tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3869360103115192026-07-06T15:25:58.813+01:00New blog post every SundayMy Orange Bromptonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11527237035726801401noreply@blogger.comBlogger1598125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386936010311519.post-56520897688014566412026-07-05T19:32:12.496+01:002026-07-05T19:33:10.822+01:00

This blog post as you can see from the title is nothing to do with one of my Brompton bicycles - although it does feature. It has been a busy week to say the least, but I managed to buy a pen that I have been after for ages upon ages. Lots of pen people have one of those pens that quietly sits on the wish list for years. Not necessarily because it's rare or expensive, but because the right

My Orange Bromptonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11527237035726801401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386936010311519.post-52059848079587620422026-06-28T20:10:26.882+01:002026-06-28T20:11:39.259+01:00

In London it has been crazy hot and a few records for temperature in June have been broken. I have not cycled huge distances; however, I have been out and about on my Brompton bicycles. Mid-week, I unfolded my Brompton and pedalled out into what the forecast described as a ‘red warning.’  London had decided to audition for the role of a toaster and the city obliged by turning every

My Orange Bromptonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11527237035726801401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386936010311519.post-89955311220499088272026-06-21T15:09:51.955+01:002026-06-21T19:50:11.967+01:00

This Father's Day, I spent some time at Kensal Green Cemetery, one of London's great historic cemeteries - and as I have said many times, my favourite. Paying it a visit is always meaningful because both of my parents had their funeral service there, giving me a personal connection to a place.Founded in 1833, Kensal Green Cemetery is one of the ‘Magnificent Seven’ Victorian cemeteries. Wandering

My Orange Bromptonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11527237035726801401noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386936010311519.post-60261491935938469062026-06-14T18:33:52.064+01:002026-06-14T18:41:24.079+01:00

One of the hidden pleasures of cycling in London is that you occasionally stumble across scenes so ridiculous that you wonder whether you've accidentally ridden onto the set of a sitcom.My latest encounter occurred at a particularly busy central London junction at the end of a cycle lane. You know the type: buses, taxis, delivery vans, pedestrians, cyclists, tourists and influencers all

My Orange Bromptonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11527237035726801401noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386936010311519.post-47892254138326857262026-06-07T20:59:05.852+01:002026-06-07T23:52:48.772+01:00

Earlier last week, I had the opportunity to visit Highgate Cemetery after hours, when a lucky few were granted access to several normally locked mausoleums. It was an opportunity not to be missed. Mrs Orange, the eldest Orangette, and I rushed home and then hurried even faster down a very slippery Swain’s Lane to arrive in time.The star of the show was the Beer Mausoleum. Following the death of

My Orange Bromptonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11527237035726801401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386936010311519.post-24724108350958544882026-05-31T18:48:15.961+01:002026-05-31T19:06:25.127+01:00

What a couple of weekends it has been! I ended up making a couple of unexpected nocturnal journeys on my Orange Titanium over the Bank Holiday weekend and another Friday night just gone. This saw me make a 50 mile round trip, from London to the countryside and back. Not wanting to do this on my own, I enlisted the help of old friend Tom, who took one of his Brompton Titanium bikes. Perhaps a blog

My Orange Bromptonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11527237035726801401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386936010311519.post-73357750247418751512026-05-24T15:51:11.538+01:002026-05-24T15:51:38.168+01:00

It has been a busy week and an even busier weekend. I have been using my Orange Titanium a little more and one of the reasons for this is that it is now a much more comfy riding experience. I will let me explain. A few weeks ago, I wrote a blog post recalling the overnight adventure from London to Leigh-on-Sea. This was memorable for all the right reasons, but it did firm in my mind the need

My Orange Bromptonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11527237035726801401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386936010311519.post-3560842296433230452026-05-17T18:08:27.092+01:002026-05-24T15:22:31.046+01:00

I was passing through my favourite of the Magnificent Seven cemeteries in London, Kensal Green on my G-Line the other day. Whilst doing so I could not help but pass the grave of rake, rapscallion and rogue that was George Smythe. George Augustus Frederick Percy Sydney Smythe (1818–1857), the 7th Viscount Strangford, was a British aristocrat, writer, and politician associated with the

