I was all set to share some images from a 4 day sunny bike tour through Kent… and then I remembered the fun times I’d had in the Big Smoke on my way there! Namely, attending Wizard Work’s weekly Coffee Outside and sharing an early morning brew with an assortment of friendly bicycle and coffee enthusiasts, on the shores of the old Thames waterway in the hubub of Southwark. From King’s Stairs Gardens, London’s striking skyline, a riot of monoliths headlined by the Shard and the Gherkin, is like a glimpse into a cinematic future, towering as it does above the regal edifices of St Paul’s Cathedral and Tower Bridge.
This lovely caffeinated gathering was followed by an equally lovely historic, riverside ramble with Wizard Works’ owners Harry and Vee to their HQ in Greenwich: housed in a shimmering, contemporary creative space near a broad bend in the river, just past an Anthony Gormley sculpture.
Lastly, I took the opportunity to enjoy a good ol lounge on a comfy sofa in Peckham, thumbing through early issues of Mountain Biking UK (the golden era of British ATBs!), admiring a fine collection of steel frames, and bobbling Tom Ritchey’s head in Seabass Cycles, before taking to the road once more.
Also, I had the chance to try Kiwi-style Marmite! Needs a bit more butter than usual, IMO, but quite delicious! Thanks for all the hospitality!
Wizard Works organise a weekly Wednesday coffee outside, drawing a fine collection of bike nerds and coffee connoisseurs alike. 7-9am at the Kings Stairs, be there!
Above and below: a special delivery, Wizard Works HQ, plus a beautiful zine on How to Bike Camp. I think blogs and zines are the way forwards!
I’m a big fan of the paint splatter…
Spot the airstream.
I thorougly enjoyed my sofa time in Seabass Cycles, Peckham.
Bobbling Tom Ritchey, who I had the honour of riding singletrack with in Bristol some years ago!!
Life was simpler back then… and so were bikes. It’s nice to see some shops recognise this, and celebrate it too.
So long Vee and Harry… and thanks for all the Marmite!
B-Roll
Epilogue
After this short stint in London, Simon and I rode to Surrey on his brand new stealth Rufus Stone Rune, in preparation for our bike tour in Kent. More to come!
The Route
Thanks for reading. Any questions, fire away!
