Can it be adjusted..?

Posted on by helenhmk

Travelling with Brompton’s overseas is always an experience. Today it’s the second leg of the journey from Sydney to Tokyo. Checking-in for the flight is a liberating moment as you finally get rid of the suitcase/s, and take that fateful look at the weight of what you packed.

Our bike cases, which contain bike, helmet, poncho weigh around 21-23. Kym’s bike case is lighter than mine, but I have the added advantage of four wheels, and easier manoeuvrability. My case is on the heavier side… now I know there are people with Brompton who travel with soft bags and find they work well (your faith at the care baggage handlers have in Australia is admirable). These cases enable us to effectively get the bikes to the hotel in Tokyo and we don’t touch the cases until we are coming back (thank you hotel!). We have learnt over the years to avoid, where possible, taking large bags on trains in Tokyo.

My bike bag was 23.6kg… ‘can you adjust the contents of the suitcase? We want to ensure luggage is 23 and below’. Was the question asked… explanation of travelling from Adelaide previous day and indication we would remember and modify for the next flight. Minor hesitation from the counter attendant…. and the heavy bag was accepted and case sticker was applied. Weph! On the upside the next bag placed on was 9.6kg!

Door needs charging…

Posted on by helenhmk

We checked in ✅

Had drinks at bar with view of airport ✅

Return to access room 🙅‍♀️

After a couple of attempts, and resetting the room key, a staff member (chief charging officer) came to our room door and had to recharge the swipe key access. It took less than ten seconds, and the swipe keys worked again enabling room to access.

Highlighting every industry has its technical issues…

… and we are go!

Posted on by helenhmk

This holiday feels like it’s been a long time coming, but I’m so happy it’s here.

After a morning running around completing small jobs, we were packed and managed to watch the last episode of Slow Horses 🫣 before setting off for the airport.

Surprisingly we managed to bump into a couple of Bromptoneers (without their bikes 🚲) 👋 after being dropped off – sooo Adelaide!

After checking in we managed to sneak in a quick drink….and by the time we were at the gate we spotted our bags on the trolley prior to it being loaded on the plane. Can you spot them…?

November 2026 Wheatsheaf Hotel – Adelaide Bromptoneering Social Ride x Lunch Outside.

Posted on by kymdt

Time11:00am Saturday 21 November 2026
Add all rides to your calendar
Getting thereThe closest train station is the Mile End Station on the Seaford and Belair lines. The closest tram stop is Thebarton.
LunchWe will be grilling sausages for lunch. I’ll be bringing enough sausages for the usual number. If you have a dietary requirement let me know in your registration. I’ll be seeking a small contribution to cover the costs.
LocationWheatsheaf Hotel
39 George St, Thebarton SA 5031
Route22 km loop through Thebarton, Hindmarsh, Flinders Park, Kidman Park, Findon, Woodville South, Croydon Bowden and Southwark.
Strava Link
GPX Route (to be updated)
Refreshment Stops10km Collins Reserve for BBQ lunch.
22km Wheatsheaf Hotel for rehydration and a snack,
RSVPLet us know if you’re coming on the registration page.

October 2026 Adelaide Bromptoneering Update

Posted on by kymdt

Next ride – briefing

Two bicycles parked on a coastal pathway along rocky shores and a calm sea.

The next ride is Sunday 11 October leaving from Lonsdale Railway Station at 11:00am. We will be on the Seaford Train arriving at Lonsdale 10:41am. We will be boarding at Woodlands Park at 10:15am. Otherwise, there is car parking at the station. Details including the route and a GPX file are available on the October 2026 Lonsdale Adelaide Bromptoneering Adventure Ride.

This is an adventure ride, so bring your adventuring boots. For the most part we will be on paths and tracks which means there isn’t too much traffic. There are however some on-road sections in industrial areas but the timing of the ride should mean that this will be pretty quiet. There are some sections on beachside paths – if the weather is good we are likely to experience pedestrian activity. As usual in these circumstances, please ride single file, ring your bell or talk to people you are passing, give space and go slowly.

