Central London CTC blog

For those who didn’t get to Ghent for the track, it was meant to be Danbury. But we didn’t get to Danbury. Your correspondent had punctured on the way to the station, and broken two sets of levers attempting to remove an elderly Ricorso (cheap and tough, but make Gatorskins seem buttery). The wire was so tough it even bent my little adjustable spanner. more »

8 o’clock Saturday night, Shoreditch is warming up. A gaggle of secretaries from the ‘burbs, a muscle of lads up town. Wallowing stretch limos, glowering doorman. And mingling amongst, cyclists in civvies. Heading towards the Classic Car Club, a fantasy for those with unrequited childhood dreams of continental exotica. Even a Ducati 250 Desmo – if this means nothing, let it be. Inside the gates rack upon rack of bikes, guarded by a grunting sentinel. As per the moment, most are one cog machines. Deep rims, gaudy colours, tiny bars. Brakes an afterthought or absent. more »

…A week before ride I was helpfully informed of Engineering works Train Cancellations at Basingstoke. So it was all change.  On the day, the re-jigged ride, being a Godalming start.  With a forecast not good. Travelling down on train, the rain eased and stopped though. Hurrah!  And Roger swiftly dealt to a puncture enroute to Godalming aswell.  The going was good. more »

King’s Cross Thameslink early Sunday morning, Police already in action, Fire Service at the coffee shop. And the train is late. But there’s quite a crowd, despite the crisp morning. More at Kentish Town, another at Bedford – 16 on the road. Our Leader’s attempted ban on fixies has brought four out. Deaf ears, wasted words. more »

Some of you will know that the Warrington Cycle Campaign website is often cited as a source for some of the more innovative and imaginative cycle facilities in this and other countries. I am delighted to say that on a recent trip to Suffolk I was able to provide the November Facility of the Month.

While it is huge fun to name and shame the local authorities responsible for these nonsenses, it also serves a serious purpose. It shows that poorly designed facilities cannot be written off as ‘isolated examples’, and the site also promotes good practice. I am sure that Peter Owens (who runs the website) would be grateful to receive further contributions.