The Folding Society

Origami ride - February 11th - Windsor

2012-01-31T12:46:00.002Z

Our February 11th Origami ride starts in Windsor. More details are here

Crossing Continents

2012-01-18T12:45:00.002Z

A new section describing "Extrordinary Journeys" has been added to the Brompton website here.

Origami ride - January 14th - Codsall, West Midlands

2012-01-02T11:09:00.002Z

Happy New Year to everyone ! Our first Origami ride in 2012 will be on Saturday January 14th from Codsall, in the West Midlands. More details are here, along with an outline of our planned rides for the rest of the year.

Origami ride - December 10th - Meriden

2011-11-28T12:17:00.002Z

Our December 10th 2011 Origami Christmas ride and social will start from the Tea Room in Meriden, Warwickshire at 10:30 for 11 am. Lunch will be at the Bull's Head, Meriden, as before. More details are here.

Brompton Bicycles' Will Butler-Adams appointed Industry Champion

2011-11-16T11:36:00.011Z

Business Secretary Vince Cable and Business Minister Mark Prisk have unveiled a new campaign to promote UK manufacturing - Make it in Great Britain. The campaign will coincide with the 2012 Olympic Games; an exhibition will run in the Science Museum from July 24th to September 9th. Brompton's Will Butler-Adams - together with other leaders of UK manufacturing from Ford UK, GlaxoSmithKline and Bombardier Aerospace among others - has been formally appointed as an Industry Champion to support and promote the campaign. For more information follow the link (you have to right-click and open in new tab / new page).

Origami Ride - November 12th - Stafford

2011-10-28T20:35:00.002Z

Our November 12th Origami ride is from Stafford. More details are on the Origami web page.

Tern bicycles now shipping

2011-10-14T07:09:00.003Z

Tern bicycles - the new folding bike manufacturer headed by Joshua Hon - has announced that it has started shipping its bikes with the first batch now en route to Germany. The company has also announced the UK distributor for its bicycles and accessories will be Evans Cycles

October 8th - Warwick Origami ride

2011-09-26T20:30:00.003Z

Our October 8th Origami ride starts from Warwick, meeting at 10:15 onwards for an 11 am start. The route will include the new Sustrans Connect2 bridge in Kenilworth. More details are here, but note that we're starting from a cafe near the station, not the station itself.

Gocycle G2 announced

2011-09-22T11:09:00.006Z

On the same day as Brompton announce their long-anticipated eBrompton (see post below) Gocycle announce the new incarnation of their folding eBike offering - the G2 - now with a Lithium battery, extended range (up to 40 miles), integrated dashboard and other new features. More information here.

eBrompton confirmed

2011-09-21T18:08:00.000Z

Today's post from Brompton confirms what some of us were hoping for - an eBrompton will be coming in 2012! Electric assist - yes, if you are young and fit you may sneer, but for me, I had a severe back problem in mid-2010, which has not disappeared, and I've only been able to ride a Nano Brompton since, so this is important news for me, and I suspect quite a lot of others too. I can't wait to try one, but in the meantime I will be going to local Origami rides (changing platforms for longer journeys is a problem even with a Brompton!) with the Nano.

September 17th Swindon Smallwheels Origami Ride

2011-09-11T10:50:00.002Z

Our September Origami ride is combined with the Swindon Smallwheels ride, and starts in Swindon on September 17th, a week later than normal, to avoid clashing with the Moulton Club Bradford on Avon weekend. More details are here

Tern Bicycles site goes live

2011-08-02T07:33:00.003Z

Tern Bicycles is a new company manufacturing folding bicycles that is the result of a split between David Hon - founder of Dahon Bicycles - and his son Joshua and wife Florence. Details and pictures of the new bicycles from Tern are now available at the Tern Bicycles website.

August 13th Origami Ride - Didcot

2011-07-27T09:52:00.003Z

Our Saturday August 13th Origami ride will start from Didcot in Oxfordshire. Note that we'll be starting from Boswell's cafe in the town, not the station itself. More details are here.

Small wheels, big distances

2011-07-21T12:15:00.002Z

At least 3 Origamiists completed the 120-mile Dunwich Dynamo night ride from London to the Suffolk coast on a Brompton P6R, a Moulton TSR8 and a Pacific IF Reach over the night of the 16/17 July. I understand that some Origami ride regulars have done much greater distances - Dave "PBP" Minter is a case in point - but 120 miles in one day (OK technically 2 days as it was overnight) is more than I've ever done on any bike before. The small-wheelers held up well over the distance - more than can be said for my knees! A number of other folders and small wheelers were seen on the ride including a Dahon Vitesse, several other Bromptons and at least a couple of space frame Moultons. Other notable bikes included a Cargo bike, complete with 2 spaniels in the front box, and a Barklays 'Boris' bike.

July Origami Ride - Market Harborough

2011-06-28T15:58:00.002Z

The July Origami ride starts in Market Harborough, Leicestershire - apparantly a medieval 'New Town' - whatever that means. The ride is mostly over the county border in Northamptonshire; the outward leg will be on quiet rural roads taking in the sights of the Battle of Naseby for any history buffs among you. Lunch will be at the Coach & Horses, Brixworth - renowned for the fastest change of horses in the days of the stagecoach! Return will be via the Brampton Valley Way. Full details here.