A significant portion of the ride is on single track near the Onkaparinga River. This is likely to be quiet but there may be other track users including the occasional reptile. I only saw a stumpy tail lizard on the test ride. Google AI advises however that “If you see a snake ahead while riding, stop safely if you have enough distance, or maintain your momentum and roll past its tail if stopping risks a crash. Never attempt to touch, poke, or ride over a coiled snake on purpose, and always give the animal a wide berth to escape.” The rest of the ride is on the relatively quiet Coast to Vines trail!

There are a few little mounds that for safety reasons we will hike our bikes down. Bromptons are flexible, but they are not downhill mountain bikes!

Let us know if you are coming on the registration page.

2027 Ride Program

A row of bicycles parked on a path overlooking a beach and ocean. In the background, there are trees and a clear blue sky.

I am starting to plan the rides for 2027.

I have prepared a short survey to get your feedback on what you would like to see in 2027.

Take the 2027 Adelaide Bromptoneering Rides survey.

Lighting the way

A red folding bicycle parked on a dirt path surrounded by low vegetation under a blue sky.

You may have seen some new bike lights on Helen’s bike. They are Magicshine remote controlled lights. They are designed to work work with more recent C/P Line Bromptons. They are impressive lights that don’t get in the way of folding. Magicshine have a range of parts that fit on Bromptons. They have given us a 15% discount code valid until the end of January 2027 – Bromptoneering15

For those interested about attaching them to older Bromptons. The remote controller attaches to one of the gear shifters. But if you have an older bike like Helen you will need to buy a compatible remote control that uses rubber rings to attach. Similarly, the front bike mount works with newer Brompton. But it may not work on older bikes as the mount is too wide for the front brake bolt. Rockbros have a mount that fits older Bromptons.

Next Rides

Please note the change to date for the November ride. The original program (postcard) was Saturday November 28 it is now Saturday November 21.

  • Sunday October 11 at 11:00am – Adventure Ride – Unit 3 Collective, Lonsdale (Brompton Bike Adventure Ride)
  • Saturday November 21 at 11:00am – The Wheatsheaf Hotel, Thebarton (Brompton Bike Social Ride)
  • Friday December 4 at 6:30pm – Goodwood Railway Station (All bikes welcome)
  • Thursday December 10 at 11:00am – Glynde – The Suburban Brew – Thursday Throwback (All Bikes Welcome)
  • Sunday December 20 at 11:00am – Christmas Ride – The Brickmakers Arms, Brompton (Brompton Bike Social Ride)

Thursday Throwback

Posted on by kymdt

Just in case you were planning to join me for tomorrow’s Thursday Throwback ride, I had delayed releasing the ride details because of the weather forecast. With up to 25mm forecast for tomorrow, I have now decided to cancel tomorrow’s ride.

The next Thursday Throwback ride will be in December. Details shortly.

October 2026 Lonsdale Adelaide Bromptoneering Adventure Ride

Posted on by kymdt

Time11:00am Sunday 11 October 2026
Add all rides to your calendar
Getting thereWe will be on the Seaford Train arriving at Lonsdale 10:41am. We will be boarding at Woodlands Park at 10:15am. Otherwise, there is car parking at the station.
LocationLonsdale Railway Station
Lonsdale SA 5160
Route29 km loop through Lonsdale, O’Sullivan Bech, Christies Beach, Port Noarlunga, Huntfield Heights, Hackham West, Morphett Vale. 259 Vertical metres and 10 km or so of gravel, dirt or single track.
Strava Link
GPX Route
Refreshment Stops3km screaming seagull for coffee and/or toast.
16.5km Kimber Park – own refreshments.
25.5km Unit Three Collective – drinks, beer, snacks, order in food, BYO food.
RSVPLet us know if you’re coming on the registration page.

September 2026 – Ride Report from the Rear

Posted on by helenhmk

September’s ride commenced at Catlin on Magill Road, which is a suburban tasting room for the winery. While parking was limited, the opportunistic ones took advantage of the numerous car parks at Magill campus of Adelaide Uni. However, there was limited signage about parking. The less risk adverse took the limited opportunities in the side streets.

