The Bugle | Blast 382

Friday 12th April 2019
Tech Edition



 

QUOTE  OF THE WEEK

“The bicycle was the last advance in technology everybody understands. Anybody who can ride one can understand how it works." - Stewart Parker, Spokesong

 

BICYCLIST OF THE WEEK

Nearly every cyclist dreams of riding LEJOG (Lands End to John 'O Groats). Aaron Puzey did it - without leaving his house.

The software engineer created an app to turn Google Street View into a 3D virtual cycling environment and “travelled” from Land’s End to John o’ Groats, a total of 874 miles, while using a stationary bike.

Lots of very technical explanations here: https://www.theverge.com/2016/8/9/12411262/cycle-vr-google-stree-view-uk

And a nice video here: https://youtu.be/s1YSjD49JiM

BICYCLE OF THE WEEK

The Evening Standard described the Cyclopic as the 'new' penny farthing. But what may strike you is there are NO SPOKES, it's electric and it folds in an even more elegant way than a Brompton!

Oh, and looks really cool!

You can't buy it yet, It's still at the concept stage. It's creators are Alan Rallings and Rishi Haraniya from South Bank Unversity. The same entrepreneurial factory that developed and made fltflops into a global brand.

Fitflops were successful because they did the job in a uniquely comfortable way. So many other folding bike wannabbee competitors to the Brompton failed because they were basically crap to ride. Will the Cyclopic be different?

It certainly looks it: http://www.cyclopic.co.uk/
Video: https://vimeo.com/328808755

ANTI-THEFT DEVICES

Bigger chains and thicker D-Locks my save your frame - but you see so many left bereft of saddles, wheels and other accessories. Not only do you lose your nice set of wheels or classic saddle but if it makes the bike unrideable you have to leave it to the vultures to take even more.

An albeit expensive solution is the Hexlox. Basically it makes the bike allen key defiant. You need a special tool to remove the bolt (or spindle for the wheels). Of course if you lose the tool or your code you are in queer street.  More: https://hexlox.com/

A smart bike lock that connects to your phone to provide keyless entry, theft detection, bike sharing, crash alerts and more.

Just don't lose your phone: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ellipse-Smart-Bike-Lock-Grey/dp/B01NASEQH6


 

A NEW TRAFFIC FREE THAMES CROSSING FOR CYCLISTS

Is Hammersmith Bridge the only one? This week structural engineers found the wonderful Victorian feat of technology unsafe for motor traffic. They were instantly banned. There is no funding for repairs (estimated at £37 million) so it may be years before it can be re-opened. Pedestrians & cyclists are either more dispensible or  the authorities realise we don't pose a threat to this country's crumbling infrastucture.

Maybe in these hard times the government should trouser this expenditure and make the more pleasant environment permanent. What do you think?

More: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-london-47891838

 

CLUB MEETING

Diaries out for Wednesday 24th April at 7:30pm. Club meeting will be held at Purley United Reformed Church Hall, 906 Brighton Road, Purley CR8 2LN. You've ridden past it so many times. Agenda will include:

Rding standards * Tuesdays Club Run * New improved Thursday Club Run * LCC free ride marshalls * Junior Section * Bikefest

 

CLUB SUBS 

RIDE REPORTS

Saturday 30th March: Ten do Charlwood and pass the impassable: https://anerleybc.org/saturday-ride-6th-april-2019/

Sunday 7th April: Six or so wimp out on the planned Milk Churn run to Rudgewick. Retire to Tanhouse Farm. Even had to use a stock Farm picture ... https://anerleybc.org/sunday-ride-7th-april-2019/

 

UPCOMING RIDES

FINALLY: 'I'M AS HAPPY AS A DEAD FISH"

A close contender for quote of the week. Danish cyclist Cecilie Uttrup Ludwig gives a rather excited post-race interview after finishing third at the 2019 Tour of Flanders Women's race - part of the Flanders Classics.

Watch and enjoy: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/av/cycling/47868621
[Thanks to TomTom for the link]



Happy Cycling!