January – Progressive Dinner, Ride report from the rear

Posted on by helenhmk

The temperature was around 29c. A perfect January evening for a progressive dinner. The starting point was approx 3/4 into my ride home from work – so I considered that to be the perfect starting point. The ride started on the corner of East and South Terrace with 11 riders. At the outset there was not much information shared about the three destinations. We headed off single file along the brown path through the southern parklands dodging the joggers, dog walkers and workers trudging home. We quickly came upon our first stop: Chacha bar.

We received a warm welcome from Leyna at ChaCha-bar. The Bromptons were either locked up outside or parked on the inside (just the way we prefer). We then settled in for the appetisers. Everyone bought their own drink. We shared a range of snacks from spring rolls, Chacha KFC, mushroom boat and broccoli (ah great to have healthy options). We heard a lot about the car-stacking parking facilities for the residents of the building – but we decided parking would never be a problem given we all have Bromptons! Lizzie and Andrew joined us at ChaCha Bar – after making a significant contribution to science. We would have liked to stay longer to sample the Katsu prawn sandwich. But, it’s always important to leave something to go back for.

We were quickly back on our Bromptons weaving through the back-streets of Adelaide, and then we headed north west through the West Terrace Cemetery and the parklands. By this stage, there was a lot of guessing where Kym was leading us, and the options were decreasing after each significant main road. “Oh… maybe he is taking us towards North Adelaide”… “or it could be Norwood… you never know with Kym”, and then… if we don’t turn left here it has to be Bowden”. Bowden it was! We stopped at Bobibao, a Taiwanese restaurant. The restaurant has been here for as long as we can remember – and it has a nice casual atmosphere, and lots of seating outside.

The sun was starting to set. Everyone was full… but there is always room for ice cream! We all ensured our lights were on (who would cycle at dusk without lights – you never know who you will pass on the road!). We headed back through the parklands towards the Festival Centre (dodging the temporary fencing), behind Government House, Adelaide University, a little dip through the undercroft carpark to North Terrace, up Frome Street to Ebenezer Place to OVO for gelato. The gelato was perfect for the warm evening… and it was a perfect end to a loop ride. From this point a few Bromptoneers wound their way home, and the rest headed back to the starting spot through the East Parklands.

It was a great night for a ride, and something a little different from what we usually do on the Sunday rides. Additionally, there was a new Bromptoneer who came along for the ride, and shared with us his experiences and joy in cycling his Brompton overseas. Always good to meet new Bromptoneers!

After the ride, I always think to myself “Today’s ride was great – I should do the write within the next day or two so I don’t forget it…”. But the combination of heat, work and general busyness means that sometimes it is forgotten, and then I guiltily remember again. Hope you enjoyed my imperfect ride report.

Bromptoneers: 11 started; 11 finished at ice-cream stop – but they weren’t the same 11!

Distance: 17km approximately.

January 2026 Update

Posted on by kymdt

First ride of 2026 – January 2026 – Progressive Dinner

The weather is looking PERFECT for our first ride of the year on Wednesday 14 January commencing at 5:30pm. Details about the ride are available from this 202601 January 2026 Progressive Dinner – Adelaide CBD post.

It will involve three stops – entree, mains and dessert. So bring a healthy appetite, your lights and good humour.

If you are coming and haven’t yet registered please do so on the feedback page. This allows us to ensure that there is enough space around the dinner table.

2026 Full Ride Program

If you haven’t got one of our ride program postcards for your fridge, then you can always access the ride program online from the 2026 Adelaide Bromptoneering Ride Program post or you can add them directly to your calendar app.

2025 What a Year

In 2025 there were 12 Adelaide Bromptoneering Rides. If you rode all 12 you covered 247km and climbed 970 vertical metres. You may have consumed 12 beers and a few cocktails too! We did a pretty good job of getting around Adelaide as shown by the map below. I’ve updated details on the blog to include all of the routes we completed during 2025. So if you’d like to re-ride one of the routes or just reminisce you can do this from the new Adelaide Urban Adventures page. Over time I’ll include rides from previous years.

Featured Ride 202501 – Adelaide Bromptoneering x Brompton Social Ride (January 2025)

This ride is one of my favourite rides of 2025. It was a 23km loop through Adelaide, Parkside, Unley, Malvern, Kingswood, Kings Park, and Goodwood. A version of this ride was originally done in 2024, but it was brought back for the Tour Down Under as part of Brompton Australia’s ride program.

It was certainly hot at the 5:00pm start on 19 January 2025! While a gelato at 48 Flavours in Unley cooled us down, it would be better starting a little later in the evening. But we needed the early start to get to Reggies before its early Sunday closing time. Nevertheless, we got see some of the inner south’s back streets and lanes. This included the lane next with Urrbrae and Unley High Schools, the secret lane to Mitcham Primary School and the Overbury Tree.

