If you missed the 2024 BBC prom that featured a bicycle wheel (see The Guardian) there's still time to listen again on BBC Radio 3 (here). Or why not do what our Secretary Paul recently did, and take your own bicycle to the Royal Albert Hall to see a prom?

On Sunday 4 August I was at a loose end, so decided to book a last minute ticket to see the The Sinfonia of London and John Wilson perform some American classics at the BBC proms (read more). Since the pandemic, booking has become much more user-friendly. There's no longer a need to queue on the day: instead you can just book online after 10:30 on the morning of the performance. Tickets are just £8 and are generally available. This is a standing ticket, though if you cycle reasonably regularly, you ought to be fine standing through the concert. You're also permitted to bring in a cold snack such as a sandwich, though there are obviously bars selling refreshments.

I took my bike on the train from Bicester Village train station without any problems. There was actually space for 6 bikes in the carriage, as a family on a cycling holiday, an elderly couple on bikes, and a medic going home from work all shared the space. From London Marylebone, if you choose carefully, there is a lovely, cycle route along quiet streets and then a beautiful dedicated cycle path through Hyde Park. It only takes 15 minutes and best of all is leaving at the end of the concert without needing to join the queues of people catching buses or taxis.

The journey, cycle, venue, and concert were all superb. I'd highly recommend it as an outing. Concerts continue until mid-September.