Alexei Sayle's Lockdown Bikeride 8: Waterloo to Covent Garden

[@lemond15]

The paean to Matt Damon is sublime.

[@TheVeiledCollective]

I'm obsessed with the can that throws itself into Alexei's path at 18.06. Seems to sit on the post, then jump into the road.

[@JohnBlaney]

I like the enforeced pauses at traffic lights. They make a nice contrast to the constant movement and there's always somethings going on in shot to look at. But feel free to glide through them, providing it's safe to do so.

[@paulyflyer8154]

I can't wait. It's like being on the front of a tandem with the stoker behind doing all the work. These video's have been a godsend for me the past 12 months...so therapeutic. Thank you and please keep them up 😍

[@ChrisReadUK]

Exactly the same here, i was born and lived in SE23 until the early 70’s. Lockdown has been hard, but this has “lifted my soul!” Thank you Alexei.

[@nealedickson2859]

I watch from NZ, thoroughly enjoy them

[@alexwood3251]

It’d be interesting to see Alexei’s Liverpool.

[@maxcowell3920]

Loved the two victorian rail bridges striding majestically across the streets of Waterloo!

[@dubstar457]

Another brilliant insight ... Looking forward to your Home city Liverpool ride ... These are so enjoyable Alexei

[@echenniker3810]

Comical Bloody love it You just cant beat it! Everything improves with age for Alexi Sayle .....not fair! 😘

[@ibilly99]

Fuck me Alexei you are top-notch and always have been. Always the best of the Comic Strip and Tiswas and everything else. Subscribed and weeping with happiness. ELLO JOHN GOT A NEW MOTOR was a key memory of my teenage years.

[@johndaarteest]

The "Tog Shop " Sayle speaks about when going down the Lower Marsh used to be located on the left hand side building on the corner at 4:16 now called Greensmiths and used to be called "Cohen Bros" it was painted green and as he said used to have various items of clothes hanging up outside.

[@fordprefect80]

London seems quite navigable and pushbike friendly. Thanks, I enjoyed the ride. From Newcastle Australia.

[@kevlandy]

Alexi, do you ever look up at the old buildings and ever notice the ‘ghost signs’ advertising long gone shops and products? Fascinating stuff, as people never look up.

[@peteyeldingsounds]

Ahhh that headwind on Waterloo bridge is bloody tough! Used to work at the Southbank and would cycle up that way from my ends in Camberwell and then Brockley.

[@alexwood3251]

Love this. I work for Islington council and I often cycle around the same areas as Alexei

[@zoinkydoinky5240]

this was lovely and relaxing. thanks

[@nellfuncky305]

Listened to your Desert Island Discs today. One of the best I have heard despite some of the music choices.Is the pandemic the reason you have to channel Norman Tebbit’s dad?

[@shirleymeighan2746]

Looking forward to seeing you in my home town Glasgow Alexei

[@CitroenCX]

Alexei once almost knocked me flying off my motorcycle at the mini-roundabout at York Way / Market Road. I was like, ‘Who’s this fucking bastard in the metallic green Alfa Romeo 166? Ooh, it’s Alexei Sayle! Awright, Alexei? GIVE WAY TO THE (small R) RIGHT!’

[@kevincrouch2732]

Brilliant as always take care sir 😎

[@Mick_Holland]

"Ayup!" sounds less threatening to my ears and can be yelled with a smile. It probably wouldn't work in 'that fancy London'. Cheers 👍🏼

[@pj_naylor]

The timing of the lights at the Strand/Aldwych/Waterloo Bridge junction used to be such that at one point you could walk across diagonally, which would get you confused and concerned looks from everyone else.

[@wangouthangout]

Best intro to a youtube channel ever

[@pauljones5066]

best youtube series ever

[@jayhoughton4174]

Jeez, Alexei Sayle from the Glorious Republic of Bloomsbury and founder member of the people's popular front of the West End is complaining about the price of baguettes in gentrified coffee houses. Definitely worth subscribing!

[@mkdavo]

As a fellow scouser you need to cycle around Liverpool! The bell is less aggressive.