Pro-folding bikes demo

2011-06-07T07:20:00.003Z

Inspired by the UK Origami rides some years ago like-minded folks in Germany and the Netherlands started their own rides, characteristically named 'Origamitours'. These rides are still going strong and, for a recent Birdy-themed ride through the centre of Hamburg, the organisers decided to register it as a demonstration - affording a police escort no less! This spectacle can be seen at our Flickr gallery here.

June 11th 2011 - Origami Ride - Tutbury, Staffs

2011-06-02T14:03:00.002Z

Our June 11th Origami ride starts in Tutbury, Staffordshire and visits the site of the RAF Faulds explosion. More details are here.

Dunwich Dynamo

2011-05-25T08:50:00.001Z

I plan to ride the Dunwich Dynamo in July. At least a couple of other Origamiists have expressed an interest. The ride is a 120-mile through-the-night unsupported semi-organised free-to-enter ride from East London to the lost city of Dunwich on the Suffolk coast. Road transport can be booked for the journey back to London (coaches and removal vans for riders and their bikes, respectively) via the organisers. If anyone is interested in joining us perhaps you could contact me via my facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/karl.wooldridge), or you may wish to just turn up. For further details on the ride follow the link.

Pacific folding bikes to feature on The Gadget Show

2011-05-04T07:08:00.001Z

We have it on good authority that some of Pacific's folding bikes will feature on The Gadget Show, which will air in the UK on 23rd May on Channel 5.

New Dahon with Brompton-like fold

2011-05-02T10:40:00.004Z

For a number of years Dahon have been the largest manufacturer of folding bikes, most of which have folded using the same basic fold-in-the-middle design. In 2009 they showed off a prototype of a new bike, the Curl, at the Taipei Cycle Show. The design incorporates a 3-way fold somewhat like the Brompton. The rear wheel (a swingarm rather than a triangle) folds under the bike in the vertical plane and the front section folds backwards, although to the left of the bike, unlike the Brompton. It won an award at the Taipei show but little has been heard of it since. It has now finally appeared on Dahon’s Chinese website. Details are all in Chinese but it appears to have 20” (406) wheels.

Origami ride - 14th May - Milton Keynes

2011-04-28T13:17:00.002Z

Our May 14th Origami ride starts at Milton Keynes. More details are here.

Bromptons for Hire

2011-04-27T13:45:00.003Z

News of a new bicycle hire scheme opened to season ticket holders at Stoke-on-Trent railway station (in the UK) has been reported by the BBC. Virgin Trains have made fifty Brompton folding bicycles available in a trial scheme, which if successful the company plans to extend nationally.

New UK distributor for Pacific Cycles

2011-04-21T12:18:00.005Z

Pacific Cycles, Tiawanese manufacturers of a number of highly innovative folding bikes, now have a new UK distributor - Pacific-Europa. According to their new website the bikes will be available soon, and you can register your interest or pre-order their bikes now. The bikes were launched in the UK at The Gadget Show Live (13-17 April); you can see the Gadget Show's Dionne talking to Juan Marquez of Pacific-Europa and test-riding the iF Mode here. The bike, which along with others in the iF range folds using an ingenious mechanism designed by Mark Sanders of MAS designs, has been nominated for the Innovation and Design Awards 2011.

Origami ride - 9th April - Princes Risborough

2011-03-28T17:10:00.003Z

Our April 9th Origami ride will start from Princes Risborough. More details are here. Please note that travelling by train to the ride start has been made more complicated by weekend engineering works - check the links on the detail page.

"Something Special" from Brompton?

2011-03-25T13:19:00.002Z

Brompton are being all coy and secretive about "something special" which "doesn't have a name yet" but "promises to be big" - if I were a gambling man my money would be on the long-awaited e-Brompton, but I know nothing. If you check out their home page you can ask to be added to the mailing list to find out what it is when they release it.

The beauty of the bicycle in pictures

2011-03-11T09:18:00.005Z

For those with an interest in unusual bicycles there are a series of very nice pictures by Michael Embacher on the BBC website this morning - follow this link. Featured bikes include a modern take on the 1940s BSA paratrouper and an unknown folding bike that takes up to an hour to fold into a package that has to be towed!

March 12th Origami ride

2011-02-28T22:31:00.005Z

Our March 12th Origami ride will start in Windsor, Berkshire at 10:30 for 11am. More details are here. If the weather continues to be damp, please note that some parts of the ride may be muddy.

