Frenchman I met outside without a guest pass.

I also saw a little disappointment in other people eyes.  I saw quite a number of couple where only one partner was wearing an attire.  Last year they were in matching attire.  I missed the other fun people and those "little eccentric" people from last year.  Moreover, I missed the Brompton family atmosphere.  

Well done David . So happy for you.  I will nick that nice medal.

This year's 10th BWC without doubt was held in the best venue imaginable.  The Mall, The Buckingham Palace, The Green Park are excellent location.  It is in the center of London if not the center of the Universe.  To be racing along the streets around these icons is an experience in itself.  I am almost certain Brompton will hold BWC championship again next year at this same location.  And why won't they?

Jenny Chung, Samantha Skye and friend. LBC people

However I find this year's BWC more of a polished public performance by Brompton Manufacturer via selected 500 privileged few, directed towards mass audience. It was not an event for the Brompton family of owners as the previous years.

This years BWC ,will be hailed as the best ever BWC.  It is true and I agree.  It is the best ever BWC to a beginning of an end of an era.

Guest pass.  You are in or out.

If this year is a template for next year's BWC, I for one, will not be looking forward to it. For even in the remote possibility that I get inside the fence, I will be thinking of those people close to my heart who will be outside the fence. To me, happiness is still happiest when shared. It is not easy to share when you are segregated.

All the best for everyone next year.  Will you be in or out the fence next year?

Bag of goodies giveaway as you exit the hospitality area

   


      

Just Brompton it. An 80 kilometer ride to Whitstable

Should I go or should I stay ?

I could not answer this question hence, I only signed up at the every last moment. In fact the ride has already started at 7 am, 23 May 2015 from Trafalgar Square for a 130 kilometer ride to Whitstable via Oftord, when I sent a text to Mark Woolard, our ride host, to tell my intention of joining.

Zoom zoom enjoying the seaside at Whitstable

This ride is brilliantly designed.  There are 3 meeting point options to choose from, actually 4.  The first and the earliest is at Trafalgar Square, the second is at 9.22 am at Victoria Station, the third is at Otford Station at 10 am and the fourth is at Whitstable at 5 pm, if one only wanted to join for the fish and chips.

I very much wanted to start from Trafalgar Square but the thought of a 50 km ride to Otford, then another 80 km to Whitstable made me wake up to my senses.  The longest distance Zoom zoom and I have done was a 100 km ride with a stand-by support car parked at home.  At 130 km ride that stand-by support car would need to be an ambulance.

Our first brief stop to get my breath back.  Brian wiping sweat on his forehead.

So I proceeded to Victoria Station instead to catch the 9.22 train to Otford.  I was so pleased to see that Brian Bowditch  was already there.  Soon, James Houston arrived in black shorts with matching soft textured collarless shirt looking so summery and relaxed, clutching a paper cup of coffee.

I thought, how dare he, looking so cool as if he is only going for a 5 km ride around the block. In contrast  I was wearing my best waterproof shoes, a shorts over a nano flex bib tights, a Cyclo-cross designed jersey over a base layer, a £2.50 sun glasses I got from Sleebus Jones on prior ride, and a helmet over a hat with large sun visor.  I was fully covered and protected.  I looked ridiculously over the top.

Allington Lock (Photo pirated from James Houston Collections)

Our train arrived on time at Otford Station and as we were leaving the platform, I received a text from Mark saying they will be arriving in 10  minutes, so be ready.  At 10.10 am,  Mark, Orange Brompton and Chris Salter arrived smiling as if they just cycled from around the corner.  There were no hint what so ever that they have already cycled 50 km from London.  Only then it struck me that I was in the company of the pros.  I was expecting that they will have at least half hour rest, but no.  After a quick "hi" and "hello" we were off to Whitstable.

I have met them all before on previous rides and I always enjoyed their company.  I will never forget Mark because he is the very first London Brompton Club (LBC) member I met in person.  The first LBC ride I joined was hosted by him. That was when he did the Thames Chaser ride. I was also very pleased to see Orange Brompton for I did not know he was joining.