[@steveempidogreynolds4413]

Nice one Alexei ..Come to Oxford and I will show you around as its me job as a cycle tour guide ... Town and Gown and all that...

[@stephenlawrence8991]

Love it mate have good weekend to and your family thanks

[@ChrisPinCornwall]

Love you, Alexei. Come cycling in Cornwall and I'll buy you a curry. Thanks for all the entertainment.

[@4-dman464]

Is the attraction of Northern Independence Party that a smaller area is more able to break from corporate centralism? (or just the old North-South divide?) Interesting. Will Alexei say more about this? - - we want Advocacy Journalism On Wheels from Alexei!

[@AllardsLovechild]

Bloody hell, that's my regular walk to the office along The Cut. Didn't know it'd had the traffic priority changes. Haven't been to Lunnun since March last year, so dead interesting to see this. Ran that way a lot too.

[@AnonymousTwoPointO]

Love these! Cheers from California! #DrMartinsBoots

[@trevorlondon4601]

A sayle of two cities

[@Justbehelpful]

So glad you are doing well Alexi. Love your bike rides and ramblings thanks. Ps I've taken up cycling again and got myself an ebike Borrow one I think you may enjoy it

[@bettyboo1930]

Thanks for getting me back out in London again after being scared off by this pandemic. Fantastic to see the great sights of wonderful London. Cheers Alexei....and keep peddling!

[@paulronalddoe4548]

Love it..

[@torchist]

you missed it - 14:04 if you had turned right into Savoy Hill in about 30yds you would have come to the spot behind the Savoy Hotel where Bob Dylan did the promotional film for Subterranean Homesick Blues in 1965 - the film where he goes through the cue cards with the lyrics on - you can still see it on KZbin - in the background dressed as workmen are Allen Ginsberg and Bob Neuwirth and to add trivia to my trivia the cue cards were written by Donovan - I cycle round there occasionally just to pay homage - it hasn't changed a bit.

[@theselector4733]

Good to see Alexei's got a new motor (ride)....... sorry, couldn't help it LOL

[@AtheistEve]

Cycle round Stevenage. They’ve got cycletracks. And it’s not far from London.

[@levitation25]

Hurrah for this sort of thing

[@PCamb1234]

Ahhh Lockdown London. I do miss it. Human mitigation. Maybe we'll be lucky and have another long one this coming winter/spring/early summer? Fingers crossed!

[@lesleywhite123]

Loved that thank you.

[@philmus1]

Isn't the London Stone, now located in a wall in a Merchant bank, the oldest object in London. I believe it's part of a Mesolithic standing stone.

[@samspade2399]

I commute to CHX but never realised it was designed by Terry Farrell 😄

[@roderickwho1983]

That bell sounds like you're tapping a wineglass, about to make a wedding speech ! Another great tour - thanks. Em, that Northern Independence Party thing; is that everything north of Watford ?

[@Thomas-cp6qe]

I love the vids Alexei. Would also love to try myself but need to shift 3 stones of lard first. Could get an ebike but It'd be constantly charging with my encumbrance upon it.

[@alexwood3251]

When will Ken Livingstone get a concert hall or something named after him?

[@mattmo74]

Hey Alexei, what about a bikeride at the opposite end of the A580 in Manchester :)

[@unrulycats2006]

Did you pass the Calder Bookshop and Theatre at the start. Surprised it didn't get a shout out.

[@declanmulraney1363]

"that's where Boris Johnson got treated for cocaine abuse".... Jesus I laughed.... Love these mainly because you have no set route.... Please do Liverpool....

[@djonfonsteen6331]

Manchester first 😃

[@declanmulraney1363]

@@djonfonsteen6331 jaysus no way....

[@declanmulraney1363]

😂😂

[@djonfonsteen6331]

@@declanmulraney1363 The canals around Manchester and Liverpool are minted routes. Steeped in industrial history. Lots of Lordy bastards to pick at. He'll have to know we've said it!! 😂🤣

[@thisperson5294]

The one time I did try to cycle in Liverpool, admittedly about 20 years ago, drivers were either shocked into a crawl or passed me fast with an inch to spare. "What are you doing in the road! Get back on the pavement!" one man shouted. I do hope things have improved.

