Tag: london
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Ronde Van Vlaaderen 100
This Sunday we witness not only a pre-cursor to the infamous Paris-Roubaix, but see history unfold as well. For it is the 100th anniversary of the Ronde Van Vlaaderen – the Tour of Flanders. Yes, they ride up the Koppenberg, the picture that takes up much of this page! Classic Royalty As much as the…
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Blooming Marvellous
Walk with me Every now and again I get a cycling revelation that makes a world of difference, boosting my confidence on the bike and demanding respect for those who choose to give it full welly on the pro-peloton. This past fortnight is such a moment. I learn four amazing facts: firstly, there’s no shame in walking. At the…
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Stand up for the Champions
Let’s eat It’s Friday night and my better-half is on an African-tip. (I am told) We have three options: a gig on the South-Bank is out of the running, as its too cold and far to appreciate; option two, is a stage-production of forbidden attraction in the time of Apartheid – interesting, but perhaps a little…
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Red and Black
Red and Black – they are our colours. In the run-up to the Spring Classics, where 10 Baroudeurs will attempt the Paris-Roubaix Challenge on April 6, and with all the dark-hard winter riding we have shared, why not have a good cheery song to whistle to?! ‘Red and Black – The London Baroudeurs Version’ is inspired by…
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Blue Steel Smash
Richmond – Guilford – Box Hill – Return Until a reasonable write up is penned, we had this little groove happen… No guitar, 2-by-4; JCB; Concords or ‘fish’ were injured in the making of this cycle ride. Although, pile-drivers and Chinese-burns may have happened away from camera.
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All I want for Christmas
Alright, there’s more than just sunshine we all want this Christmas, but considering the rainfall we’ve had recently it’s a good start. Baroudeur, Glenn ‘Bond‘ Jeffrey reminds us of the simple pleasures of riding with the sun on your back and the sweet scent of ocean air by your side. Thanks Glenn, and Happy Christmas…
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What’s in a Name?
Names have a purpose. As a parent, the decision to name your child can be fairly straightforward, or pretty hairy. A family tradition or even a chance to start anew with a fresh beginning. It’s like working on a clear canvas; having the opportunity to have fun and create. Although, being overly creative with a name…
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SPOTY – Gotta Love Ya!
Each year the sporting community comes together to celebrate their achievements through the BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year (SPOTY) . With an unforgettable season in cycling, it seemed the only event that could possibly compete against a second consecutive win in the awards would be the unprecedented success of the London 2012 Olympics. Winners:…
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From Russia With Love
If Daniel Craig forged a new era for 007, then Team Katusha has certainly reshaped the image of Russian Cycling. Repeated triumphs by the team and team leader, Joaquim ‘El Purito’ Rodriguez, has catapulted Katusha to the premier league in what is possibly their most successful year to date. Nonetheless, on Monday 10 December, the…
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Good things come
Good things come and good things go. Sometimes, they come in small packages. And on occasion they’re so good, that they don’t go away at all; instead, they stand the test of time. Just like Dr. Alex Moulton’s revolutionary take on the bicycle. Turning design on it’s head, the inventor introduced small wheels that work…
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You got something to say
It’s now more popular than ever to ride a bike. A pleasing phenomenon not just occurring in our country lanes, but in our bustling high streets too. A walk down Oxford Street and you’ll see push-bikes everywhere: on the roads and in fashion stores as well. It’s the all new handbag, and smart-phone for the…
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Blue Steel and a Dancing Stag
Fooled again. It was with a false sense of security as I rolled into Richmond Park. The mercury dropped by 5 and it was freezing! All the same, a spellbinding welcome of low mist hovering over frosty meadows, and a glowing sun soon made things right again. That and the fine company: great to see…
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Broken Seats
Seat comes off. No broken hearts, thank God. That could very well have been the result if it had come off mid-descent! Thankfully, Big Chase; Dixon and Matt were able to find all the bits and pieces and put me back on the bike again. Whilst the fiddly bits were being taken care of, Dixon shared the…
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Super Steel
This lovely film from Rapha showcases the work of Dario Pegoretti, TIG weld pioneer and builder of bikes for Marco Pantani and Big Mig amongst others…
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Vorsprung…The Invisible Helmet
Yes, you know how this one should go: ‘Vorsprung Durch Technik’, the German phrase popularised by the Audi car manufacturer. It can be roughly translated into English as ‘progress through technology’. Although, a more literal translation would be ‘advancement through technology’. So far it seems, there is no single English word which is an exact rendering of ‘vorsprung’; ‘to leap ahead’ comes…
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Ulysses
It little profits that an idle king, By this still hearth, among these barren crags, Match’d with an aged wife, I mete and dole Unequal laws unto a savage race, That hoard, and sleep, and feed, and know not me. I cannot rest from travel: I will drink Life to the lees: all times I…
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Glenn, Baroudeur, Singapore
First real ride as a Baroudeur & already tarnishing the cc’s name! Thought we’d head into Gardens By The Bay for a coffee. Unbeknown to me, you can’t ride your bike around there! I was chased around by a local woman wielding her camera tripod at me (and I quote) for “breaking the law!” Not…
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Crash
It is a sad truth, known to everyone who watches the Tour de France each year, that occasionally, despite the best will in the world, riders fall off. When this happens, there are unavoidable consequences. These may take the form of injuries and wounds. Sometimes, these are sufficient to force the rider to abandon the…
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Baroudeur Big Ride – October 2012
The clocks are going back an hour to mark the return of Greenwich Mean Time. Everyone is excited, including the news-readers, as most people in the UK have an extra hour in bed! That is, everyone except me. The Baroudeur Big Ride returns, and despite the nippy weather, the ride is always much fun. I…