My Orange Bromptonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11527237035726801401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386936010311519.post-84788758822267450802026-05-10T20:31:00.009+01:002026-05-10T20:32:07.338+01:00

Friday night into Saturday morning saw me taking part in a Friday night ride to the coast: Shoreham-on-Sea. Armed with my trusty Orange Titanium, I set off for the start not far from the London Eye, feeling reasonably optimistic and only mildly aware that I was about to spend the best part of the night pedalling in the direction of a seaside town while most sensible people were either asleep or

My Orange Bromptonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11527237035726801401noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386936010311519.post-23314590711041885872026-05-03T08:29:00.002+01:002026-05-03T08:29:52.999+01:00

There’s a particular species of urban cyclist that fascinates and terrifies me in equal measure: the Brompton owner who (steel yourself for this)…leaves their bike locked to a lamppost. Yes, you read that right. The same folding wonder designed to slip discreetly under your desk, disappear into the boot of a cab, or quietly insinuate itself into the luggage compartment of a train is instead

My Orange Bromptonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11527237035726801401noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386936010311519.post-84018579852758698412026-04-26T10:08:00.000+01:002026-04-26T10:08:01.702+01:00

Last week I hinted at a Part 2 for all things saddles. Here it is. As I wrote this it brought back more an a few memories! A few years ago, there was a ride called the ‘St Crispin’s Day Ride’ which was great fun. I remember signing up for it the following year but was unable to participate due to a rather dramatic, avoidable, and painful accident involving a new Brooks saddle.Recently, I bought a

My Orange Bromptonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11527237035726801401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386936010311519.post-86877010728274900092026-04-19T19:12:00.003+01:002026-04-19T19:18:41.591+01:00

There comes a time in every cyclist’s life when they look at their saddle and think, ‘You know what? This one makes my arse hurt!!’For me, that moment arrived after a brief but significant departure from Brooks saddles on my Brompton bicycles - a decision that, in hindsight, can only be described as optimistic. It was after the recent nocturnal Leigh-on-Sea ride that I saw the light. You see

My Orange Bromptonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11527237035726801401noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386936010311519.post-2212380960393184882026-04-12T10:02:00.004+01:002026-04-12T10:33:31.179+01:00

The official Cobblemonster event is happening today, but I had other plans for Sunday, so I decided to tackle it a day early. I set off bright and early on my G-Line, arriving at Barbican, conveniently along the route. I figured I’d start and finish there. After a few quick adjustments I’d prepared the day before, I loaded the route… and off I went.'The Cobblemonster’ is an event I’ve taken part

My Orange Bromptonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11527237035726801401noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386936010311519.post-2609719506645626902026-04-05T09:59:00.006+01:002026-04-06T22:33:07.854+01:00

The first official night ride to the coast of 2026 took place last Thursday into Friday - and it turned out to be something of an eye-opener. More on that shortly.As usual, I made my way to the start, not far from the London Eye, and found the roads pleasantly calm. This was likely due to it being a Thursday, combined with the small matter of the following day being a Bank Holiday - London’s

My Orange Bromptonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11527237035726801401noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386936010311519.post-28641341087974006762026-03-29T09:55:00.002+01:002026-03-29T09:55:37.872+01:00

Last Friday, I embarked upon a ride on my trusty Orange Superlight, a bicycle that rarely fails to bring a smile to my face. As I pedalled through the bustling streets of London, I decided to take a brief stop near the iconic St Mary Le Bow church in Cheapside to check my phone for a message I was expecting. It was here that I had a delightful encounter with a gentleman who was intrigued by my

My Orange Bromptonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11527237035726801401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386936010311519.post-42557806526231737092026-03-22T08:57:00.007+00:002026-03-22T21:19:07.318+00:00

The nocturnal ride season is almost upon us, and if you’ve been following my escapades, you’ll know I have a soft spot for the odd night ride - especially those that whisk me away to the coast. In less than two weeks, I shall be dusting off one of my trusty Brompton and pedalling off into the night!Our first adventure will take us to Leigh-on-Sea, almost the classic Southend but not quite. We

My Orange Bromptonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11527237035726801401noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386936010311519.post-61526979833883680942026-03-19T20:45:00.003+00:002026-03-19T20:45:45.296+00:00

I sadly missed one Sunday posting for lots of technical issues that I will not bother you with. It got to the point where I was seriously considering throwing in the towel. All seems to be resolved and I hope normal service will be resumed. So, see you on Sunday, 22nd March. Until then, stay safe out there people.