[@ThisIsNotaUniversity]

Difference and repetition: one does not do the "same" thing over and over. Repetition makes the difference. But would you mind toning down the wheezing?

[@philiphollowday6741]

If you want to try a different place to ride; recognising that you've done Milton Keynes give Welwyn Garden City a try. Only 25 mins on the train from KsX. And since their centenary last year there are some wonderful cycling routes about the place with a lot of history and interest attached. Like the videos keep up the good work, PMh

[@TheMdog8]

I'm also loving the energy of NIP

[@jamesneedham6265]

Technically Cleopatra's needle wasn't looted but was a gift, from Egypt to the British for fighting alongside them against the French. Even then the Needle had been moved around Egypt by different rulers like one would a pot plant. Its also worth noting that during this period of imperial history Egypt was technically under ottoman control although the ruler of Egypt Muhammad Ali went to war with just about everyone including the Ottomans.

[@milobell5525]

Have you considered that Matt Damon could be aching to become your pal but is simply too shy to make a move?

[@galleryhad7747]

Saw a girl without lights on a mini fold up electric bike in front of the bus the whole Waterloo bridge. Reminded me of little fish that follow big ones.

[@Frank_Nemo]

Alexei, do you have a connection with Hastings? I've heard you mention it a couple of times now and I remember seeing you walking about there a good few years back.

[@alexwood3251]

What do people make of those new cycle lanes?

[@Daijyobanai]

Ridonculous! The rhinocerous of ridiculousity! A favorite word for a long time!

[@levitation25]

A northern republic sounds good to me

[@wildthinair]

7:03 Union Jack Club on the right 🇬🇧

[@mikethebloodthirsty]

Is this some kind of ASMR or summit.

[@rollingnome]

Alexei. Didn't you once have a Reynolds 753 tubing frame? Or, am I dreaming?

[@nodisalsi]

Glasgow has urban cycling routes, and you can borrow a council bike off the street. [edited to add] Cleopatra's needle is the oldest item - but it was a gift from Sultan of Egypt, who also gifted one to New York, in the 19th century.

[@paulmcdonough1093]

so was al fayed but we can send him back

[@gymnosophy]

Take it easy. Cuida tu corazón

[@Ropponmatsu2]

Cleopatra's needle wasn't stolen or looted. It was a gift from the ruler of Egypt, I think, because the British liberated the place from Napoleon.

[@sprobablycancr4457]

Surely that would've given Napoleon the needle? (sorry)

[@timbeddoe]

Just go straight ahead was more aggressive than your hey! 😆

[@EricaNernie]

Just realised you aren't wearing a cycle helmet! It's a legal requirement here in Oz.

[@ctwofirst6635]

Personally, I'm more concerned about breaking arms, legs, or fingers on a bike than my head. False confidence, rather like wearing a mask.

[@williamsdaf]

Bell = Less aggressive sounds like tinkerbell Hey = More effective sounds like you are greeting a friend Air horns or are they still illegal?

[@oboqoo]

i find crossbow quite effective

[@williamsdaf]

@@oboqoo I think that might be illegal as well but good luck with it.

[@tarbooshrecords8530]

haha Great area Lower Marsh.... I think Kevin Spacey lives round there! Watch out.... lol

[@mungomidge1090]

Who's that handsome fellow!

[@toddlithgow]

Cycling in Liverpool isn't the worst but it's definitely lacking infrastructure. They're adding cycle lanes on the Strand behind the three graces and one on Lime Street which should be done by late summer. Could be worth using the rental electric bikes instead of your own for convenience sake and to tackle the hills going up to the Georgian Quarter though. Princes Avenue leading into Princes and then Sefton park is a nice way to go.

[@alexwood3251]

GLC also promoted and funded all sorts of groups for marginalised social groups. And Ken cut bus fares to 2p

[@alexwood3251]

I’m not keen on cycle lanes when they are busy.

[@Martin_JPG]

I'd love to see a video of your take on London County Council and the GLC. I know Birmingham is the largest single unitary authority nowadays, but it would have been dwarfed by these organisations if they were still going. I don't know the ins and outs of their downfall, I suppose they wielded too much power in Thatcher's eyes?