B&W Luggage for Bromptons

It looks like someone has imported a bunch of B&W luggage for Brompton bikes into Australia. The following B&W luggage options seem to be available from a few bike retailers:

Some retailers are offering discounted prices and/or free delivery. Get that AI agent to help find the best deal for you!

December Ride Report from the Rear

Posted on by helenhmk

This month’s ride started at the Brickmakers Arms (new Christmas tradition..?). The weather was destined to be around 23 slightly overcast with potential rain, much cooler than the 30 degrees of the previous day. The Brompton line-up grew larger the closer it got to starting time. As if on cue – rain was thrown down at 11am for at least 2 minutes, scattering everyone to the nearby tree or pub walkway. The 16 Brompton Bike line up shows the variety of ‘Christmas’ inspiration themes. Once the ride briefing was over (and Christmas track selected) we were off… winding our way through Brompton & Bowden towards the path away from the city along the River Torrens.

The cycle path was pretty cruisey, with not too many pedestrians, dogs, or joggers for a Sunday. This was nice for a change! I felt that the group was fairly stretched out, but then suddenly we come to an unexpected quick stop in Underdale. It became apparent that Kym had experienced a sudden chain malfunction, which after some assistance was resolved and we were back on the road within five minutes. Leaving the River Torrens behind we weaved our way through the back streets of Underdale and Torrensville, and a few minor pedestrian crossings to get to Love On Cafe.

It was a great little stop! Perfect for the size of the group, which increased by 1 with Tin joining (the benefits of publishing the route in advance). The coffee arrived relatively fast… and the muffins were homemade (great to see baking on premises).

Before the ride it was suggested one of the prizes would be given to the fastest Brompton unfold – if there were people who wanted to compete. Thankfully there were four individuals prepared to take on the challenge (Peter, Richard, Andrew, and Tin) held alongside the cafe. The winner was Richard with a time of 9.98 seconds – impressive! Well done all!

After this entertainment, we got back on the bikes looping back through Mile End, crossing James Congdon Drive at the new pedestrian crossing, before traversing the parklands round the River Torrens, past Adelaide Oval and slightly uphill to North Adelaide. Of course there were back lanes, with only one wrong turn (Kym must of been enjoying the ride too much), before we headed back to Brompton.

There was a brief stop and photo opportunity at Walter Burley Griffin’s Incinerator (yes, the same person who designed Canberra). While there was the traditional Brompton bike photo – it was great to take one with everyone and their Brompton’s. At this point it was announced that Vanessa had won the best dressed outfit and bike. Vanessa really went all out with a complete Christmas theme outfit of a red reindeer skirt and jumper, bag with Christmas decorations and finished with silver shoes, a true top effort! Special mentions – Alison who dressed as the Grinch; Margaret with the Christmas Stockings across the front of the Brompton Bag; both Fei and Daniel with the Hello Kitty themed decorations (kawaii!); and Richard with the colour themed clothing and bow tie – perfectly fitting the theme of Brompton Cycling. After this it was a short ride back to the Brickmakers Arms, where the prizes provided by Brompton Australia and Treadly Cycles were distributed, prior to enjoying a festive lunch. Below highlights the variety of food enjoyed..

Given its the end of the year, Kym and I would like to thank everyone who comes out on the Brompton rides throughout the year. Whether you’ve been to one, or many – we really thank you for coming. You make Adelaide Bromptoneering what it is… otherwise it’s just me and Kym out for yet another bike ride around Adelaide.

We hope everyone had a fabulous Christmas with their family and friends.. and we will get to ride together in 2026.

Attended: 17 Bromptoneers + 1 extra at lunch

202601 January 2026 Progressive Dinner – Adelaide CBD

Posted on by kymdt

Time5:30pm
Wednesday 14 January 2026
Add all rides to your calendar
LocationCorner of East and South Terraces, Adelaide
Route15km, Adelaide
StopsThere will be three stops on this mystery route
[1] Entree an early chance for a light snack and a refreshing drink
[2] Mains a chance for a nourishing dinner
[3] A light dessert
RegisterPlease let us know you are coming…
NotesPlease bringing working front and rear lights
Please note that the ride will be cancelled if the forecast for 5:30pm is higher than 32c in the forecast issued 24 hours prior.

