Leeds – BrownhillsBob's #365daysofbiking

#365daysofbiking Festive light

December 22nd – Returning to Leeds to get a bit of shopping and meet old pals for a meal, a wander thought the Christmas Market in its last hour was surreal and the city lights beautiful and fascinating.

I was captivated by the office block with the rotating messages in huge, illuminated lettering. I guess brutalist offices need love too.

Father Christmas was spotted making his way through the crowds at Leeds Station – I have no idea who he was, where he was going or anything – but he played it straight and had a lasting effect on my companion. Beautiful.

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#365daysofbiking Skylines

December 22nd – A pre-Christmas adventure to Harrogate was just what the doctor ordered. A fine Yorkshire spa town, in unexpectedly good weather.

Leaving early, and changing at Leeds, arrival late morning was swift and fun.

The place was quiet, which was surprising, but charming and a great day was spent wandering around, exploring and just taking in a varied and beautiful skyline.

This was a wonderful day.

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December 15th – I was in Leeds on a trip, but not on the bike, but this sad sight was worth noting and sharing. Think about your locking strategies.

Someone’s steed – a good quality one, judging by the wheel that remains – was attached to that wheel, left by thieves d-locked too the Sheffield stand. The D Lock had a cable loop around the frame. The thieves cut the cabe – easy to do – and left the wheel.

In all probability they stole a wheel from another bike parked nearby, and rode off.

If you’re looking your bike, use the cable to secure the front wheel, and the D-lock on the frame. Thieves will rarely come tooled up for both locks. Get a set of quick releases that require a tool or key. Look for unusual locks that may not be any more secure, but may require unusual tools to defeat, like disc brake locks. Make your bike a pain to steal.

As to the missing bike, ah to the sadness of things…

September 15th – Business took me and the bike to Leeds. I’d never been here for more than a very short time before, and I really enjoyed it. Having finished my meeting, I had the afternoon to myself. The Cross-country trains cycle provision was as dire as ever, but the ability to put my bike into secure storage at Leeds Station was handy. Leeds turns out to be a beautiful, bustling city. With a far bigger shopping area than Birmingham, and a huge, lively warren of markets, I could have spent a lot more time here. I also took the time to investigate custom frame builder Bob Jackson Cycles, over in Bramley. I have a plan brewing.