[@hamdinger7145]

Alexei can go to the Opera

[@markofsaltburn]

You’re the first person who’s been courageous enough to say that Boris Johnson was actually in hospital for COVID-19 rather than cocaine addiction, as we were dishonestly told.

[@alanmichaellincoln]

"So let's go over whatever bridge this is" as he reaches only 20 yards from Westminster itself as he gives us a tour of London. Wonder if he'll find his way home before it's dark! Maybe it was a joke

[@ScoobySTi777]

The Deliveroo rider probably didn’t have an order and was cycling to an area with restaurants,in the hope of getting an order….or was knackered.

[@amandajane8227]

i don't know why some people found this boring. I am still amazed by the quiet not yet out of lock down streets. It will be sad when they recover to normal use like they have here in Melbourne. For a year there the streets belonged to cyclists.

[@AldWitch]

You should come to Deptford and see the tree planted by Peter the Great

[@richardburton1610]

I don't think it's that Alexei is unfit. I think it's that he goes cycling in a massive heavy coat. 😀

[@alexwood3251]

If the Northern Independence Party is left wing; it’s a great idea. I’m just jealous.

[@faketwenty]

I'll watch this when you start wearing a cycle helmet

[@4-dman464]

I want to sit on Alexei's handlebars on his famous bikeride broadcasts, all the way, to show solidarity against overpriced cheese sandwiches. I am 6 foot 2. Will this be a problem?

[@AlexeiSayleOFFICIAL]

Only because that's where the cameras go.... :(

[@4-dman464]

@@AlexeiSayleOFFICIAL You got me! Planned a set list of musical bike numbers for the podcast. I was going to sing 'Bike Ride To the Moon' from the handlebars, if you were up for doing a Paul Newman handstand on the seat.

[@AlexeiSayleOFFICIAL]

@@4-dman464 Have your people talk to my people...

[@gpan62]

Avoid Matt Damon....he always gets lost and has required huge amounts of people and resources to get him back😉 🤣

[@jamesthirtyone]

It's not bullying to shout an alert when there's danger. Although the offender is usually aggressive back in my experience around SW London.

[@EdEditz]

Well I never.... It's my old landlord Alexei Yurigagarinsiegeofstalingradgloriousfiveyearplansputniktractormoscowdynamo Bolovsky (his dad was a bit of a communist).

[@peterdavies2960]

‘Ere! Are you Mussolini?!

[@ivanboyes9773]

Thelma resigned from Labour party but didn't resign her seat. She got voted out at the last GE and now Colne Valley has a Tory MP, thanks Jeremy Corbyn 🤣

[@darrenspeed6854]

I like the fact you don’t give a shit...but you really do.

[@dominicbaylis2538]

I used your ullo John got a new motor in my (are you being served youtube video film)and I T V copyrighted me ,even though I checked prior on 2 websites that do stuff like that. I shaved my head mate to get in to it, check it out

[@alexwood3251]

😂😂

[@andrewkey9401]

Love the "sticking it to the man", about the overpriced coffee. Instead of "Hey!", why not use "Comrade!" or "Tongzhi! - Original Meaning!", much less harsh.

[@paulbloxham1068]

What, wouldn't you take Matt Damon to Canvey? - L;ambrettas would probably be more appropriate.

[@richtunc27]

The best Borne movie was the Borne Legacy....it didn't have Mat Damon in it but Jeremy Renner Liverpool would be a good one.

[@jonathansimmonds5784]

Absolutely luv your bike tours of a city I used to cycle round in the mid 80's. I lived onboard a rather well known historic sailing ship in St.Katherines so got to know that end of town very well, before all the development ruined the character of the place. Just one teeny weeny request, any chance of a red button option to remove your mug from the screen please....? I don't think any deaf people could lip read due to your beard so no real need for you to be there anyway.

[@michaeldunne3379]

Is this psychogeography on a bike? You can have that title, Alexei..

[@markm1138]

Wanna buy you an electric assist bike lol

[@peachyyy7728]

Commie hat.