Folding Tomfoolery

TheJollyJimLad · June 2007

Apparently there are places left on this race!

http://www.smithfieldnocturne.co.uk/foldingbikerace.htm

Anyone up for it? [:)]

How many boards would the Mongols hoard if the Mongol hordes got bored?

domtyler · June 2007

I'm sure Origamist will be taking part.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Porridge not Petrol
________
RELIGION DISCUSSION

Origamist · June 2007

I would have, but I have a couple of 100kms on Dartmoor planned this weekend.

It would also have looked a bit sad if I had turned up with a chain whip, lockring tool, sprockets and a set of rollers (well, maybe not the rollers)for a few laps around a market.

Anyway, I am sure I would be beaten by my nemesis: the Cat 1 bowler-hatted Brompton rider...

Folders

Tynancp · June 2007

it sounds rather good fun

'The Race

Competitors, dressed in jackets and ties, will wait 15m away from their folded bikes, at the drop of the British Flag the competitors will have to run to their steeds, carrying them a further 15m before building them as fast as they can and setting off on a 5 lap dash.

In true commuter spirit, winner takes all - there's no second chance when it comes to catching your train . Expect fierce competition, barging and even a little cheating as our commuters race to prove their skills and we'll finally see which brand really is the fastest. The winner will receive a Dahon MuSL folding bike worth œ800, kisses from the podium girls and the unofficial crown of fastest folding bike racer in London. '

TheJollyJimLad · June 2007

In the spirit of research I am willing to to do my best to win so I may find out, firstly if a slob can succeed at anything, but even more importantly how the kisses of the podium girls compare with kisses from Ms TheJollyJimLad.

Purely research, you understand.

How many boards would the Mongols hoard if the Mongol hordes got bored?

georgeecp · June 2007

I've posted on my club website looking to borrow a folding bike, but to no avail, anyone willing to lend out one but is happy to have the living daylight wrung out of it in the name of healthy competition?

Please reply here, obviously I would need to be able to collect it from centralish London...

peejay78 · June 2007

i'd rather eat my own ebola-infected effluent than circle central london on a "folder".

winter: http://tinyurl.com/2xkbbs
summer: http://tinyurl.com/2hsagv

Ant Evans · June 2007

I'd be up for it, but my folder was nicked. Obviously. Are they having a race for bike thieves?

Beer is part of the solution. Are you?

Cunobelin · June 2007

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">but even more importantly how the kisses of the podium girls compare with kisses from Ms TheJollyJimLad<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

A bit of advice......

You are asking the wrong question here. As a longstanding married man the question is how the kisses of the podium girls compares with your partners right hook and her efficiency with a sharp knife.

He that buys land buys many stones.
He that buys flesh buys many bones.
He that buys eggs buys many shells,
But he that buys good beer buys nothing else.
(Unattributed Trad.)

TheJollyJimLad · June 2007

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by peejay78

i'd rather eat my own ebola-infected effluent than circle central london on a "folder".

winter: http://tinyurl.com/2xkbbs
summer: http://tinyurl.com/2hsagv
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Well, don't do it then. Sheesh!

How many boards would the Mongols hoard if the Mongol hordes got bored?

Ghost Donkey · June 2007

I'm getting a cheap folder for my bday but it's over a month away. Do you think they'll give a handicap to the 16" wheeled entrys over the 20" riders?

Bromptoneer · June 2007

I would have LOVED to have done that, but I'll be in Brussels over the weekend.

Must admit - I'd probably fall off my bike laughing though!

C'mon the Brompies!

TheJollyJimLad · June 2007

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Ghost Donkey

I'm getting a cheap folder for my bday but it's over a month away. Do you think they'll give a handicap to the 16" wheeled entrys over the 20" riders?
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

I'll be on a 3 speed Brompton which will probably be up against Airnimals, Bike Fridays, Dahons and Birdy's that will thrash me to high heaven but that's not really the point. It's the fun factor more than anything. It's probably the only time I shall get to compete on a folder with other commuters and it should be a laugh. There might be some cool customised jobs there too. Happy birthday in advance by the way!

How many boards would the Mongols hoard if the Mongol hordes got bored?

Origamist · June 2007

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">I'll be on a 3 speed Brompton which will probably be up against Airnimals, Bike Fridays, Dahons and Birdy's that will thrash me to high heaven but that's not really the point.<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

The Brompton can hold its own in that company. Don't forget, Airnimals and BFs take longer to fold and that is a factor in the Le Mans style race.

16" v 20" wheels will make no reel difference on that course - so don't worry overly about Dahons. If you want an idea as to who will be fast - look our for the guys with shaven legs...

If your riding an older Brompton I would stick a jubilee clip on the suspension bung, get flat or low riser bars, pump the tyres up, fit clipless pedals, ride in top gear and whirl the cranks like a Dervish and you will be in with a fighting chance (assuming you've got the lungs for it!).

My trip to Devon has now been cancelled, so I am tempted...

Folders

TheJollyJimLad · June 2007

Origamist - See you there then! I'm now going to put my Eggbeater pedals on!

Bromptoneer - Sorry you can't make it. Enjoy the Moules Frites and Trappist Beer though!

Cunobelin - Ms TheJollyJimLad can't make it to the event as one of her children is in a sporting event back in Surrey so it's far more important that she is there giving motherly support. However, if she were watching me and I defied medical science by making it to the podium and I was seen to really enjoy the smooches, well, the Brompton also makes quite a quick getaway vehicle. It's also weighty enough to be tied around a neck and thrown into the Thames as that would be my only way out.

How many boards would the Mongols hoard if the Mongol hordes got bored?