2026 Adelaide Bromptoneering Ride Program

Posted on by kymdt

  • January – Adelaide – Progressive Dinner
    Wednesday 14th
    5:30pm

  • February – Adelaide – Jeff’s Festival Ride
    Saturday 21st
    6:30pm

  • March – Dover Gardens – Patritti
    Sunday 29th
    11:00am

  • April – Canberra Takeover
    Monday 20th to Friday 24th, Monday-Friday

  • May – Port Adelaide – Pirate Life
    Sunday 10th
    11:00am

  • June – Thebarton, Brightstar
    Sunday 14th
    11:00am

  • July – Mitcham, The Ed
    Sunday 19th
    11:00am

  • August – St Agnes, SixTwelve Brewing
    Sunday 16th
    11:00am

  • September – Magill, Catlin on Magill
    Sunday 13th
    11:00am

  • October – Adventure Ride – Gawler River Brewing
    11th Sunday
    11:00am

  • November – Thebarton, The Wheatsheaf Hotel
    Saturday 28th
    11:00am

  • December – Brompton, The Brickmakers Arms
    Sunday 20th
    11:00am

Christmas and new year rides

Posted on by kymdt

Reminder: The Christmas ride is this Sunday (21 December) at 11:00am. The weather is looking cooler (23c), but a chance of a shower. Details available from December 2025 Social Ride – Brickmakers Arms Brompton post.

If you haven’t let me know that you are coming please do so by leaving a note on the Adelaide Bromptoneering Feedback page. This helps with planning the table for lunch at the Brickmakers Arms.

We have prizes thanks to Brompton Australia and Treadly. There will be a prize for the best dressed bike and/or rider, a prize for the fastest unfold, and a couple of door prizes.

There will be Christmas soundtrack this year. I’ll be playing it from my low powered portable IKEA blue tooth speaker. If you’d like to simulcast it to your own speaker then make sure you have downloaded DJ Riko’s 2025 Merrymixmas from this website https://djriko.com/merry-mixmas-mixes/ to your preferred portable device.

I’ve included some photos from last year’s Christmas ride for inspiration.

First ride for 2026

The first ride for 2026 will be a progressive dinner starting at 5:30pm on the Wednesday January 14 2026. Save the date!

November Ride Report from the Rear

Posted on by helenhmk

The November ride returned the heart of the city. It was a longer but fairly cruisy ride along some of Adelaide’s well known cycling routes. Venturing around road works, track works and suburban wetlands. In total we rode 24.8km with a slight vertical climb of 48m – barely noticeable.

As the photos show, it was a blue sky day and the temp was headed to around 32c. Thankfully the route was largely flat. Following the ride briefing, we headed North taking Grote Street towards the West Parklands towards the loop path around James Coglin Drive towards South Road.

Despite testing the ride just a couple days before, due to the changing nature of the South Road roadworks, we managed to make some quick on the spot decisions enabling everyone to be in the right spot at the right time. Phew… always a sigh of relief. Cycling down the West Side Bikeway towards Glenelg was at an enjoyable relaxed pace. There were only pedestrians and their furry companions for traffic, and crossing minor roads.

The next challenge was navigating around, and crossing the tram works, and heading to the morning tea stop. It was great to join up with Andrew and Lizzie with their cargo bike (made better with a Brompton in the cargo bay), just before the Oaklands Wetland and Reserve.

The morning tea break was fabulous. Huge thanks to Gail and Lizzie for bringing cake and Gail for the additional biscuits, which certainly fed everyone’s appetite up to that point. Top marks to Andrew for bringing along his camping stop and coffee making facilities – that is definitely next level commitment, and great use of camping supplies. There was the obligatory Brompton bike photo set-up on the bridge before we all headed back towards the city.

Leaving the wetlands behind we followed the cycle path alongside the train line towards town. While it’s quite a direct route, it certainly encourages speed. This was something Gail noticed, remarking everyone had increased their speed after the break. While the temperature was on the rise we stopped briefly Woodlands Train station. A few months back they had finished the art which is incorporated into the access tunnels and on the station itself. I think a few passengers on the train were relieved that 15 Brompton’s were not getting on board!

We sped towards the lunch destination at Silver Brewing – and everyone who stayed was pleased to be inside enjoying the air conditioning. Once we all managed to order some food (thanks to Margaret and Ian for ordering early enabling the rest of us to order the food we wanted instead of the mandated platters)… and drinks (yes the brewery was somehow a brewery with no beer of its own!!!).. We were all able to look back and say we enjoyed the ride.

The Adelaide Brompton rides are largely a mix of planing which involve testing routes, finding suitable relaxed food locations for mid-large groups… and a bit of luck. This ride certainly relied heavily on luck – and great company, so thanks to all who came out.

Attending: 15 Bromptoneers + 1 cargo bike

December 2025 Update

Posted on by kymdt

Brompton Christmas Ride – December 2025 – Brickmakers Arms

On Sunday 21 December at 11:00am, we will return to the Brickmakers Arms in Brompton for our Christmas Ride and Lunch.

This year, both Brompton Australia and Treadly are supporting our Christmas Ride and Lunch with some great prizes. There will be a best dressed bike prize, best dressed human prize, fastest unfold prize, and some lucky door prizes.