My Orange Bromptonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11527237035726801401noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386936010311519.post-7262481669711582742026-03-08T09:27:00.004+00:002026-03-24T20:58:30.913+00:00

It is no secret that I am a bit of a PG Wodehouse fan. I bought one of his books at a church jumble sale when I was quite young and was soon drawn into the world of - for me at least - his best creation, Bertie Wooster. Bertie! The epitome of a well-meaning but hopelessly inept young man, forever entangled in matrimonial mishaps and impractical bets.One of my great regrets is not going on one of

My Orange Bromptonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11527237035726801401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386936010311519.post-73401801711646938352026-03-01T17:37:00.011+00:002026-03-02T18:07:09.231+00:00

Now this blog post is nothing to do with Brompton bicycles or cycling. Regular readers will know that I do like the odd fountain pen. So, this blog post is about that. I quite understand if it is not for you though.Twice a year, like clockwork, I find myself making the familiar journey west for the ‘London Pen Show’ at the Novotel West London. For anyone who loves fountain pens, ink, paper, and

My Orange Bromptonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11527237035726801401noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386936010311519.post-36293398541594144272026-02-22T08:57:00.005+00:002026-02-22T15:18:13.421+00:00

I had planned to write and publish a completely different blog post to this one (that will now have to wait). Yesterday, at about 11 in the a.m. I took a rare peek at my blog statistics and was delighted to discover that I have surpassed an incredible 4 million page views! It feels just like yesterday when I celebrated reaching the 3 million mark back in November 2024. The growth in such a short

My Orange Bromptonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11527237035726801401noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386936010311519.post-681236162373983982026-02-15T16:06:00.011+00:002026-02-18T21:00:39.596+00:00

The Ride London event, a much-anticipated cycling extravaganza that has brought together thousands of cyclists and spectators alike, has recently been put on indefinite pause. This decision - although not really a surprise - has left many in the cycling community pondering the implications of such a significant change.For those who have participated in Ride London over the years, the event has

My Orange Bromptonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11527237035726801401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386936010311519.post-7305284690591804712026-02-08T08:30:32.924+00:002026-02-08T22:17:03.708+00:00

Back in April 2024, I wrote a blog post I simply titled, Lycra! The link to that post can be found HERE. I am afraid that I am back to writing about what cyclists wear, and I warn you in advance, many of you might not be best pleased. Here we go.I rarely cycle in and around Richmond Park nowadays. It is south of the river and all that, and I normally only go as far south as Barnes and the

My Orange Bromptonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11527237035726801401noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386936010311519.post-91227827496893200592026-02-01T07:30:00.004+00:002026-02-01T08:21:44.154+00:00

First of all, can you believe it is February! The weather is still pretty awful here in London but at least January is over with. It will only be a few weeks away that I will have had my Brompton Electric for two years. Recently, it has been on my mind, and I thought it fitting to share my experiences in a blog post. If you take a look at my blog archive, you will notice that 2023 was rather

My Orange Bromptonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11527237035726801401noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386936010311519.post-25318244319445527312026-01-25T09:03:00.002+00:002026-01-26T18:37:23.784+00:00

As a keen cyclist (that means only on one of my Brompton bicycles) and someone who has always liked taking photos, my Brompton bike has become more than just a mode of transport; it almost acts as a muse on my countless adventures. Each photograph I take of my Brompton tells a story, capturing not just the bike itself but the experiences and memories I’ve gathered along the way.One of my

My Orange Bromptonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11527237035726801401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-386936010311519.post-51222763801452246712026-01-18T15:13:00.005+00:002026-01-26T18:37:38.560+00:00

At the start of the overnight ride to Maldon back in September 2025, my friend Geoff kindly gifted me a map of Brutalist London. This lists the locations of some of London's choice brutalist architecture. Mapping myself out a little 11 mile route, I ventured out to try and locate as many as I could. As I have mentioned on another Brutalist architecture ride (and perhaps obvious as I keep

My Orange Bromptonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11527237035726801401noreply@blogger.com3