February Origami Ride - Ride Report

2011-02-15T17:11:00.013Z

Winter sunshine brought a good turnout of 26 riders to Syston for a ride to Leicester via Watermead Country Park. We welcomed Juan Marquez, who will be importing bikes from Pacific Cycles into the UK, and his friend Daniel from Taiwan - a student doing work experience at Pacific and spending a month in the UK assisting/learning from Juan. The bikes they brought along - an IF Mode and an electric-assist Carryme DC - attracted a lot of attention - the Carryme in particular coped amazingly well with muddy unmade cyclepaths on its 8" wheels and was the star of ths show in the car park after lunch. Other bikes included Bromptons, Moultons (old and new), Dahons, a Birdy, a Pacific Reach an Airnimal Joey and one non-folding large-wheeler. We took lunch in the garden of the Bradgate Arms in the balmy February afternoon sunshine (is this a record for the earliest al fresco Origami lunch?) before visiting Rothley Station on the Great Central Railway on the way back to Syston.

More pictures in the Flickr gallery

February Origami Ride

2011-01-24T10:58:00.004Z

The February ride will start in Syston, Leicester (meet from 10:30 for an 11:00 start) on the 12th February. This ride, of approximately 20 miles, will be suitable for all types of bike and all are welcome. Full details here.

How not to fold a Brompton

2011-01-16T19:34:00.006Z

Only if you have a high pain threshold, and you could use a laugh have a look at this . . .

Origami ride - January 8th - RAF Museum Cosford

2010-12-30T17:08:00.003Z

Our January 8th Origami ride starts from the RAF Museum at Cosford, just north of Wolverhampton. 10:30 for 11 am start. All welcome on this sociable ride. More details are here.

Origami ride and social - December 11th 2010 - Meriden

2010-12-01T18:17:00.002Z

The Origami Ride Christmas Special on 11th December starts at 10:30 am for 11 as usual, in Meriden. As usual the theme will be 'bring your most unusual bike'. More details are here.

Bristol Christmas Ride

2010-12-01T17:54:00.003Z

This year's Bristol Docksiders Christmas ride will start from the Willow Cafe, Bitton (near Bristol) on Saturday 4th December. More details here.

It's hip to fold

2010-12-01T16:56:00.003Z

When Rolling Stone describes the Brompton as "a quirkily perfect folding bike" you know it must be finally cool to ride a folder (at least if it's a Brompton). The Brompton makes number 48 in the magazine's 2010 gift guide.

Hagley Origami - Ride report

2010-11-15T18:28:00.005Z

Perhaps it was the bright sunny weather, or perhaps it was the central location, but the Hagley ride brought out the small-wheelers in their droves. Quite a number of new faces joined the old lags on this very pleasant ride through rural Worcestershire. Bromptons predominated, including a record 2 Nano electric conversions. The remaining bikes included 4 Moultons and a few Dahons or Badge-engineered Dahons bringing the total to 23 riders (a record for a November ride?). Pictures available on the Flickr site.

Origami ride - November 13th - Hagley

2010-11-01T17:56:00.003Z

Our November 13th Origami ride starts at 10:30 am for 11 as usual, in Hagley, in the West Midlands. More details are here.

Origami ride - October 9th - Blythe Bridge Staffs

2010-09-28T13:13:00.001Z

Our October 9th Origami ride starts in Blythe Bridge, Staffordshire. More details of this sociable ride are here.

September 18th Origami ride - Meriden

2010-09-06T19:54:00.003Z

Our Saturday September 18th Origami ride starts in Meriden, between Birmingham and Coventry. More details are here

Please note that this is the third Saturday of the month to avoid a clash with the Moulton club weekend.

Sponsor a folding bike rider for a worthwhile cause

2010-09-06T19:23:00.004Z

Chris Bell is cycling across Europe on a folding Dahon Cadenza to raise money for Prostate Cancer research. The bike has been heavily modified for extended touring, including his own 'Egg' oval chain ring. To support his worthwhile cause, or for more details, check here.

Northern Ireland small wheels ride - September 12th

2010-09-06T19:13:00.003Z

Chris Sharp has sent details of a small wheeled ride ride from Coleraine to PortStewart along the river Bann, on September 12th. The details are here.

Award for new Dahon range

2010-09-05T13:37:00.005Z

Dahon have announced a range of bikes based on a new frame - the Vector. The frame resembles the P-series used on current Mu and Curve models but features a "patented hydroformed" design, based on that of the los XL. Models announced so far include the Vector X10, X20 and X27h, which replace the MuSL, Mu EX and Speed Pro TT, respectivley. The X10 has won a Eurobike award at the trade show held in Friedrichshafen, Germany (September 1-4, 2010). More details and pictures here.

An Evening With Andrew Ritchie

2010-08-16T16:10:00.004Z

Andrew Ritchie, inventor of the Brompton for those who don't know, will be talking about the bikes at the Gallery, 70 Cowcross Street, EC1M 6EJ (Farringdon tube station) on the evening of Wednesday 1st September. Doors open at 6pm and the talk will commence at 6:30pm. Refreshments will be available. The price is £7.00 and all proceeds go to Sustrans. For more information see here.

Brompton model

2010-07-30T12:58:00.002Z

Amuro Lee notes on bikeforums.net that the October edition of Hobby Japan Magazine will include a 1:6 kit of the Brompton.

