Whilst under the employ a few years ago of a bicycle shop in Utah, I was introduced to a peculiar bicycle that folded neatly into an elegant pretzel of frame, wheels, and handlebar. This bicycle is, of course, the Brompton. The customizable nature of the bicycle, along with its design and the culture surrounding the contraption are quite infectious. I was determined to own one (or two). As I was slated to depart said bicycle shop and embark on a graduate school adventure in the Midwest, I fully justified my way to purchasing what is called the M6L-X, or upright handlebar, 6-speed, fendered bike with titanium upgrades. I also opted for the [Schmidt dynohub and B&M Lumotec IQ Cyo R Senso Plus front /Spanninga rear] lighting system and the Brooks B-17 Special saddle. The only other changes I made were to install Brooks leather handlebar grips (which had to be shortened) and a Madonna del Ghisallo head badge.
Brief history complete. Moving on.
Minneapolis Bound
I graduated from the University of Wisconsin MBA program mid-May, moved to Minneapolis on June 1st, and saw that Calhoun Cycle would be hosting this year's US Brompton Championship on June 10th. I signed up post-haste. I moved to the right city (for many reasons).
The morning of the event arrived, and the temperature was a pleasant low-80's F (27+ C), comfortable if one were wearing lycra. Turns out this peculiar race of peculiar bicycles boasts a peculiar dress code. One must don a suit jacket, button and collar shirt, a tie of some sort, a helmet, and no visible lycra. What I describe is a formula for uncomfortable and copious levels of perspiration that began with the leisurely ride from my house to the event and ended several hours later. Alas, the race was set to begin.
After a brief rundown of the regulations by a UCI representative for the ensuing race, we staged our bicycles in folded form on the tarmac, and positioned ourselves in the distance in preparation for a Le Mans format start (run to the bike, unfold, and take off). Here are some pictures of the setup.
Prerace inspection of the racing machine. Yes, that's my 3-piece tweed suit.
Anxiously receiving instructions with fellow Brommie aficionado Chris Eidem.
Get a load of those legs...er socks.
The bikes are folded and staged.
That there is my bike.
And we run!
Such elegance and fine form.
The hunched over position as we unfold before pedaling our guts out.
And a video summary of the race start
I got out of the gate pretty quickly, and started pedaling out front for the first couple laps.
Pedro & Wallace worked to erase the gap, and we drafted back and forth until the final 1/2 lap.
On my tail
Wallace, Pedro, me.
As we made the final turn on 31st & Lyndale and headed back south, Wallace pulled away, Pedro finished 2nd, and I suffered across the line in 3rd.
Suffer face.
The podium.
Official race results here (forgive the surname typo).
After the race, we participated in a folding competition. Alas, I came out victorious.
My 1st-round folding competition bracket. The winner of each of the 5 brackets advanced to a final round.
Union Jack was a quick folder. My handlebar popped out, almost costing me a pair of Schwalbe Kojaks!
My original goal was to be in the running for best-dressed, which I was fortunate enough to win. I paid for it, though, during the race. That suit may look nice, but it's quite steamy in a race setting. I was afforded a custom shirt from local clothier Top Shelf. Looking forward to feeling pampered.
Here are some shots of the spoils:
The tweed, bow tie, and shirt w/ links.
Jersey and Schwalbe Kojak Brompton tires.
Podium badge.
Thank you to the team at Calhoun Cycle, who put together a great event to kick off the Minneapolis Open Streets event. The camaraderie fostered at the race was fantastic, and continued on through the day as much of Lyndale Avenue was open for bikes & pedestrians. Big thanks also to Minneapolis Mayor RT Rybak who supported this event and the Open Streets festivities, and to John Meegan at Top Shelf. Many others contributed, and I apologize for not properly recognizing all involved! I look forward to following the stories of our US race winners as they compete at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, England this August.
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