Ghost Donkey · June 2007

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by TheJollyJimLad

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Ghost Donkey

I'm getting a cheap folder for my bday but it's over a month away. Do you think they'll give a handicap to the 16" wheeled entrys over the 20" riders?
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

I'll be on a 3 speed Brompton which will probably be up against Airnimals, Bike Fridays, Dahons and Birdy's that will thrash me to high heaven but that's not really the point. It's the fun factor more than anything. It's probably the only time I shall get to compete on a folder with other commuters and it should be a laugh. There might be some cool customised jobs there too. Happy birthday in advance by the way!

How many boards would the Mongols hoard if the Mongol hordes got bored?
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Cheers.

It looks like it could be a lot of fun. It's a shame I can't get there and don't have a folder yet. They'll be others.

Bromptoneer · June 2007

Good luck TheJollyJimLad!

Remember to make sure the tyres are pumped right up and the chain is oiled!

If (when) you get a lead after the unfolding stage, try a bit of blocking la Lewis Hamilton to stop them overtaking...

I'll raise a Westmalle Triple at 2050pm CET to help you on your way!

palinurus · June 2007

How did you go then? weather was a bit dodgy, it was really hacking it down just before the start. I was sheltering under a covered bit some way from the finish, so i've no idea how it ended up.

Origamist · June 2007

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Palinurus

How did you go then? weather was a bit dodgy, it was really hacking it down just before the start. I was sheltering under a covered bit some way from the finish, so i've no idea how it ended up.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

The winner was riding a Xootr Swift. A good choice - folds quickly (but is a large package) and is very stiff.

The race was cut short - it went from 5 laps to 3 due to the heavy rain.

Folders

palinurus · June 2007

The Swift guy was out front when they came past me. Nice bike. The guy on the Strida went quicker than I thought he would.

TheJollyJimLad · June 2007

I was racing number 12 in a striking dark blue jacket with light blue shirt and tie! Me and the pocket rocket Brompton either came in 3rd or 5th, I'm not sure. I was in the chasing group behind the leader. It was a bit hair raising around some of the turns but it was superb fun, the other riders were wonderfully friendly and the crowd were superb weather considered. I hope the Brompton World Championships come to Britain next year!

The Smithfield Nocturne website wil have a full list of results posted soon. And it's also good to note that the rider that went down badly in the Regional A race is making a good recovery.

How many boards would the Mongols hoard if the Mongol hordes got bored?

Origamist · June 2007

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by TheJollyJimLad

I was racing number 12 in a striking dark blue jacket with light blue shirt and tie! Me and the pocket rocket Brompton either came in 3rd or 5th, I'm not sure. I was in the chasing group behind the leader. It was a bit hair raising around some of the turns but it was superb fun, the other riders were wonderfully friendly and the crowd were superb weather considered. I hope the Brompton World Championships come to Britain next year!

<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Great result TheJollyJimLad, well done.

Quite a few pics of the folder race here:
http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=smithfield%20nocturne&w=all&s=int

Start here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=slMqxvYNtdU
Looks very likely that the Brompton WCs will be in the UK next year...

Folders

palinurus · June 2007

Some pics appearing on Flikr

http://www.flickr.com/search/?s=int&q=%22Smithfield+Nocturne%22&m=text

My link looks all wrong. Its only a link to a search of Flikr searching tags Smithfield and Nocturne. Same search on YouTube gets a bit of folding bike action.

beaten to it!

Roastie · June 2007

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by TheJollyJimLad

I was racing number 12 in a striking dark blue jacket with light blue shirt and tie! Me and the pocket rocket Brompton either came in 3rd or 5th, I'm not sure. I was in the chasing group behind the leader. It was a bit hair raising around some of the turns but it was superb fun, the other riders were wonderfully friendly and the crowd were superb weather considered. I hope the Brompton World Championships come to Britain next year!

The Smithfield Nocturne website wil have a full list of results posted soon. And it's also good to note that the rider that went down badly in the Regional A race is making a good recovery.

How many boards would the Mongols hoard if the Mongol hordes got bored?
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Hey, well done! It looked fun. I watched the folding race from that tight corner down by the bottom of the hill. Some dude predictably came down there quite hard, much to the crowd's amusement.

Origamist · June 2007

Helmet cam of the folder race:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/player/sol/newsid_6240000/newsid_6246400/6246482.stm?bw=bb&mp=wm

Folders

TheJollyJimLad · June 2007

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Origamist

Helmet cam of the folder race:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/player/sol/newsid_6240000/newsid_6246400/6246482.stm?bw=bb&mp=wm

Folders
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Thanks for that!

The final results have come through by the way and I'm 5th (second placed Brompton though!). Bring on the World Championships next year and hope to see you there Origamist! [:D][:D]

Here's a pic of me leading the group (for a change)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/blech/613562023/

How many boards would the Mongols hoard if the Mongol hordes got bored?

Origamist · June 2007

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">The final results have come through by the way and I'm 5th (second placed Brompton though!). Bring on the World Championships next year and hope to see you there Origamist!<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

If I cut down on the ghee and lager, I will see you at the start-line next year...

I think 2 of the top 5 in the folder race were club riders...

Folders

TheJollyJimLad · June 2007

The only club I'm in is the CTC!

In preparation for next year I should also cut down on my appreciation of the architecture of pubs. When pay day arrives tomorrow I may invest in a titanium railed Brooks saddle and titanium seat post for weight saving. Ms TheJollyJimLad thinks I'm a very, very sad man......And she's right!

How many boards would the Mongols hoard if the Mongol hordes got bored?

Uncle Phil · June 2007

Why didn't they run one of these at the York rally? I would have entered.

"Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot
Nothing is going to get better. It's not"
- Dr Seuss

Give Baby Elephants Room!

Folding Tomfoolery

Comments

Categories