Brompton DVD

2010-07-29T10:36:00.001Z

British Local Histories have produced a DVD on the history of the Brompton. According to Brompton's website the film follows the company from its beginnings to the present day, and features interviews with the Brompton's inventor Andrew Ritchie and footage from the factory, the Brompton World Championships and more. The DVD is in English with subtitles in English, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese and Dutch. Running time is 71 minutes. It can be ordered from British Local Histories for £15+ £1.20 p&p and will be available from Brompton dealers from Monday 2nd August. A 90-second trailer can be seen here.

Origami ride - Didcot - 14th August

2010-07-22T12:31:00.002Z

Our August Origami ride starts in Didcot on Saturday August 14th at 10:30 for 11 am - all welcome. More details are here - please note that we're starting from Boswell's Cafe and not the station.

'Bendy bike' invented by Leicester design student wins award

2010-07-20T09:26:00.007Z

Kevin Scott, a final year Product Design student at Leicester's De Montfort University, has won a runner-up prize in the 2010 New Designer of the Year Awards, which took place in London. The bike is based on a conventional frame in which sectional tubing is used allowing the bike to be bent around a lamp post or similar pole, after which a single lock can be placed through both wheels and frame. The judges awarded the prize to 'encourage the further development of this unique and striking idea'. More information can be found here.

Strida - 25th Design Anniversary - Original Thesis and Business Plan published

2010-07-17T08:22:00.004Z

We were contacted recently by Mark Sanders, designer of the Strida folding bike in connection with the publication of his original Imperial College/Royal College of Arts Masters Degree dissertation, which contains the original designs for what was to become the Strida. It is now 25 years since the first public showing of the dissertation. This will be of interest to both Strida fans and others with an interest in folding bike design as many other designs are discussed; it thus provides a snapshot of the folding bicycle world of 1985. He has also published a Business Plan written 6 months after the original release of the dissertation.
Strida is now 100% owned and controlled by Ming cycles (of Tiawan), who have distributors around the world. Mark reports that sales of the Strida are up year-on-year and doing particularly well in Asia. Mark tells us that he and his son both entered the recent Smithfield Nocturn folding bike race riding Stridas. Although he didn't make the final 5 others did, all riding belt-driven machines! You can see pictures of Stridas in the Nocturne here and here.

Views on the Neobike Access and Dahon Vitesse D3

2010-07-12T22:55:00.002Z

Folder owner Gunnar Carlson from Sweden describes his early experiences with a budget folder and later upgrade to a Dahon Vitesse in a new report here.

Melton Mowbray Origami Ride - Report

2010-07-11T13:22:00.004Z

A select band of 8 riders including 2 new faces met for the Melton ride, on one of the hottest days of the year so far. Moultons dominated with two New Series, a TSR and an F-frame. Other machines included 2 Bromptons, a Pacific Reach and a Dahon Mu. We were joined at the lunchstop in Hose by a ninth rider with a Trice recumbent. The pain of a couple of hills was rewarded by views over the Vale of Belvoir. More details here.

Pork Pies & Stilton

2010-06-30T18:52:00.002Z

The July Origami ride will start in Melton Mowbray on the 10th July. The ride, taking in part of the Vale of Belvoir, will be approximately 23 miles and will include some hills. Full details here.

Keith Henderson wins Smithfield Nocturne

2010-06-21T07:02:00.005Z

Riding a Dahon Mu EX, Keith Henderson won the 2010 Smithfield Nocturne folding bike race - his third consecutive win. David Rees and Antonius Wubben, both riding Bromptons, took 2nd and 3rd places. Full details here.

Hereford Origami - Ride Report

2010-06-15T07:02:00.006Z

Sixteen riders met at Morisson's for the Hereford ride. Bromptons dominated the lineup of machines. We were lucky to have a native of Hereford among the riders, who took over ride leadership as the ride designer was not present. The ride was an excellent mix of urban cycle paths, quiet country lanes and riverside paths. Full details here.

Origami ride - 12th June - Hereford

2010-06-03T15:39:00.003Z

Our Origami ride this month will start from Hereford on Saturday 12th June. More details are here - all welcome !

Origami ride - May 8th - Wilmslow

2010-05-02T18:39:00.002Z

Our May Origami ride will start in Wilmslow, near Manchester / Stockport. More details are here. All welcome.

Brompton wins Queen's award for Enterprise

2010-04-21T07:20:00.005Z

It's "completely barking" to manufacture bicycles in London, Brompton managing director Will Butler Adams joked when interviewed on BBC Radio 4's Today program (21st April 2010). He was being interviewed after the announcement that Brompton were one of the recipients of the 2010 UK Queen’s Awards For Enterprise. He also indicated that it took him "about 8.7 seconds" to fold his Brompton - not that he'd ever timed himself!

Twickenham Origami - Ride report

2010-04-12T14:39:00.005Z

In the first visit to the Nation's capital the Origami ride visited Twickenham and took in part of the Thames path, which we shared with walkers, runners, dogs and other cyclists. The ride attracted only one Londoner, but we did welcome Tilman from Germany and the return of "Aussi Dave" with friend Judith. It was demonstrated that even a Moulton APB should not be mistaken for a BMX, but we enjoyed a very pleasant ride along the Thames. Full details here.

