The Bugle | Blast 293

Saturday 22nd July 2017

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

“I had an interview this morning at the BBC, and I was a bit early. I walked around the block and there’s a bicycle shop there. And I just started looking at these bicycles, and then I thought, What am I doing? I already have a bicycle. But I like bicycles …" - Mark Knopfler

BICYCLIST OF THE WEEK

Frank finds a new way to France without a passport. Sunday's unforgettable ride:
https://anerleybc.org/sunday-awayday-16th-july-2017/

BICYCLE OF THE WEEK

Wondering around Greenwich yesterday I was surprised to see a bunch of these strange yellow bikes parked outside the Town Hall. "Download the App and hire me" they said.

This is the oBike. Its planned to reach the places Boris Bikes don't - like South London! It started this week with apparently hundreds being left in different parts of London every day without prior notice to anyone - least of all TfL and the local councils.

The concept is collect where you can find one (with their app) and leave it where you want (within reason). GPS tracking is the key rather than the fixed dock to dock Boris Bike scheme. The motivation behind it is more Uber than Black Taxi.

The establishment reaction has been predictably negative with Hammersmith Council sticking obstruction notices on them - even though they were parked alongside cycle stands. The Evening Standard ran the usual stories of them being stolen or dumped - just as they did when Boris Bikes were launched.

Will it succeed? The Singaporean company behind it (and the Chinese company behind a similar scheme in Manchester) have deep pockets so you may see a lot soon. But, unlike their established competitor, they are not provided as a public service but as a moneymaking business @ 50p/30mins.

So it all depends on whether people use 'em or destroy 'em. More here:
https://www.o.bike/
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/bike-blog/2017/jul/12/londons-first-dockless-hire-bike-scheme-launches

ADDISCOMBE 10 MILE TIME TRIAL TODAY

As I write this - it is about to kick-off at 14:00 hrs Saturday. I was hoping to give you prior notice so you could get along and cheer our competitors on. But being late with the Bugle I've given you the excuse to stay home, dry and warm!

Our hardy lads & lassies:
Denise B
David Go
Steve B
Ajay H
Barrie F

Results and hopefully Ian B will have some pix for next week's Bugle.

RECENT RIDE REPORTS

A full set this week.

Saturday Ride 15th July: Four go twiching at Bough Beech Reservoir before retiring here:
https://anerleybc.org/saturday-ride-15th-july-2017/

Sunday Awayday 16th July: A 70 miler to Eastbourne and the Seven Sisters:
https://anerleybc.org/sunday-awayday-16th-july-2017/

Tuesday Ride 20th July: Spitfires at Biggin Hill. John T bought to book:
https://anerleybc.org/tuesday-ride-18th-july-2017/

Thursday Ride 20th July: A stormy ride to the Anchor at Yalding:
https://anerleybc.org/thursday-ride-20th-july-2017/

UPCOMING RIDES

Sunday Ride 23rd July: 09:00 Shurguard/501 Brighton Road: Tom V leads to Tea at Chiddinstone Castle and lunch at Barley Mow, Tandridge. Shortish ride this week, approx 45 miles.

Tuesday Ride 25th July:
'A' Ride [12mph] 09:30 Shurguard/501 Brighton Road: Tom V leads to Four Elms
'B' Ride [10mph] 10:00 Shurguard/501 Brighton Road: Peter R leads to Four Elms

Thursday Ride: 27th July: 10:00 Shurguard/501 Brighton Road: Mark H leads somewhere. Probably west.

FINALLY

Next week is the Prudential RideLondon. There is the Pro event, there is the big ride some of us will be on (hoping their are no spills on Leith Hill this year) but please don't forget the FreeCycle event. Not so much for cyclists but for people who want to cycle but don't like traffic.

A unique opportunity to get the rest of your family and friends cycling. Register here:
https://www.prudentialridelondon.co.uk/events/freecycle/