Ohh no!!!  Private Road, no public access. (Photo courtesy James Houston)

It was also nice to see Chris for I wanted to talk about his "kiss and tell" encounter with Tannus tyre.  I just fitted a Tannus tyre to Zoom zoom so I was interested on his insight. We also chatted briefly about Strava versus Ride with GPS.

Chris is a very likable bloke.  He has this shy looking baby face, delicate creamy skin and his hair is minimalist in style.  He was wearing an apple green shorts with matching black top, fully color coordinated of course, with his virgin white Brompton.  He looked refreshingly energetic and sporty.  I was able to scoped out that he is very happy settled with his girl friend from Wimbledon.  I believe wedding bells will shortly be ringing.  I can just imagine Chris and his bride arriving at the altar on Brompton bikes. So for those LBC people who are single, you have no chance now.  Chris is sold.

The likeable Chris (Photo pirated from James Houston)

The first kilometer was an interesting uphill ride to joint the main thru road.  We were full of life, full of energy and full of enthusiasm knowing that we are all together now to tackle the second part of the ride.  We were  like bees carelessly flying about enjoying the countrysides, sometimes in cluster, most times in single file.

This is heaven. Photo by James Houston

It was a beautiful day, well for me anyway, because it was not sunny.  I prefer cloudy days than sunny days.  There was a threat of rain farther along the horizon, but this never really eventuate.  It was a perfect day for cycling.

The beautiful Kent country side ( Photo published without permission from James Houston)

English countryside is understatedly beautiful.  The wild flowers are in bloom, the meadows are green and the trees are in a hurry to display its new leaves.  And I think these are some of the reasons why this particular London Brompton Club ( LBC) ride is so special for it provided the chance for one to be closer to nature.

Actually, it was too close to nature than we would have wanted, when we found ourselves deep into the forest. This happened when we did a slight diversion, after we found the Coldrum Stone Circle, (which in itself is a wonderful find of the day), as the road we were following suddenly came into a halt in front of a gate with a sign saying private road, no public access.  Instead of cycling back 5 kilometers we opted to take a short cut through a footpath. It was the longest short cut I experienced with LBC ride.  So much fun though.

If this stone can only talk.  Our best find of the day.

It looked alright in the first few meters but as we walked and pushed our bikes along, the mud became thicker and thicker and thicker.  I said to my self, this is not true, this is not happening. It is just a nightmare. But Zoom Zoom is loving all these.  He wanted me to ride or push him faster.  In many section of that foot path, I have to lift Zoom Zoom up otherwise he will be totally submerged in mud.

Mud.. Glorious mud and more mud (Photo courtesy James Houston)

It felt like forever when we finally reached the sealed road and by then I was half a meter taller due to the amount of mud that stuck to my shoes. This was despite me being very careful.  I intentionally followed  Mr Orange foot steps literally and precisely for I know he is good at keeping his bike shinny clean. But in the end, it looked like Mr Orange was 10 centimeter taller than me as his cleat shoes collected more mud.

I was right behind Mr O. Carefully following his steps ( Photo by James Houston)

I noticed though that while we were traversing along this muddy lane the sounds of the wild life were in full falsetto.  I could not quite figure out if they were angry with us for the disturbance or they were hilariously laughing away for the entertainment we were providing. Because come to think of it, it is not very often that they see 6 guys on Bromptons with matching mini O bags and in color coordinated attire, tip toeing along the mud creating temporary havoc to their habitat.

Oh yes.  I need help with Zoom zoom. (Photo stolen from James Houston)

We stopped for a lunch break at Kings Arms.  It never ceases to amaze me why pubs are commonly named Kings Arms or Queens Head.  I have yet to see a pub named say, Queens Butt or Kings Tummy or any parts of the body more interesting than just arms or heads.  I don't normally eat lunch on rides but this time since it was a long one I decided I needed some food for fuel.  I ordered coronation chicken baguettes.  I can only assume it was called coronation to make it sound a bit royal. It was nice and the serving was generous.

Lunch break.  Much welcomed lunch break.