Following the traditional line-up and informative ride briefing (second version had more detail – more like that style please Kym!) we were back on the bikes and following the route through the Uni campus admiring the early 70’s story cement style. Making or way through to the other side, we began zigzagging through the side streets when the dark cloud unleashed some rain. Some pulled over immediately to throw on a rain jacket, while others had made it to the local shops on St. Bernards road for shelter. Being spring, the rain lasted as long as it took everyone to cross the traffic lights – that’s cycling.

While Campbelltown housing area seems to be a mishmash of housing styles, surprisingly Kym managed to find a gravel path called Kuula Tapa, translated as Koala Lane between Courtabie and Jury avenues in Rostrevor. It was delightfully filled with native plants, including wattle which was in bloom. From here we headed slightly up to the trail alongside fourth creek which took us all the way to Hectorville.

September’s coffee stop found us at ‘Daly Coffee Kick’ at Daly Oval in Tranmere.  At the time there also was a local celebration with a BBQ. Ian took advantage of a cheap egg and bacon sandwich, all for a good cause.  It is a great local run cafe – and worth the stop.

Cycling through the back streets was pretty cruisey. While there were a couple of minor busy roads, and traffic lights for crossing points. Many at the back were pretty lost and couldn’t quite place where we were in relation to the start.  There was a general sense of confusion between Kensington Gardens Reserve and Kensington Oval (weren’t we just here a few minutes ago?). Cycling through Coopers Avenue between Statenborough Street and Stanley Streets was an interesting choice (yeah – open fence). Thankfully the rain held off, it wasn’t long before we were back at Catlin on Magill Road, taking in the delights of the mid century seating and decor while relaxing with a wine or beer, and a toastie. It was certainly an enjoyable backstreets ride – perfect for Bromptons!

Riders start: 13

Riders completed the full distance:13 

Flat Tyres: 0

Tip: parking is free on weekends at Magill campus.

September 2026 Adelaide Bromptoneering Update

Posted on by kymdt

Next Ride

The next ride is Sunday 13 September leaving from Catlin on Magill at 11:00am. I forgot to include the registration link on original route post. If you haven’t registered that you are intending to ride on Facebook, then please follow the link to register at Bromptoneering.blog. This will help me ensure that everybody has a seat!

The weather is looking like the perfect spring day. The route takes us through the back streets of the “outer” eastern suburbs. It will involve riding on some narrow gravel and paved paths. If there are walkers, I will call out and slow down to fast walking pace. Depending on the circumstances, I may stop to allow the walkers to pass safely. On these paths please ride single file.

There will be a number of major roads that we will cross without the advantage of signals. I am expecting that the roads will be reasonably quiet. In most of the crossings there is space in the middle of the road. However, please exercise caution at these crossings.

Given the ‘tilt’ of the Adelaide plains there will be some gentle inclines as we head east or south, but this is compensated some nice freewheeling as we head north and west. Take it at your pace and Helen and I will ensure the group stays together.

Throwback Thursday

This Thursday (10 September at 11:00am) I will be re-riding Adelaide Airport – Yellow Matter route originally used on 28 July 2024. This time I will start and finish at Beach Break Cafe (1 Seaview Rd, West Beach SA 5024). If you have a big wheeled friends who you think might enjoy this ride, then it’s ok to bring them along! No RSVP required just turn up on the day.

The next Throwback Thursday 1 October. If there is a ride you’d like to re-ride with me let me know on Sunday.

The Sydney Engineer Who’s Ridden 5,000km on a Folding Bike

Gordon has ridden one or another of his Brompton folding bicycles more than 5,000 kilometres since 2020, across the UK, Taiwan, California, and France, including up the famously brutal Mont Ventoux ascent, the so-called “Giant of Provence”, where the grades are as steep as 10%.

Some of those kilometres were in Adelaide earlier this year and few more were in Sydney when he rode part of the Greater Sydney Bike Trail with us.

Full story on CycleHub.com.au

Upcoming Social Rides

The rides for the remainder of 2026 are: