Any interest in an occasional folding bike meet, in say Hyde Park London, (or any place else?)
Team 'Smug Heads' (see the Dahon Hammerhead thread below), currently with an unofficial and unelected membership of, say, five, has brought up the topic of cycling round cities on goofy looking bikes, and cordially extend the invitation to 'Persons Owning Other Folders', for say a meeting on Sunday 1st June in Hyde Park London.
Any Interest? If not in June, then how about 1st Sunday in July? Ownership of a Dahon Hammerhead, in Shark Gray, while desirable, is not wholly essential.
--
edit: From Mike over at Fold Soc:
Thanks for the information. I've put it on the news page - if it is successful and does become a regular event, let me know, and I will add it to the events page. If you would like to submit a brief report and photo I'd be delighted to put it on our site.
Regards
Mike Hessey
The Folding Society
---
Link to Mike's news item:
http://foldsoc.blogspot.com/
Sue
2006 Hammerhead (Shark Gray)
nigelme
05-24-08, 04:34 AM
Any interest in an occasional folding bike meet, in say Hyde Park London, (or any place else?)
Team 'Smug Heads' (see the Dahon Hammerhead thread below), currently with an unofficial and unelected membership of, say, five, has brought up the topic of cycling round cities on goofy looking bikes, and cordially extend the invitation to 'Persons Owning Other Folders', for say a meeting on Sunday 1st June in Hyde Park London.
Any Interest? If not in June, then how about 1st Sunday in July? Ownership of a Dahon Hammerhead, in Shark Gray, while desirable, is not wholly essential.
Sue
2006 Hammerhead (Shark Gray)
Consider me, Nigel, there.
How will we recognise each other! :p
snafu21
05-24-08, 05:41 AM
How will we recognise each other?
I hadn't thought of that.
Also posted on the Dahon forum and fed to the Fodling, er Folding Society... 1st June is ok by me. Where's a good place to congregate and risk a SWAT team in Hyde Park, preferably with coffee and buns?
--
nigelme
05-24-08, 06:26 AM
How will we recognise each other?
Also posted on the Dahon forum and fed to the Fodling, er Folding Society... 1st June is ok by me. Where's a good place to congregate and risk a SWAT team in Hyde Park, preferably with coffee and buns? --
There is a tea house just north of the Serpentine going toward Poet Corner but I do believe there are several eateries in the park. I tend to bring a picnic on such outings.
You'll know me, I will be wearing a pink carnation, a trilby, twead jacket, lycra leggin's and toupee....no! scratch that, i'll be the smug bloke riding a Hammerhead.:)
LittlePixel
05-24-08, 12:32 PM
Being too lazy to get up in time to get a train to ever make it to any of the Foldsoc origami rides, this is a far more appealing prospect for me... I'm not too sure I can definitely make it but would love to come if indeed I can make it. Tea and buns being a good carrot on the stick naturally!
snafu21
05-25-08, 12:16 AM
Excellent. More recruitment going on in the Strida and A Bike fora.
The lure of coffee and buns is proving to hard to resist. Be there, or be er, hungry.
Can the mods here make this a sticky?
---
Sue - Cycling for England.
mulleady
05-25-08, 05:06 AM
Come on Littlepixel you can do it. Would love to see your fixed gear brommie in person! Remember I nominated you as the leading folder bike poser online. Why not live up to it in person lol?
Nekohime are you joining us all the way from LA on your Kent? If you come you can ride my Brompton lol!
snafu21
05-25-08, 07:01 AM
We need to see Bromptonauts there too. Is not London home of the Brompton, Goofiest of all the Folders? Actually, that honour might go to the Sinclair A-Bike. The thought of being overtaken by one fills me with dread. But, someday, it's going to happen.
mulleady
05-25-08, 07:34 AM
Bromptons are not goofy lol!! Especially in raw lacquer!
cyclistjohn
05-25-08, 08:04 AM
The thought of being overtaken by one fills me with dread. But, someday, it's going to happen.
I attended the German "Spezi" show, & an A-bike was on our tour bus, ridden by Paul; he led the pack to our restaurant one evening, & I can assure you, he was anything but slow - very impressive actually. I rode his bike for a short distance, & it was most definitely better than I imagined from reading some forum posts. Riding a bike is certainly the only way to know what it's like. "Armchair", or "forum speculation" riding, is just that, speculation.
nigelme
05-25-08, 08:36 AM
We need to see Bromptonauts there too. Is not London home of the Brompton, Goofiest of all the Folders?
I still intend to arrive on my Hammerhead, being one of the founding fathers/mothers of the 'Smug-heads' - I am, however, also a Bromptonaut, a Moultoneer and a Downtubian! :D
Chop!