We were off again pedaling along the country roads.  Wonderful country roads.  All I can remember was that every road seems to be uphill. I could not remember anything flat, except when we finally reached the peak of Hollingbourne Hill when Brian laid flat on his tummy on the grass as a reward for comfort as he conquered the hills. As I mentioned in Facebook, that Hollingbourne Hill is not a hill, it is a mountain. It was so much fun though.  This was the climb when I thought I lost my lungs.

We made it, thank godness, to the top of Hollingbourne Hill. (Photo nicked from James Houston)

It was nearing 5pm when we reached the seaside of Whitstable.  But 10 kilometers prior to that along the seafront, the sea breeze was deceivingly strong.  I was in first gear all the way through.  James slowed down for me to catch up.  We rewarded ourselves with a nice fish and chips as we recollect the day's wonderful ride.

Should I go or should I stay?

I have million reasons why I could have easily stayed. My Zoom Zoom is brand new and I was not used to it yet. It is an S type while the previous one was an M type.  I just fitted a Tannus tyre and I was not sure if I will get on well with it.  Doing an 80 km ride straight away seems to be not the best thing to do.

I missed it last year and I did not want to miss it again.  I got on well with the S type and the Tannus tyre.

It was a wonderful ride.  It was fantastic.  It was a great day and I enjoyed every moment of it.  That is one thing I like about an LBC ride.  Specially the long ones, there is no dull moment.  There are always some surprises.  Really it is a world of of entertainment better then Netflix (that is if you manage to stay alive from exhaustion).  And it gives me a chance to be with the beautiful and crazy people of LBC. 

No talking please.  We are having fish and chips (Photo begged from James Houston)

Thank you Mark for leading the ride.  Thank you Brian, James, Chris and Orange for your superb, crazy and inspiring company.  I was particularly inspired by Mark, Orange and Chris for riding the full way from London to Whitstable.  See you all again soon.

I was so glad I did go.

Destination: Southend. Brompton midnight ride from London

Midnight?  Why?

I read quite a few stories about bike rides that start at Midnight.  It is beyond my comprehension why anyone, not mentally challenged, would even contemplate the idea.

Wellington Arch at 23:45 , Friday 24 April 2015 was the rendezvous. I was excited and equally scared for I would have trouble finding where Wellington Arch is during the day, let alone during midnight. Then cycling 100 plus kilometers to Southend for about 8 hours,  I must be out of my mind and asking for torture.

Photo pirated from Jenny Hung

I arrived at the meeting place with very minimum effort.  Thanks to Sleebus with whom I arranged to meet at the train station and to our pleasant surprise, David, our ride leader, and Anne were also there.  Together, the 4 of us cycled to meet the rest of the group.

I was expecting the area around the Wellington Arch at Hyde Park Corner to be quiet or even a bit eerie during the night and I was actually wondering why this was chosen as a meeting place.  But this particular night, it was ablaze with lights and sound as the place is being prepared for the early morning Anzac Day commemoration.  But even without these lights and sound, Wellington Arch is a fitting location for a start of a ride.  It is a beautiful place.

Wellington Arch barely visible in the background

My consciousness was going into turbulent mode as I was thinking of so many things prior to this date. Can I do it.?  A hundred kilometers, 8 hours, midnight darkness, rain, cold wind, food, clothes, water, middle of nowhere, sleep deprived, punctures and getting back home are some of the words that played chaotically in my mind.

Soon as I said "hi" and "hello" to everyone and as soon as we started pedaling, all my worries disappeared, for I knew that I was in the company of good, fun and beautiful people of London Brompton Club (LBC). At the strike of midnight, we departed from the Arch, zooming along Constitution Hill, with the Buckingham Place on the right hand side, thru to The Mall, straight to The Strand and on towards east.

In less than a blink of an eye, we were at ExCel. We were like little guided missiles, programmed to a target destination -- Southend.  Zoom zoom and I looked at each other and we could not believe the speed we were going.  It felt like we were cycling at 200 kph and this was supposed to be a 16kph amble. My fear heightened for I was sure I will not last the rest of the night at this speed.

