One of our goals while on holiday was attending the “Brompton in Palace” meet and ride, which falls on the second Sunday every two months. While booking our flights we were careful to ensure we were in Tokyo the right day. Thankfully we were as over 100 Brompton owners & their bikes turned up for the event.

It was very impressive, seeing all the modifications and adjustments individuals had made to their bike.  From customised parts to personal creative designs for different fittings.  Impressive passionate owners!

Once everyone had turned up after the appointed time, the number was counted – in Japanese of course, which I understood.  The bikes were then placed in order of colour.

…and they certainly looked impressive 

Every Sunday between 10-3 the road in front of the Imperial Palace is closed for cycling.  A cycling group provides lessons for younger kids to have a go. You also see a wide range of cyclists – roadies, families, tandem, and tourists. Not everyone wears helmets either- it’s up to the individual.

Afterwards a large number of people had a pasta meal, which was enjoyable.

Sadly, it was the last meet. A permit has to be obtained prior to each meeting, and the organiser has been told they group are not able to meet there anymore.  It will be interesting to see what they continue to do as there are a number of passionate owners in Japan who meet and talk bikes. 

The person is this photo is Mayumi, leader of Brompton in Palace, and she initiated the meets starting.  Full credit to her, as it’s not easy to arrange something voluntarily for people to attend.  The numbers on Sunday certainly demonstrate support for the event. We had a really great time and grateful and appreciative of the kindness showed by everyone we’ve met associated with Brompton bikes in Japan. We look forward to seeing what develops with the group- but hopeful we will cycle with them again!