05-25-08, 12:51 PM
Bugger! I'm in London on the 10th, be on route from Dublin to Wrecsam ar y diwrnod hwn (oops, on that day) LOL!
Hope it all goes well and that they don't slap a carbon offset tax on your Olympian coffee & cake extravaganza!
And as CyclistJohn said, the 'Birdy Freunde' from Germany were leading the Origami ride down the Rhein,
suddenly they stopped & said "It's not fair to let this A-Bike try to keep up with us, and in any case if he goes in
front it will slow us down and we're too early for the restaurant". So Paul Stobbs (http://www.flickr.com/photos/chop_and_his_crazy_world/2505771867/in/set-72157605147615845/) took the lead and set a cracking pace! Hills and even rough ground melted under his tiny wheels!!! Everyone was rightly impressed!
The next day I rode his A-bike again, this time 'in anger' and while it was not a patch on the Strida, I did manage
some silly speeds around the Spezi site! But there's no way I could match Paul's amazing efforts!
Safe riding (& snacking) Chop!
Sammyboy
05-25-08, 01:32 PM
I still intend to arrive on my Hammerhead, being one of the founding fathers/mothers of the 'Smug-heads' - I am, however, also a Bromptonaut, a Moultoneer and a Downtubian! :D
I'd been thinking about a name for Downtube riders, but I hadn't got any further than a plural - Downtubisti.
mulleady
05-25-08, 01:35 PM
Downtubulars!
nigelme
05-25-08, 01:52 PM
I'd been thinking about a name for Downtube riders, but I hadn't got any further than a plural - Downtubisti.
How about 'Yanists' - like Janists we respect the nature of everything (except nasty plastic folding pedals).
mulleady
05-25-08, 02:10 PM
How about 'Yanists' - like Janists we respect the nature of everything (except nasty plastic folding pedals).
No no! Lyansky the mad professor will get a big head! :lol:
LWaB
05-25-08, 02:42 PM
So Paul Stobbs (http://www.flickr.com/photos/chop_and_his_crazy_world/2505771867/in/set-72157605147615845/) took the lead and set a cracking pace!
Its not about the bike. Paul is an accomplished cyclist, though typically self-effacing. He did the 1979 PBP in around 80 hours.
snafu21
05-26-08, 12:46 AM
Well, regardless of what actually arrives, I hope to see many Folderisti in Hyde Park next Sunday. I alone will be responsible for filling London with traffic fumes, as I have to drive in from Oxford, in a 4x4 no less. I've made a complete nuisance of myself posting the event in every folding forum I can find, so I really hope somebody turns up. Yes, I'm bringing the Hammerhead, it would be rude not to. It's complete with plastic folding pedals, my lightweight go-faster MKS's haven't arrived yet.
I hope founding, sorry, Folding Father 'Nigelme' suggests a meeting point. Where's that cafe north of the Serpentine, N? Is there a loo?
I'll be there about 10:30. Please save me a bun, remember your hand-signals, and try not to exceed any speed limits....
Diode100
05-26-08, 01:19 AM
What a great idea ! Alas I'm in london the weekend after 1st June, but for July why not combine it with the weekend of the Smithfield Nocturne, which is the 5th I think.
Here's a map of Hyde Park showing the cycling routes :-
I'd been thinking about a name for Downtube riders, but I hadn't got any further than a plural - Downtubisti.
The Down-nuts! LOL! Chop! :thumb:
Dynocoaster
05-26-08, 01:25 AM
Downtubers.
nigelme
05-26-08, 02:38 AM
Down-Tools!
Ah! reminds me of my days with the union.:fight:
nigelme
05-26-08, 03:03 AM
...I hope to see many Folderisti in Hyde Park next Sunday. I think that's gay slang! Most things are.
..I alone will be responsible for filling London with traffic fumes, as I have to drive in from Oxford, in a 4x4 no less.
You will not be the only 'Boris!' in da Kensington area. I'm getting there on my 1x2.
I hope founding, sorry, Folding Father 'Nigelme' suggests a meeting point. Where's that cafe north of the Serpentine, N? Is there a loo? ...
I suppose we should set an example for the kids and stick to the 'designated cycle route'
The Boathouse has tea and...boats. It is a lovely spot. ( See Map link below )
snafu21
05-26-08, 03:12 AM
I like boats. Ok. I vote for the Boathouse about 10:30?
Do Dahons float? I'm not sure I fitted the brakes on properly.
snafu21
05-26-08, 03:17 AM
What a great idea ! Alas I'm in london the weekend after 1st June, but for July why not combine it with the weekend of the Smithfield Nocturne, which is the 5th I think.
Another good idea. Have you put it to the Committee? Oh! Wait. You are the Committee.
Have we got any contacts within the Nocturne organisation to help with publicity?
And do we get a badge, or anything? If you turn up, you get free life membership....
Thanks for linkies of cycle routes, Diode-dude. V. helpful.
I like boats. Ok. I vote for the Boathouse about 10:30?
Do Dahons float? I'm not sure I fitted the brakes on properly.
In which case don't, I repeat 'avast ye' cycle directly at the lake; hug the shoreline.
So 10:30 at the Boathouse. I like boats too; I come from a seafaring nation! ( are you sure you want to meet up with a group of people who speak this kind of twaddle? I know I do )
Diode100
05-26-08, 03:42 AM
Thanks for linkies of cycle routes, Diode-dude. V. helpful.
The map also shows the cafes. For a meeting point I'd suggest either one of the cafes at the ends of the Serpentine Road, where the roller bladers do their thing, maybe Queen Elizabeth Gate end is esier to find. The cafe at the bridge near the Diana Memorial gets very congested, and there is no room for the hundreds, well maybe dozens at first, of folder riders who will turn up !
snafu21
05-26-08, 03:45 AM
Queen Elizabeth Gate - 10:30
Ok by me.
Diode100
05-26-08, 04:00 AM
Queen Elizabeth Gate - 10:30
Ok by me.
My post crossed over, sorry, looks like the boys have decided on the boat house at 10.30.
mulleady
05-26-08, 04:03 AM
Which one is it then the QE gate or the Boathouse?!!!
nigelme
05-26-08, 04:28 AM
Queen Elizabeth Gate - 10:30
Ok by me.
Do you vacillate?
'Everybody's got to be somewhere!' but not two places at once. Unless this is a splinter group forming already. That's the problem with clubs and societies, they bifurcate over the most trivial of things ( Liberal/SDP, WDF/WPD, sunni/shia ).
Right! all those still loyal to the crown meet at Q.E. Gate; the New Folding Army at the Boathouse
Sammyboy
05-26-08, 05:16 AM
I alone will be responsible for filling London with traffic fumes, as I have to drive in from Oxford, in a 4x4 no less.
Train? You can take folders on the train I hear.......
Diode100
05-26-08, 05:25 AM
Do you vacillate?
'Everybody's got to be somewhere!' but not two places at once. Unless this is a splinter group forming already. That's the problem with clubs and societies, they bifurcate over the most trivial of things ( Liberal/SDP, WDF/WPD, sunni/shia ).
Right! all those still loyal to the crown meet at Q.E. Gate; the New Folding Army at the Boathouse
Sorry, this confusion is down to me making well intended suggestions before reading the previous posts. I humbly withdrawn my suggstion of QE Gate, stick with the boat house on the north shore of the Serpentine at 10.30. Just remember there is a 20 MPH speed limit in the park, so no need for those low rolling resistance tyres this time around.
snafu21
05-26-08, 06:52 AM
We can do both. Do we not have speedy folding bicycles? Are we not utterly mobile? Are we a nation of people who are always late and turn up at the wrong place?
Pah! QE Gate? Boathouse?
Waddever. 'Team Smug-Head' know no feah.. We shall be there, pumped up to 120 psi in our low-profile spats, with pink gin in our Camelbaks and a smile in our hearts.
"Cry God for Harry, England and St George!"
No littering please. See ya at the gate, en route to da boathouse.
LittlePixel
05-26-08, 07:35 AM
What a great idea ! Alas I'm in london the weekend after 1st June, but for July why not combine it with the weekend of the Smithfield Nocturne, which is the 5th I think.
Smithfield Nocturne is Sat 7th of JUNE - not July I'm afraid... I know cos for my sins I'm doing it.
Sammyboy
05-26-08, 07:52 AM
If it was 7th July, I'd be entering too. Next year....
snafu21
05-26-08, 08:12 AM
If it was 7th July, I'd be entering too. Next year....
Ok, for your dairies, or indeed, diaries if you don't live on a farm, the first Sunday in July is the 6th for the second meeting of the New Folding Army in Hyde Park, London, Englandville.
Diode100
05-26-08, 09:12 AM
Ok, for your dairies, or indeed, diaries if you don't live on a farm, the first Sunday in July is the 6th for the second meeting of the New Folding Army in Hyde Park, London, Englandville.
& to add further confusion, the week end after, Sunday 13th July, is the London Bikeathon - a team of folders in that would be a great idea !
http://www.londonbikeathon.co.uk/en/1/lbeve.html
snafu21
05-26-08, 09:47 AM
By the powers invested in me, <waves sword> and all who sail in me, I hereby appoint thee, Diode100, Folding Bicyclist, of Londonville, Englandshire, to be Events Secretary of the Hyde Park Folding Bicycle Association, with sundry powers, to whit, and to woo, nothwithstanding the formost, and in fee simple, argent on a fess sable three bezants.
<swipe>
There you go. See ya in the park
Amuro Lee
05-26-08, 10:25 AM
Goofiest of all the Folders? Actually, that honour might go to the Sinclair A-Bike. The thought of being overtaken by one fills me with dread. But, someday, it's going to happen.
I attended the German "Spezi" show, & an A-bike was on our tour bus, ridden by Paul; he led the pack to our restaurant one evening, & I can assure you, he was anything but slow - very impressive actually. I rode his bike for a short distance, & it was most definitely better than I imagined from reading some forum posts. Riding a bike is certainly the only way to know what it's like. "Armchair", or "forum speculation" riding, is just that, speculation.
I rode my A-bike in the "Ride of Silence (http://www.rideofsilence.org/main.php)" event which took place in Hong Kong last Wednesday.
Thank you Mr Lee, for your enticing pix of this noble cause.
As much as members of the Hyde Park Folding Bicycle Association would like to make it happen, we are not readily able to get over to Hong Kong this coming weekend, due to a previous booking elsewhere.
I wish I could do the London-Brighton, but I don't never cycled 50+ miles. Just driving down from Oxford in the 4x4 on Sunday is going to wear me out.
Luckily, I've been out on the Hammerhead every day this week, apart from the last two rainy days, so feel up to a pootle around, um, where ever we pootle at the weekend.
I'm looking forward to a dip in the Serpentine, espcially if the brakes fail.
Sammyboy
05-26-08, 12:31 PM
You can always accompany me on my Southampton-Cambridge-Southampton run Nigleme. Are you really a Scummer, or is that just hype? (the ultimate test being that you know what I'm referring to when I say "Scummer")
nigelme
05-26-08, 05:29 PM
You can always accompany me on my Southampton-Cambridge-Southampton run Nigleme. Are you really a Scummer, or is that just hype? (the ultimate test being that you know what I'm referring to when I say "Scummer")
Well a certain football team ( spit! ) won the FA Cup with a certain manager ( spit again! ). We stayed up with a glorious last ditched effort. :thumb:
I'm "Cockney" by birth but "Scummer" by family ties ( although I personally wouldn't cross a picket line or use the port whilst under union strike action )
September, So't'on - Cam; now there's an intriguing thought ( of course I have just bin down the boozer )
I have got the IX FS ( un-modified to date, the tyres still sound, the gears keep working; all great except those appalling disintergrating plastic pedals. )
Yeah! Maybe
Sammyboy
05-26-08, 11:53 PM
My IXFS came with alloy pedals, which seem ok, but I hear bad things about the plastic ones! I'm likewise a Londoner (not really a Cockney - Ealing isn't within the sound of the Bow Bells) by birth, but a Scummer by choice of location.
snafu21
05-27-08, 12:49 AM
Name of Ride: Hyde Park London Folding Bicycle Meet
Date: 1st Sunday in month (1st June/6th July etc)
Start location: QE Gate, Hyde Park, then to the Boathouse Cafe to pick up bun-eaters.
Meet time: 10:15-10:45 approx.
Roll time: Rolls are available in the cafe.
Distance: As far as you want, or go nowhere fast.
Difficulty Level: (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced) Yes. Families welcome.
Route: Serendipity on the day
Ride Description/Other Details: Meet other Folderisti, and stand around discussing folding bicycles. Then go for a ride en masse.
Pace: Waddever you like.
Awards: Attendees automatically become life members of the Hyde Park Folding Bicycle Association, should any such organisation actually exist.
Disclaimer: May contain traces of nuts.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Any more rules, chaps before we add this to the Shticky?
Karlgw
05-27-08, 01:28 AM
"I alone will be responsible for filling London with traffic fumes, as I have to drive in from Oxford, in a 4x4 no less."
Cheap day return from Oxford to Paddington - £19. Then just a 2-mile hop on your lovely folding bike to the Boat House, Hyde Park.
nigelme
05-27-08, 04:17 AM
Name of Ride: Hyde Park London Folding Bicycle Meet
Awards: Attendees automatically become life members of the Hyde Park Folding Bicycle Association, should any such organisation actually exist.
Disclaimer: May contain traces of nuts.
Any more rules, chaps before we add this to the Shticky?
I don't know if I want to be a member of a club that accepts people like me in it. Captain Spalding knows what I mean.
snafu21
05-27-08, 05:01 AM
"I alone will be responsible for filling London with traffic fumes, as I have to drive in from Oxford, in a 4x4 no less."
Cheap day return from Oxford to Paddington - £19. Then just a 2-mile hop on your lovely folding bike to the Boat House, Hyde Park.
Thanks for the second suggestion I get the train in. Fortunately, I have a nice 4x4 SUV. I do hope the roads aren't congested with straggly cyclists.