The Bugle | Blast 346


Friday 3rd August 2018



 

QUOTE  OF THE WEEK

“An engineer designing from scratch could hardly concoct a better device to unclog modern roads – cheap, nonpolluting, small and silent…” - Rick Smith



BICYCLIST  OF THE WEEK

Geraint was so last week! While he was engaged last Sunday on a processional and mounting a mere podium - Anerley Riders were out doing the Prudential100 into that appalling lashing rain and blustery winds that lasted the entire ride.

Reports of survivors are vague - but here is one - our very own Jim who had recovered enough to enjoy the Tuesday Ride in the sun. Chapeau Jim.

The other Jim (of Kentish River flavour) also completed the 100. But only just. In his own words:

"I crashed at the 98 mile yesterday, someone clipped my wheel. A bit disappointing as I was on for a 6hr finishing time, but by the time I got patched up I crossed the line in 7hrs 08. I'm ok except for loads of cuts and bruises, my right shoulder and ribs are aching"

Really bad luck Jim. Any more reports?

 

BICYCLE OF THE WEEK

One for our captain and all titanium lovers. The Cherohala SE from legendary US titanium specialists Litespeed. With clearance for 700x40 and 650bx2.2in tyres, it’s aimed at the allroad, adventure, gravel and bikepacking market. Yep, gravel is the new fashion in biking apparently.

An interesting alternative to mountain bikes for modest off-roaading. Review: https://www.bikeradar.com/road/gear/category/bikes/road/product/litespeed-cherohala-se-review-51833/

 

MOROCCO BOUND
The weather forecast for tomorrow (Saturday) is for possibly the highest ever temperarures recorded in Europe for Southern Spain.

The cause? The wind blowing the heat in from Morocco. Guess it might be even hotter there. But to this pair it might be the perfect antidote to freezing in Iceland - their last tour!

Mad is the word for Tim & Sally who have chosen Saturday as a start of a six week adventure into the Atlas mountains. They promise us updates every couple of weeks - so stand by and wish them well.


 

CAFE NETWORK

Capt'n Tom has put on the website a great map of our favourite cafe and pub destinations: https://anerleybc.org/ride-destinations/

Now another organisation is compiling a map of cycle friendly cafes around the country (Wales too!), even into Europe (remember that?). Ideal if you are touring into unknown territory. Take a look: http://www.cafenetwork.info/

[Thanks to TomTom for the link]

 

10 WEIRD & WONDERFUL DERAILLEURS

Where would we be without them? This Guardian article traces the development of the humble changer from the 1912 'Le Chemineau' [above] to the Shimano 'Dura-Ace' of 2001:
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/bike-blog/2018/jun/07/10-weird-and-wonderful-derailleurs-and-how-they-changed-cycling

 

RIDE REPORTS

Prudential Freerides Saturday 26th July: The Saturdays, and friends, turned their hand to marshalling the Croydon and Sutton editions of rides aimed at developing more interest in cycling. They had better weather than the Prudential 100's the following day. Report: https://anerleybc.org/saturday-freerides-28th-july-2018/

Sunday 27th July: CANCELLED. Weather only fit for ...

Tuesday 31st July: Tanhouse, two big hills, two punctures, one lost ride and a lost spouse. Otherwise perfect: https://anerleybc.org/tuesday-ride-31st-july-2018/

 

UPCOMING RIDES


Saturday 4th August:  09:00 Shurguard/501 Brighton Road: It's going to be hot so we are making an earlier start and heading off road into the shade of some trees. The terrain is suitable for most bikes, you won't need suspension but no skinny slicks please. Route out via Old Lodge Lane, Farthing Down, North Downs way to The Green Rooms at Godstone. Return via Flower Lane, The North Downs Way. Pub Stop the Harrow on The Hill. 25 miles NB EARLY START

Sunday 7th August: 09:00 Shurguard/501 Brighton Road: Jeremy H leads to Knole Park, Sevenoaks for elevenses and on to a new pub (to us), The Greyhound, Charcott. [Yep, that was the plan for last week's ride that wasn't]

Tuesday 9th August:
09:30 Shurguard/501 Brighton Road: Tom V to Pond Café Otford
10:00 Shurguard/501 Brighton Road: John D to Pond Café Otford

Thursday 11th August: 10:00 Shurguard/501 Brighton Road: Mark H leads.

 

FINALLY

Self-driving cars are the future - so they say!

But what about self-riding bikes? Well as far back as 2011 the Japanese had cracked 'a robot on a bike'. Just need to scale it up a bit ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mT3vfSQePcs


Happy Cycling!