April 10th Origami ride - Twickenham

2010-04-01T09:40:00.002Z

Our April 10th Origami ride will start in Twickenham, in south west London. More details are here.

Syston / Leicester Origami - Ride Report

2010-03-13T23:19:00.003Z

Sixteen riders met with a mixture of Bromptons, Dahons, a couple of Moultons, one Pacific Reach and two Trices. After a short delay while we awaited riders cycling from Leicester after missing a connection to Syston we set off for Leicester via quiet lanes, returning via paths alongside the Grand Union Canal and River Soar. The only other problem was a puncture (Ride Leader, and of course the rear wheel!). Full details here.

Syston / Leicester Origami

2010-03-01T08:45:00.004Z

The next Origami ride will be held on the 13th March starting from Syston near Leicester. Full details of the ride can be found here.

Advance notice message for all past MacRide riders

2010-02-18T21:11:00.000Z

Advance notice message for all past MacRide riders

The 2010 event at Stratford-upon-Avon on Sunday 12 September is now open for online entries at www.macride.org.uk

25 miles or 63 miles with a great refreshment stop. Raise money and have fun!

.... and NEW for 2010 :
* an all-road route in to the finish
* improved route signage

Full details are on the website, together with secure online entry.

Do make sure you get your entry in early, we had to close some of the distances last year and couldn't take entries on the line. Early indications from entries received since the website opened on 1 February are that the event will be an early sell-out again in 2010.

Look forward to seeing you.

Rob & the team

Website

http://macride.org.uk/

"How long does a bike's edgy, authority-challenging bikeyness survive?"

2010-01-23T23:14:00.002Z

Even a folded Brompton is not always welcome on a train - at least not if it's a First Great Western InterCity, as reported by Ben Thomas in the Guardians's website.

Origami ride - Febrary 13th - Leamington Spa again !

2010-01-12T15:03:00.002Z

Our February 13th Origami ride will start in Leamington Spa - more details here. Our January ride from the same place was cancelled because of the dangerous state of the roads - we're hoping the snow and ice have gone by next month.

Oyama folding bikes available in the UK

2010-01-11T17:35:00.010Z

A range of folding bikes from Oyama, a major folding bike manufacturer based in Taiwan, will be available this year in the UK from Moore Large and Co. Eleven models over four ranges will be available in the UK priced from £299.95 to £899.95. The machines resemble Dahon bikes of the Speed/Vitesse and Mµ ranges and appear to fold in a similar way. Oyama also has distributors in Belgium, Germany, Spain and Greece. The machine pictured is the Crosstown Sports from the Urban Sports range.

Origami ride 9th January - Leamington Spa - inclement weather

2010-01-07T16:26:00.003Z

We still plan to meet up at the Tea room in the Pump Rooms on Saturday as notified, but will review the conditions for the ride at that time. Currently, we expect to run the ride, but possibly shortened. The ride leader will recce the route on Saturday morning and report on road conditions. Suitable diversions around the canal towpaths of the original ride have been planned.

The current situation is that main roads are clear and cycleable but side roads and cyclepaths are snowy and slippery. This is not expected to change much over the next three days, except for a possible light snow shower on Friday. Saturday is expected to be sunny but cold. The
relevant BBC weather forecast is here.

If it is broadly safe to have a ride we will do so, although each rider should assume responsibility for their own judgement of the conditions vs their abilities.

If we do not have a ride then we will sit around and chat :-)

MBE for Andrew Ritchie

2010-01-05T14:46:00.006Z

After being awarded the Prince Philip Designers' Prize in October last year Brompton designer Andrew Ritchie has now gone one better having been made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for "services to business and to international trade" as reported on the Brompton website.

Origami ride - January 9th - Leamington Spa

2010-01-01T22:35:00.002Z

Our first Origami ride of 2010 will be from Leamington Spa on January 9th. More details are here, along with an outline of our planned programme of rides.

Happy, healthy and prosperous New Year to all !

Christmas Origami ride - Meriden - December 12th - Event Report

2009-12-13T23:35:00.004Z

Twenty riders met at the Tearooms, Meriden on a glorious sunny winter's day. The usual Christmas 'Bring your most unusual bike' theme attracted an eclectic mixture of machines, as well as some less out-of-the-ordinary bikes. After a pleasant morning ride and lunch at The Bull's Head the riders opted to forgo the afternoon loop in favour of 'mucking about in the car park'. Full details here and more photos in the Flickr gallery

Folding "mini-farthing"

2009-12-08T15:32:00.006Z

YikeBike, a very light weight (9 kg) and extremely compact electric, folding "mini-farthing" is voted number 15 in TIME magazine's list of the 50 best inventions of 2009. These bikes out of New Zealand, inspired by the 'Penny-farthing', should be available there, in the UK, and in selected countries in Europe by mid-2010 according to TIME. More information, including video footage of this machine, can be seen here.

For those of you who think an electric folding penny-farthing is just too pedestrian check out number 27!

Origami Ride - December 12th 2009 - Meriden

2009-11-30T12:53:00.003Z

Our December Origami ride and social will start from the Tea Rooms in Meriden on December 12th at 10:30 for 11 am. More details are here.

