Having sold 2 bikes this year, there was room in my stable for something else, so I decided on a folder, having had one before but ended up giving it to my daughter. The folder I fancied was a Dahon P24 but not many second hand ones around so I was lucky when this one appeared just over 100 miles away. After the usual haggling and pictures going back and for we agreed a price and a pick up date. We decided to go in the van and stay the night in Tewkesbury on the way home as its a place I've always fancied having a wander around.
But first of all the bike.
Its a very versatile machine with 24 gears and can cope with both long and short rides. Its also sturdy enough to ride on trails. Being a folder its allowed on buses and trains so that adds another dimension to cycling trips.
It was a sad purchase in a way as the person selling was slightly younger than me and his reasons for getting rid of it were due to his failing eyesight and knee replacements. Also as it was in very good condition he wanted it to go to someone who'll enjoy and look after it. I fitted the bill!! I completely understood how he felt because those are the things that I looked for when I sold my bikes.
These pictures were taken after I got it home and added my luggage and bits and pieces to it.
I'm very pleased with it and will certainly enjoy and look after it for him.
So on the way home we spent 2 days in Tewkesbury. Its a Cotswold Medieval town with an Abbey that dates back to the 1100's. It was also the place of a decisive battle in the Wars of the Roses. Many old buildings are still functioning in the town although there are some that are desperately in need of attention. How that gets done I'm not sure as its a huge cost for the Council and I doubt if private money will do it. Hopefully a national body like Historic England will come to the rescue.
One of the interesting features of Tewkesbury is its alleys The houses and shops were built in blocks and the alleys connect the blocks.
To celebrate its medieval origins, the flags were out in force.
and this was behind the door
An old pub dating back to 1308
The Avon flows through the town and these cottages are alongside it.
Because of the river a big feature in the town today is the Marina to cater for all the river craft,
The Abbey which dates back to the 1100's
The organist was busy practicing when we were there and the sound is amazing
This is the main source of heating for the abbey.
Amazing! That Abbey is huge and lovely!! The folding bike, wow--I've never seen one! I know you will take great care of it, and have some awesome adventures on it too!
ReplyDeleteSondra, Yes its very impressive and although I'm not religious I always visit these places and the architecture never fails to amaze me. I try to imagine what impression it must have made to someone in the middle ages, it must have been like seeing skyscrapers for the first time.
DeleteI've seen only one folding bike other than yours. Glad you were able to get it. I know it's going to be well taken care of and give you a lot of pleasure. Thanks so much for all those beautiful pictures. I loved seeing them and imagining what life must have been like living there in the 12th century.
ReplyDeletePleased you enjoyed then Kathy and yes it gets the imagination working.
DeleteGood post Dave and congrats on the new bike!
ReplyDeleteGood to see Tewkesbury looking good after the floods they a while back, (actually, that was quite a few years ago now - how time flies...) it is a very beautiful place indeed.
Enjoy the new bike!
They have done a lot of work on the river Mick, even creating lakes for the excess waters. The campsite is next to the Abbey and has been rebuilt with all the buildings now on stilts, hopefully above the flood levels. No matter how old you are a new bike is always fun.
DeleteA good advert for the town! The aged door tells us much about the place let alone what lies behind.
ReplyDeleteFabulous old town.
I hope the bike works well, I suspect this fits in the van easily.
Sad about previous owners eyesight and knees..
Mr. A, the person selling was a really nice guy and I felt for him having to give up cycling as he obviously enjoyed, but I will take the bike on some new adventures.
ReplyDeleteNice versatile bike Dave....
ReplyDeleteI have a soft spot for Dahon folding bikes as I used one to ride LEJOG. The model I used had 24" wheels...I think it was called a Dahon Espresso and the reason I used it rather than my touring bike was for a bet.... Took ten days to complete the trip.
Wow 10 days on 24" wheels I take my hat off to you Trevor. I'm very pleased with it and today I practiced taking the back wheel off as it's not straightforward with the Dual drive hub and the cabling. Here's hoping I dont get too many rear punctures.
ReplyDelete