Very brief stop at ExCel

It felt good, although I was breathless.  Not because I was tired, it was because I can't get over the most magical atmosphere I was experiencing.  But it was not magic, it was real.  The Buckingham Place, The Hyde Park, The Mall -- my play ground for the night !  How good is that!  This is where Brompton will hold the 2015 Brompton World Champs.  I am now beginning to understand why they will hold the event in this venue at all cost, even at the cost of alienating their most loyal early customers by cutting the number of participating riders via a ballot.

Zoom zoom was all smile for he knew that it is a privilege to be cycling with this group of "hardcore" riders of LBC. The line up was unbelievable.  In no particular order were the super star Geoff Snell; the kings of the mountain, Mark Woolard, Orange Brompton and Christian; the Parisian girls, not because they are from Paris but because they have cycled from London to Paris, Samantha Skye and Jenny Hung; the torpedo girl Anne Marshall;  the front runners Tony Dele and Sleebus Jones and the undisputed Master of Rides and our leader David Parkinson.  Wooo...I am exhausted already just naming them. Of course, yours truly is very grateful just to be associated with these great names.

I was particularly happy to see Brian Bowditch, one of the super stars of the club.  I never really had any chance yet to chat with Brian but I know he is good at needle works.  He sewed his own bag, a bike bag,  made of leather.  I wish I am good at needle work too for I have a curtain in my bedroom that needs fixing. He is a nice bloke. 

Coffee break

To me, he is a picture of happiness whichever angle you look at him.  I don't know if it is because of his body contours or his natural smiling face.  Even his rear seems to be smiling as his top shirt desperately tries to narrow the 5 and a half inches gap to his jeans. At one point I thought it was full moon until I realized the moon should be above not in front of me.

It was not until we crossed M25 when the lights of the city fade out. We cycled along so many interesting streets, residential and commercial roads, narrow alleys and beside wide motorways and bike path of all descriptions.  Sometimes, as it was getting darker, we found ourselves in someone's back yard.  At one point we ended up on a train platform as we tried to access an unlit bike/pedestrian bridge.  Bike signs in some areas are microscopic if not lacking at all.  Had it not for the brilliance of our navigator David, we would probably ended up back to London without even knowing it.

a bit of rest after a climb

After over 2 hours, we reached Thurrock 24 hours Motorway Service.  It was a perfect timing as it begun to rain.  This was where we recharged.  It was a welcome break.  I was not really tired or hungry but I had an egg sandwich.  I always look forward to coffee breaks.  This is when we chat about all sorts of things. The trouble though after a coffee break was that I felt too comfortable to continue on with the ride.

selfie, Samantha and Jenny.  Kids playing while the oldies fix Brian's rear wheel.

The rain had stopped a bit and we carried on with our ride.  It was getting colder though, so I added one more layer of light waterproof over jacket, though after just few kilometers I have to remove it again.

It was becoming more and more rural as we head towards the sea.  We rode along some stunning country roads.  The sound of silence was intoxicating.  The sounds of pedals, gear changing, tyres rolling and the occasional echo of danger warning --  hole, hole, and more holes, coming from the front and rear of the peloton became all but music to my ear.  The flashing rear lights were mesmerizing though I dare not fall asleep as I was overwhelmed by the whole scene.

It was fantastic.  It was wonderland.  It was a pleasant disorienting and hallucinating atmosphere. It was surreal.  It was out of this world.  I was over the moon. I guess one can not really describe what a midnight ride is until one experience it. 

The beautiful seafront at Southend

As we reached closer to the sea, darkness fought helplessly with the new dawn and it was beautiful.  Slowly, more movements were becoming apparent.

We reached the sea.  Hallelujah !!! It was a mix of relief and jubilation for me.  Relief because my legs were wanting some rest.  Jubilation because I made it.  I was so proud of myself being able to cycle this distance.

We rode more along the sea front of Southend with a singular aim of reaching Toby Carvery along Thorpe Bay for promise of real good English breakfast.

The Bromps enjoying a rest at the restaurant.