If you think that you should be getting our monthly reminders, and have not got them recently, please check the status of your email address - we've been getting bounces recently from some Origami regulars' email addresses.

Origami ride - Solihull / Earlswood - November 14th - Event Report

2009-11-15T12:12:00.007Z

After heavy overnight rain roads were wet and muddy, but nine riders set out on a collection of machines including mostly Moultons and Bromptons and enjoyed a day out with only one minor incident - a puncture that happened to occur right outside the Cult Racing bikeshop in Earlswood, where the shopkeeper cheerfully repaired the puncture free of charge. A full report is here and more photos in the Flickr gallery.

Origami ride - Solihull / Earlswood - November 14th

2009-11-02T13:35:00.001Z

Our November 2009 Origami ride goes from Earlswood, near Solihull in the West Midlands. More details are here. All are welcome.

ANDREW RITCHIE OF BROMPTON WINS AWARD

2009-10-17T12:32:00.006Z

This is an extract from the Brompton Press Release - it also made the BBC web site (before the press release reached me!). Whether you are a Brompton owner or not, and however you feel about the monarchy and Prince Philip, I think you will agree that such an award is more than justified:

Andrew Ritchie, the designer of the Brompton, has won the Prince Philip Designers Prize, awarded annually to recognize a lifetime contribution to design. Run by the Design Council, the Prize exists to draw attention to the importance of good design and to recognise the work of the most talented designers; it is the most prestigious award for design in Great Britain.

Speaking after the award, Andrew said he was “not finished yet”; although he stepped down as Managing Director in April 2008, he continues to work on the design and quality of the Brompton in his capacity as Technical Director. Will Butler-Adams, his successor as MD, said:This award is well-deserved recognition for a man who has dedicated his life to the fine perfection of the folding bicycle. Andrew never gave up on his belief that he had conceived a product that would add real value to people’s lives; years of knock-backs, refusals and false starts never dented his determination to make the Brompton a reality.

Over thirty years on from the first prototypes, and with over 175,000 Bromptons being enjoyed all over the world, he has now received this tremendous recognition for his life’s work. But the philosophy he instilled in the business continues – we remain committed to British manufacturingand to improving on the Brompton’s ingenious design year on year.

Congratulations to Andrew Ritchie on a richly-deserved award.

Origami ride - Church Stretton - October 10th 2009

2009-10-03T17:58:00.002Z

Details for our October Origami ride are here. All welcome on this social ride.

T1 - Trice event at Blymhill Common

2009-09-22T15:33:00.002Z

There was a Trice Rally at Blymhill Common, near Newport (Shropshire) over the weekend 18 - 20 September, and around half of the recumbent trikes there were the more recent folding versions. There were a couple of dozen Trice enthusiasts present, and we had excellent weather in a wonderful location (apart from the farm-related traffic in the lane next to the camp site!), and some great rides. Chris Parker of Inspired Cycle Engineering was there with some interesting equipment for us to look at and try riding.
I don't live all that far away from this area myself, but although I've been there often before I have always managed to get lost in the maze of quiet lanes, so I was quite reasurred when our ride leader got lost on the Friday afternoon! Saturday's ride took us to Cosford and the Aerospace Museum. I'd thought I would be riding home on Sunday, but thanks to the kind offer by David Little to drive me home after the event I was able to enjoy an excellent ride in bright sunshine that day to Norbury Junction.
This was a most enjoyable event, and thanks to all those involved in the organisation and planning - I do hope there will be an equivalent event in the future.

Best folding bikes ? - or at least what the Indie says

2009-09-03T21:04:00.002Z

The Independent, a UK broadsheet newspaper, has rated the ten best folding bikes here. Maybe not all would agree - or is it just different selection criteria ?

At the risk of being accused of editorialising, perhaps for practicality in the UK the Brompton would be rated higher for its easy mixed travel mode capability - that is, easy stowage on buses and trains.

September _19th_ Origami ride - Swindon

2009-08-31T13:42:00.003Z

Please note the date of this ride - September _19th_ ie the third Saturday, to avoid clashing with the Moulton weekend. The ride starts from the Food Hall at the Designer Outlet in Swindon. More details are here.

Birdy - Brompton- Bike Friday

2009-08-21T18:46:00.002Z

We have a new test report by Andreas Rusch on these three folders, which you can read HERE. Andreas also sent us two other articles which we shall be publishing soon, one on a 540Km race and the other on a tour across the Alps. As these forthcoming reports indicate, Andreas must be a strong rider, and this probably provides a different insight into the comparative performance of the different folders - our usual testers are mostly less ambitious in their cycling!

MacRide - Stratford-upon-Avon, Sunday 13th September

2009-08-20T13:10:00.005Z

This is an annual charity event organised (not by us!) for Macmillan Cancer Support. There is an entry fee, and sponsorship is encouraged. A number of members of The Folding Society have taken part in the event in past years riding folding bicycles (and folding recumbent tricycles!), and we have had a very enjoyable time. We expect to have a good number of recumbent trikes, folding and otherwise, at the event this year, and would welcome others to join us for the 25 mile ride. Full details of the event are available on the MacRide web site. Contact us for more information if you want to join the folding group on the ride.

