Saturday 18 August 2012

Random Reasons to Love London #7

Last Sunday evening, I succeeded in hiring my first ever Boris bike. For those unfamiliar with them, Boris bikes are London's bike hire scheme, nicknamed after our buffoon of a mayor. But, it was brilliant fun and now I'm somewhat addicted - I just want to get back on a bicycle and hit London's mean streets again. Preferably, though, I would like to get my own because the Boris bikes do have their shortcomings, particularly the gear system which means you have to cycle especially vigorously for not too much gain...

Boris bikes, all ready to take me on adventures (Image source)

But it's such wonderful fun, whizzing around London's streets on a bicycle. My first experience, which took place last weekend with The Cat, happened as we were walking home from the Barbican after martinis on a mild Sunday evening. I've tried to hire before but not had my card accepted. This time, however, it worked. I was just going to go for a slightly scenic, meandering ride home but The Cat was so enthused that he suggested we ride down to the river. And so we did. Down winding, cobbled lanes and across Blackfriars bridge, with London buildings sparkling in the evening light and the Thames flowing under us. Perfectly romantic!

Then I had another chance for a ride yesterday evening, when I was heading down to south London to play boules in Cleaver Square and then out to dinner.

Cleaver Square, with its boules gravel (Image source)

One of our party was riding his bike so I opted to join him on a Boris bike, rather than catching the tube or bus. Down over the river again, to Kennington, via the perilous Elephant & Castle roundabout, at which point he leaned over to me as we were stopped at traffic lights and said, 'If your mother could see what you were doing right now, she would kill me' (... and now my mother is going to read this, so I will make sure to keep this friend anonymous, just in case!). But there is something that appeals to me about cycling through busy streets much more than the prospect of, say, cycling along country lanes. Although I'm sure that would be lovely too.

Finally, we cycled home at the end of the evening after dinner, whizzing back east along the Embankment from Vauxhall. A far nicer way to end an evening than getting on the tube, even if I probably got more sweaty... At least it's satisfying sweat mixed with invigoration and satisfaction, rather than the uncomfortable sweat caused by the unnatural atmosphere of the underground.

Embankment - not quite like this anymore, but just as pretty to ride along at midnight (Image source)

I'm so sad to think that Sydney doesn't have a bike hire system (as far as I'm aware?) because it would be perfect to be able to carry on with my new found love while I'm on holiday. But when I'm back in London, I will start looking into acquiring my own bike, and will continue to take advantage of the Boris bikes in the interim.

The only problem with cycling around London is the risk of getting distracted by all the beautiful buildings you pass, especially dangerous when you're with a fellow architectural historian, as I was last night! Eyes on the road, people!

9 comments:

  1. Ah Cleaver Square used to be one of my hangouts when I lived in Oval! You bump into many a politician in the pub on the corner.

    Speaking of random but fab things about London, I'm so excited, I have to share! I've had an offer accepted on a Grade 2 listed Almshouse in Penge! Not the best neighbourhood but a gorgeous cluster of homes - look it up, it's called Waterman's Square x

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    1. I was very pleasantly surprised by Cleaver Square. I really don't know South London terribly well at all, but have often found some lovely parts when I have been down there for whatever reason.

      I've been to Penge, believe it or not! Though I don't remember it very well... The houses look amazing though! How exciting! I hope you've heard good news! x

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  2. Oh so romantic. I am very ashamed to say that I have my own bike but I hardly ever ride it. I used to ride it to work but stopped for a while and then got the fear. So I walk everywhere now. I have promised myself that i'm going to invest in a good helemt and get back on it. It definitely is the best way to travel.
    Also that is so lovely that you and the cat have been together 7 years too. How do you celebrate if you don't have an actual date? I guess you could just pick a random day every year, I think that would be quite exciting. :-) xx

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    1. You should absolutely get back on your bike! Although walking is the next best thing and, if like me, your whole life is centred on a few miles radius, then walking is often sufficient... and you don't have to worry quite so actively about being knocked over by cars!
      It is sort of sad to not have an anniversary. It's occasionally come up that we should identify some kind of date to celebrate but it's never really happened! Like you say though, it does mean we have fun random dates from time to time x

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  3. Oh mother doesn't mind! Remember that I joyfully ride around in our country town sans helmet, gleefully telling people that I just pretend that I'm in London where the helmetless cyclists mix it with doubledecker buses. I have a photo of a chap racing sooo fast with a doubledecker belting along behind him. I know it was dangerous, but I was impressed with the cyclists ability. But if there's traffic or I'm dodging car doors opening, I simply ride on the footpath. There I pretend I'm 13 or whatever the maximim age it is that you are allowed to ride on the footpath. But you must get an Oxford bike, complete with cane basket. Then decorate it seasonally. Your riding stories really struck my heart. Beautiful!

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    1. Helmetless riding definitely feels more free. It's just a shame that it's so dangerous! I would love to get a pretty bike with pretty basket but then I'd always be scared to leave it out on the street, even locked up! I'm glad you enjoyed hearing my stories - I'll have to make sure to tell "my friend" that you approve, in order to ease his mind!

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  4. I think I might know who your workmate cyclist is ;)

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  5. Cool looks like you've found a whole new way to explore the city. Sydney doesn't have a bike share? Seriously? Come to Melbourne instead-we have one ;)

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    1. I did read that Melbourne has the hire scheme there - but how annoying that you have to wear a helmet! I might still see if I can check it out when I pass through Melbourne. Sydney is so hilly I feel it would be a bit too much hard work to cycle around anyway!

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