Along the Promenade was Geoff's brother welcoming us to Southend and joining us for breakfast.  Tony Dele and Orange Brompton thought the £3.99 all you can eat breakfast is too cheap to be nice, so they did not join us.  They headed straight to the train station.  We dumped Brian at one of the bus stop as a punishment for torturing his rear wheel and Anne Marshall took a precautionary measure to avoid doing more harm to her knee.  She bid us goodbye few kilometers before we reached the sea.

The sea.  At long last the view of the sea.

The rest of us headed to the restaurant for a well deserved breakfast.  Oh it was wonderful.  I stuffed myself with bacon and egg.  Geoff rewarded us with little lollies for getting to the finish line.  We had a laugh as we recap the night's ride. After breakfast we all headed to the train station for a return journey to London.

Homeward bound by train

Samantha all smiles as we get closer to breakfast

I arrived home feeling happy, proud of myself and accomplished.

It was truly a very memorable ride.  It was my first 100 kilometer, my first midnight ride to the coast and my first time at Southend.  It was a big challenge for me.  I enjoyed every minute of it to the point that sometimes I probably looked like an anti social as I hardly converse during the ride.  It was because I was fully savoring the mystical atmosphere and enthusiastically anticipating what is next to come at every turn of the pedal.

This is how you photo bomb it. Get out of there Mr Woolard, I'm taking photo of My Orange Brompton.

My reward from Geoff for doing the night ride.

A big thank you to everyone in the group.  I would not have made the 100 kilometers without your company.  Thank you once again to David for leading and keeping the group together and for designing the fantastic and supremely interesting route.  Without you this ride would have not become a reality.  Thanks too to Geoff for being a tail end Charlie.

I hope there will be more midnight rides in the near future.

Then, my big question will be --Midnight ?  Why not ?    

Riding a Brompton in Brighton

It is a must.

It is a must that I reach Clapham Junction ( train station) to be able to join the Saturday London Brompton Club ( LBC ) ride to Brighton.  And I did it.  In fact I had plenty of time to wait for the 9.13 train to Brighton.  Shortly while waiting on the platform, the superstars of LBC Anne Marshall and David Parkinson appeared followed by Tom then Sam.  At Brighton Station we were joined by other big names Mr Orange Brompton and Samantha Skye. Not long the ever popular and well loved Oscar Ortiga* arrived in stunning fashion.

Yes, we were stunned because Oscar brought his Tern Bike.  He was apologetic mentioning that his Brompton is having a major makeover.  But despite that we abused him to death.  He received verbal abuse far worst than that of the BBC producer of Top Gear.  But Oscar being Oscar just brushed it all off and we all went our merry way.  His penalty though was that he become the photographer of the day and my word, he produced some stunning and memorable photos.  Thanks Oscar.

I also had the chance to have a chat with Tom Strottman and I am privileged to mention him here.  He is a nice chap full of life.  Zoom zoom instantly like him.  He like him for his camera and his shorts. He has this Nikon camera that features a wide lens.  I recon it is as wide as my face.  The lens zoom in and out and protrudes straight out effortlessly like a third hand.

He was wearing  a wonderful shorts, which looks as comfortable and as soft as a nighties but with a superior Lycra quality every evident.  No, it was not a see-thru. Don't get too excited.  It is more of shades of black rather than shades of gray.  It hangs beautiful around his waist.  It is MT500 by Endura.  He looked stunning with a matching Vulpine softshell top.  And with his new black and basil green brompton he looked superb.

Lovely Samantha and macho Tom

With Mr Orange Brompton and Tom Strottman the standard for Brompton cycling fashion has really gone sky high.  Can you imagine me standing beside them? I look like a dagg.  ( definiton of dagg)

I was also pleased to see Sam Parkinson again, son of David and as good looking and taller.  I like it when Sam is around because he injects a bit of youthful element to the group.  With me being the oldest in the group, Sam brings down the average age to about 28 and a half years.   

The Parkinson -  father and son (Photo Courtesy Sam Skye )

 

After a briefing, our host David Parkinson lead us to a narrow street that is sloping down just few meters away from the entrance of Brighton Station.  This means our first 2 minutes of cycling is a free fall.  I felt I needed a parachute to take me down that lane.  I though this is going to be a great ride.  A free fall start with the beautiful people of LBC, what else could I ask for.