Zyro to distribute Dahon

2009-08-17T16:41:00.002Z

BikeBiz reports that from the start of 2010 the UK distribution of Dahon will be handled by Zyro, who will take over from Fisher Outdoor Leisure, who will continue to carry out the role until the end of 2009.

Disc brakes on the Birdy

2009-08-14T20:32:00.006Z

Velo Vision reports that some (but not all) models of the Birdy are now fitted with disc brakes. Information is a bit sparse on the Riese und Muller web site, at least in the English language version.

More on the Dahon Speed TR

2009-08-10T19:21:00.004Z

Thanks to Ulrike Rodrigues for contacting us with some more news on the Dahon Speed TR used for touring - you can read her impressions HERE.

Long Distance Touring with a Dahon Speed TR

2009-08-08T05:18:00.006Z

Thanks to Phil Chappell we now have a report on a 9-month lightweight camping tour in Europe using a Dahon Speed TR Click on THIS LINK to read it.

The Contortionist

2009-08-05T06:09:00.003Z

This is apparently the name of a folder designed by Dominic Hargreaves. It has 26in wheels, and when folded it is just the size of the wheel, though moderately wide as the two wheels are alongside one another with the entire frame folded inbetween them. You can read more and see a video HERE.

Origami ride - Didcot - August 8th 2009

2009-07-29T21:00:00.001Z

Our August 2009 Origami ride goes from Didcot station on Saturday August 8th. More details are here

The Smithfield Nocturne 2009

2009-07-06T18:17:00.002Z

You can see a video of this folding bike race, which was held in June 2009, HERE. Our thanks to Mark Sanders for bringing it to our attention.

Oigami ride July 11th - Hathersage

2009-06-30T11:28:00.002Z

Our July 11th Origami ride is from Hathersage, Derbyshire. All welcome - more details are here.

Tin Can Ten - Saturday 4th July

2009-06-30T09:55:00.003Z

The Tin can Ten is a fun event for hub geared bikes only. This year it is on Saturday July 4th. More details are here.

Brompton World Championship 2009

2009-06-26T13:15:00.002Z

Details of the 2009 event are now appearing - see below:

"The Brompton World Championship IV will be held on Sunday 4th October 2009 at Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire. After a successful collaboration in 2008, both Brompton and Blenheim were keen to join forces again, and the 2009 Brompton World Championship will again be part of the Blenheim Palace event.

The Brompton World Championship is in its fourth successive year, its second in the UK. The Championship will again be larger and better than the one that went before, and to reflect this, the field has been opened up to another 100 competitors, bringing the total number of entrants to 600. Although places will still be awarded on a first come first served basis, in the light of the increased numbers, we will introduce a system of self-selected streaming, based on anticipated race times.

The 2009 event will be held over the same circuit as the 2008 race, comprising 2 laps of a 6.5km course, so you will have the opportunity to race not just against friends and fellow competitors this year, but also to see how your efforts stack up against the times set by BWC IIII winner, Alistair Kay, and Tour of Spain winner, Roberto Heras, last September.

Rules for the event are pretty straightforward, as in the year before: helmets are a must, as are a blazer or suit jacket, collared shirt and tie. Sports attire is not permitted, unless it is hidden by the approved kit! There are prizes for the best-dressed, so competitors are encouraged to make an effort.

Prize Categories

Fastest Male and Female (1st, 2nd, 3rd places to be awarded)
Fastest Veteran Male and Female (50 +) * NEW SPLIT CATEGORY
Fastest Junior (12 - 18)
Best Dressed Male and Female * NEW SPLIT CATEGORY
Fastest Team (1st, 2nd, 3rd places to be awarded)

The deadline for registration is Sunday 20th September 2009. Full details, and the opportunity to register, may be found on the Brompton website: www.brompton.co.uk."

Dahon Mu P8 test report

2009-06-14T15:38:00.003Z

Thanks to Paul Franklin we now have a review of the Dahon Mu P8 - you can read it HERE. Sorry - you can only access it from here at present, not from the test reports nor the Dahon SIG pages.

Origami ride - 13th June 2009 - Oakham

2009-06-05T20:04:00.000Z

The June Origami ride will start from Oakham (Rutland) on Saturday 13th. Meet at 10:30 for an 11:00 start, upstairs at The Lounge Café, 2B Gaol Street Oakham LE15 6AQ. More details can be found here. All are welcome.

Origami ride - 9th May 2009 - Bicester

2009-05-07T16:55:00.001Z

Our May 9th Origami ride will start in Bicester. More details are here. All welcome !

Origami ride - Saturday 11th April - Wolverhampton

2009-04-01T21:18:00.001Z

Our April 11th 2009 Origami ride will be from Wolverhampton railway station. More details are here. All welcome

Pacific Cycles IF Mode Award

2009-03-06T17:52:00.001Z

Press Release from Pacific Cycles

We’d like to share good news to everybody!

