8 comments

1. Well done Phil! A tremendous effort and quite a special achievement to say the least. Whilst you’ve been away cycling has changed somewhat here in the UK. It’s now owned by Barclays Bank don’t ya know. I kid you not – http://www.tfl.gov.uk/roadusers/cycling/15020.aspx

   Comment by John on September 30th, 2010

1. You make a very valid point; I’ve been holding my tongue on the ‘Barclays’ Bikes for now. On the surface they seem a success, but I’m not sure that we need a corporate involvement. A friend mentioned that ‘at least we get the bikes but without having to use taxpayers money for them; Erm, where have I heard the words ‘taxpayers money’ and ‘banks’ used recently?? I will post on the ‘Barclays Bikes’ soon – I look forward to your comments.

   Comment by Cycle Climber on September 30th, 2010

1. It’s a little sad to see the whole ‘private ownership of public space’ agenda being advanced so rapidly, and with such little opposition. Of course, brands will continue to fight for dominance in the public realm, because it makes sound economic sense. Through repetition, through exposure, through increased deployment across a huge range of print and electronic platforms, their trademarks grow in value until these become a form of currency themselves; highly-prized on corporate balance sheets the World over. It’s well documented that MacDonalds’ ‘Golden Arch’ is now worth more than the company’s physical holdings. The same is true for Nike’s ‘Swoosh’. As we extend trademark protection to include smells, sounds and colour the stakes will become higher still.

   For instance, if I were to show ‘the man in the street’ a particular shade of purple and ask him to write down ten words that perhaps came to mind – one of these might well be chocolate. Can you point to any purple chocolate in production today? No, I’m not able to either – but there is a chocolate manufacturer whose trade dress fits this bill. Visual perception in humans is advancing to another level – it’s Darwinism don’t ya know. Society has become accepting of billboards, posters and corporate signage across all aspects of daily life. It could be reasonably argued that most people don’t see this stuff anymore, but instead the advertisers’ message is impressed directly onto their sub-conscious mind; thus cutting out the middleman. And then after a little bout of ‘status anxiety’ they dutifully shuffle off to buy something and feel so much better. (For an hour, or so, that is.)

   Barclays is just ahead of the game in this respect – its opening gambit in the war for that huge tarmac canvas, upon which it can paint stunning pictures of a caring sharing bank (it’s called CSD by the way, or ‘applying lipstick to the gorilla’ to those in the know). Only when we are asked to pay an entrance fee to gain access to our parks and village greens will people begin to realise what has happened. In the meantime, you are advised to look after your present bicycle, clean and oil it regularly – if you do then it should last a lifetime. This will become important too. Because Derek Achora has told me that all new bicycles are to carry RFID enabled technology in order to allow their users full, and unhindered access, across a network of ‘fast track’ Barclays cycle routes. And thereafter Sustrans, and the rest of the UK road infrastructure – to generate much-needed income to address our structural deficit. No need to stop at those irritating toll booths either…just cycle by while £1 is debited from your online account, automatically! Cheaper than the car, bus or tube – and what’s more participants in the scheme will be staying healthy, whilst helping Britain reduce its carbon footprint! You don’t have to be Einstein to see where this is all going…

   Comment by John on October 1st, 2010

1. Dear Philip. During the tube strike the Barclay’s van and trailer with bikes was marooned in the traffic .In consequence the bikes were in the wrong place.

   Comment by Guru on October 4th, 2010

1. never doubted y boss – a top drawer effort with all sails at 12 bells sir – reep the rewards of strong continental lager and give the foreigners a little slice of the moondance to whet their appetite. Now the time for a moral dilemna either (a)pledge the donation to the worthwhile active charity MSF or (b) write the cash off as expenses and purchase an =qually well deserved 10 pints of Gibraltan nasty juice. Gooo on son – you know you want to!!!!!!!!

   Comment by LINS on October 4th, 2010

1. If i haven’t said it already then congratulations squire! fantastic achievement. And have just checked out the photos – brilliant! really brings it to life. must have been a nasty slog… Am just working my way through the diary. free hotel hm? thats brilliant, and well done them. Am tempted to make comments about finding random £20 notes on the ground, etc. But i won’t. Arf. good stuff!

   Comment by Jimmus on October 5th, 2010

1. Dear Philip.
   Great picture of you on the summit.Was there a film crew in attendance?

   Comment by Guru on October 9th, 2010

1. No – sadly, news of my successful summit had not reached Reuters or AP in time; Maybe next time.

   A helpful hiker at the summit agreed to take the photo.

   Comment by Cycle Climber on October 10th, 2010