We zoom zoomed along the streets of Brighton like possessed rats freed from a cage, then suddenly we stopped in a corner.  David announced this was the start of the famous Bear Road.  I looked and it is a road that is straight and it goes up and up and up.  Everyone was so excited and started pedaling uphill, merrily chatting away as if they are cycling in the park.

Brighton's famous pier

However silently Zoom Zoom and I started the usual blame game.  I was blaming him for not giving me enough gear but he was blaming me for not having enough leg power. After only about 20 meters of the 1.6 km, Zoom Zoom and I started in chorus calling all the saints and gods for help in the ascend.  No help was forth coming so I can only assume heaven is not above.  I am convinced that in cycling heaven is below and hell is above.

At the top we detoured to a beautiful meadow.  It was a stunning scene.  The grass are green and moist and for a moment I thought we will be cycling straight down.  No. we cycled sideways which meant we cycled on the slope and it was a steep slope. I have never done this before and it was fantastic.  How I did not slide down the slope is nothing short of miracle.  This is the sort of thing that only a magician can do.  I made it down the valley unscathed.

Mr Orange Brompton navigating carefully on this slippery slope

We then proceeded down the beach - the famous Brighton beaches and on along the Undercliff. It was wonderful. The scene I can not describe.  It was so enjoyable and so easy  to ride because the gale force wind of seemingly 200 kph was behind us.  We did not even have to pedal.  We were just woozz away effortlessly.

As the wind became stronger, actually had it been with heavy rain I would call it a storm category 5, David broadcasted that it was time for lunch.  So we headed back and that was when real fun begun.  Samantha and I found ourselves at the back, way back of the peloton. The only reason I can think of was that the people in front are the large bodied ones, the fat ones, the heavy ones, those that can withstand the wind.  While the people at the back, me included, are the slim,lightweight and the beautiful bodied ones.  However when I learned that Anne and Sam Parkinson, the slimmest of the bunch, were at the front, my theory was shattered.

The wind was so strong that every time I pedal I find myself pushed back by the wind 3 meters behind. But it was fun. And that is one thing I like about the LBC rides.  The weather does not really matter.  Storm, wind, hail, snow, rain or shine, it is all fun.  Really, Brompton bikes bring out the child in you.

Lunch and coffee breaks are always a nice time during the LBC rides.  It gave us opportunity to chat and talk about all sort of things. Zoom zoom loves it. He is a perennial gossiper.  We were talking about my good friends and superstars of LBC James Houston and Jenny Chung when Mr Orange Brompton revealed something about himself and his best mate Andrew Barnett. He (Mr Orange Brompton) said and I quote "there is absolutely nothing going on between the two of us."

After lunch we cycled more towards Hove,an adjacent suburb of Brighton.  We reached Hove Park where we were pleasantly surprised to find a a miniature steam train run by local train enthusiasts.  But prior to reaching Hove Park we had two punctures in as many minutes.  How lucky can one be.

Along the Promenade (Photo Courtesy Samantha Skye)

We stopped for coffee break in one of the cheap and cheerful coffee shop in the high street.  Coffee shops are a bit scary for me.  But I won't tell you why now.  But this coffee place is a wonderful one because they also serve Vietnamese meals.  I should have ordered a Vietnamese noodles which I have been missing for so long.

We all head back to Brighton Station to catch the 5.19 train to Clapham Junction where we said our goodbyes and thank you(s). 

It was such a great day.  I thoroughly enjoyed it.  Despite the rain, the strong and cold wind, and the gray sky I had such a great fun.

Thank you Mr David.  I can never thank you enough for hosting such a great ride.  Really, I don't know how you keep coming up with such an interesting route, challenging terrain and beautiful sceneries.  Thank you everyone for the laugh, struggle on the hills and for your stimulating company.  Hope to see all again soon.

Yes, it is a must.  It is a must that I do this ride again if ever it gets repeated.

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(Postscript 01 May 2015:  Oscar Ortiga is a fictitious name.  The real person asked me to remove his name and pictures.  No reason was given.)