First ever folding bicycle to win iF Product Design GOLD Award

Hannover, Germany 3 March 2009 – During the opening day of CeBit; the world's largest trade fair for digital IT and telecommunications solutions, international Forum Design hosted an awards ceremony announcing the winners of the 50 iF gold awards. Representing Pacific Cycles at the ceremony to accept the iF gold trophy was Mark Sanders, the design inventor and creator. Mark spoke to the audience of fellow designers and international media regarding the unique focus that Pacific Cycles' Integrated Folding Mode bicycle achieves.

About the IF Mode

The clean and striking MODE is aimed at commuters that may have not considered cycling or folding bikes as an option. MODE avoids oily chains, complex tubes with hidden dirt traps and the clutter of traditional bike features. It can be used by commuters who do not want to change their appearance into 'bicycle warriors'. MODE features Pacific's IF (Integrated Folding) technology that offers a single-action, automatic fold that requires no tools or removal of parts. IF technology is based on a patented 3-dimensional 4-Bar linkage that automatically guides the wheels together when folding. Once folded, MODE rolls along in a convenient wheelable package.

Where to see the Pacific Cycles iF Mode

For those of you lucky enough to be visiting the Taiwan Cycle Show starting March 17th, drop by the Pacific Cycles booth for a firsthand look and demonstration of this new generation of wheelable transport featuring their Integrated Folding Technology. IF Mode will also be shown outside by Pacific Cycles' Taiwan distributor, Hometec, in the test ride area at OD_12.

Click here to watch a video of IF Mode being put through its paces by Ryan Carroll, Chief Designer, as he travels around town.

Origami ride - March 14th 2009 - Meriden

2009-03-03T20:04:00.002Z

Details for our March 14th 2009 Origami ride from Meriden are here. All welcome !

Moulton and Chair Comment !!!!

2009-02-28T19:49:00.003Z

Found this Moulton on the London Fixed-gear and Single-speed forums. Maybe you would like to note your comments about the comparison of a chair with a Moulton here???? http://s13.invisionfree.com/Folding_World/

Brompton Folding Transfer

2009-02-28T19:45:00.001Z

MACRIDE New Website

2009-02-21T22:20:00.001Z

Check out the latest Website

THE NEW ELMWOOD CYCLE RIDE 10th May 2009

2009-02-21T21:53:00.006Z

Looking for a ride to get your self fit for 2009? Then why not join one of our regular Origami riders is supporting this event:

THE NEW ELMWOOD CYCLE RIDE SUNDAY 10th MAY 2009 IN AID OF THE BRITISH HEART FOUNDATION

This year the NEW Elmwood Cycle Ride takes place on Sunday 10th May 2009.

Having taken over the organising of the event last year, I am delighted to tell you that through your efforts we raised just over £4500, all for the benefit of the British Heart Foundation. I hope that you will support this year's event and help make it an even bigger success in 2009.

The start point is once again at Wren Hall, School Lane, Wroxall, CV35 7ND, with a choice of two routes of approximately 16 and 30 miles. As you are aware, this is a lovely way to spend a Sunday with friends and family, exercising and enjoying the beautiful scenery whilst raising vital funds for the charity. After the ride you can tuck into a well deserved free Ploughman's lunch. Then, new this year, after your lunch, you are welcome to stay in and around Wren Hall, where from 2:30pm to 5:00pm we will be serving tea and locally made cakes and gateaux at very affordable prices, again in aid of the British Heart Foundation.

Entry form available at the address below, as early as possible.

Prizes will be awarded for the most sponsorship monies raised by an individual entrant and family entry.
Many of the raffle prizes were generously donated by riders and supporters, if you would like to donate a raffle prize for this year's event, please let me know.

If you would like any more information or more entry forms, please contact me either by: Tel: 01926 484677 or 07791 506921 or

email:chrislewis@theoldbungalow.freeserve.co.uk I look forward to seeing you all again. Yours sincerely
Chris Lewis
Organiser of the NEW Elmwood Cycle Ride For The British Heart Foundation

Patron: • HRH The Prince Phillip KG KT
Chairman of Board of Trustees* Howard Hughes FCA

Chris Lewis,
The Old Bungalow,
Honiley
Kenilworth,
Warwickshire
CV81NP
February 2009
Chairman of Council • Sir Peter Morris AC PhD FRS FRCS
Chief Executive • Peter Hollins
Heart Information Line • 0300 330 3311 • a local rate number
British Heart Foundation Web Site http://www.bhf.org.uk/

Bikes on Trains - New EU guidlines

2009-02-18T23:29:00.002Z

There is a good post about the future of bikes on trains on the Velovision web site LINK

Dahon's Curl (inspired by Brompton)

2009-02-10T20:02:00.001Z

Thank you TCS for the following information:

Dahon has entered their Curl super-compact folder into the new product competition at the 2009 Taipei Cycle Show in March:

http://download.taipeitradeshows.com.tw/2009/cycle/Show_Preview/P30-35.pdf

Rumors are aluminum frame, eight-speed hub, 16" (349s?) wheels.

tcs

Plus otheer interesting entries.