The routes for 2026 will be announced. This will include the routes for the Canberra Takeover in April.

If you are coming and haven’t yet registered please do so on this “feedback page”. This allows us to ensure that there is enough space around the lunch table after the ride! Please let me know in a note if a non-riding companion is joining you.

Get your very own Adelaide Bromptoneering Calendar

We had a great time with our regular Adelaide Bromptoneering rides. We have created the perfect souvenir of 2025. The Adelaide Bromptoneering Calendar 2026. It’s available now as a PDF by following the link.

Sneak Peek

The first ride for 2026 will be Wednesday the 14th of January starting at 5:30pm. So please add this to your calendar.

The reason for the odd time and the odd day is that the first ride for 2026 will be a progressive dinner. We will be visiting three local establishments in or near the CBD for entree, main and the followed by a lovely dessert.

We had a great time leading a similar ride for the Unley Bicycle User Group and thought we should share this experience with our Brompton friends.

Light ’em up

I was recently doomscrolling and came across what looked like a new and interesting set of lights specifically for Brompton Bikes. The Mini Bike Light Combo for Brompton from Magic Shine Australia. They state “The VTG lighting system is a high-performance, versatile solution designed specifically for folding bikes. Perfect for cyclists who enjoy urban commuting, leisure riding, and road cycling, the VTG system combines innovation, safety, and user-friendly design to enhance every ride.

The system includes three key products: the VTG 1000 Front Light, the VTG Wireless Remote, and the VTG 50 TL Tail Light. Together, they ensure maximum visibility and safety, all while maintaining a sleek and compact design.”

You can see a review here – https://youtube.com/shorts/OO63WnaJtps?si=7AMR7x61sKNm5rRy

November 2025 Update

Posted on by kymdt

Brompton Social Ride – November 2025 – Silver Brewing Co – Adelaide

Helen and I returned from our trip to Japan yesterday. We are looking forward to riding with you again this Sunday, 23 November 2025. We leave 11am from Silver Brewing Co in Gouger Street, Adelaide. The weather is looking warm (26c-29c during the ride). Please dress appropriately and bring some sunscreen. Details about the ride are available from the November 2025 Social Ride – Silver Brewing Co post.

Our coffee stop will be at the Marion Wetlands – this is a coffee outside moment – please bring your own coffee in a thermos or the necessary coffee making equipment with you. Gail will be bringing some lovely baked items to share (looking forward to these – thanks for offering!).

If you are coming and haven’t yet registered please do so on this “feedback page”. This allows us to ensure that there is enough space around the lunch table after the ride!

Ride Calendar for 2026

Planning has commenced for Adelaide Bromptoneering’s 2026 rides. The details will be announced at our Christmas Lunch on Sunday 21 December 2025.

Do you have a favourite ride that you like to do again? Or a new venue or location you think would be great for the Bromptoneers to explore?

Please send us your suggestions be leaving a comment on this post. You can do this by simply replying to the e-mail newsletter or if you prefer you can leave it directly on the blog.

I’ve created a gallery of photos from last years rides to inspire you!

Going to Japan with your Brompton?

You can find out about Brompton Community events in Tokyo (you’ll need to turn on your translate function) from this website >> https://brompton-community.peatix.com. You can message through organiser from the website – you never know your luck in the big city.

Brompton Junction in Tokyo can be found online here >> https://jp.brompton.com/find-a-store/brompton-junction/tokyo and in real life in Jingumae, a district of Shibuya.

I’d also recommend visiting:

  • Life with Bicycle which can be find online here >> https://lb-daikanyama.jp and in real life near Daikanyama, also a district of Shibuya. Life with Bicycle was the shop that fixed my bike last year after my pedal “bolt” broke in the crank. Very helpful!
  • Loro Slowspot which can be find online here >> http://www.loro.co.jp and in real life their Tokyo branch can be found in Nihonbashi, a district of Chuo City. When our friend forgot to bring her frame for her front bag, they helped us out by lending us one for the trip!
  • Rinproject makes a bunch of interesting gear for Brompton and other bikes. They can be found online here >> https://www.rinproject.com/index.html and in real life in Matsugaya, in Taito City.
  • Blue Lug has cool gear for all sorts of bikes, including Brompton. They can be found online here >> https://bluelug.com. They have three shops in Tokyo – I’ll let you Google them. Apparently, they also run a custom paint shop, a cafe and a barber!

If you happen to be heading down to the Shimanami Kaido next month, then you might able to join the Brompton in Palace meeting on 21 December 2025 in Sentoda. We have been to a few Brompton in Palace meetings when they were held in Tokyo. We met many liked minded Brompton friends.

I’ve included some photos from last trip to encourage you. And finally a shout out to Alison and Sam who are in Tokyo as I type.