Brompton cycle touring - you're never too old!

In August, Dad and I thought we'd do a cycling holiday, and test out using Bromptons combined with local buses.
Dad took up cycling in his 60s, doing local trips by bicycle instead of by car, hopping on the bike pretty much every day to nip the shops, or see friends. Now he's 87, and he's still out every day doing local errands by bike - riding 20 mins or so - as well as heading out on longer loops around his patch in Stockport, just for the pleasure of looking around, and being out in the open air. He regularly does 10- to 15-mile rides, taking it at a nice easy pace, although one of his favourite routes - up to Lyme Hall on the edge of the Pennines - involves a pretty hefty climb, so not easy at all! Luckily, when the cafe up there is open, you can get a scone and tea at the top, which obviously helps everything.
Anyway, this summer Dad and I decided to do a cycle tour in the Welsh borders, in Herefordshire. The idea was to go back to some of the places that Dad had enjoyed exploring with my Mum, who died many years ago now. Dad still has hundreds of booklets from all the places they visited, nicely stored in folders. So Dad's job was to pick out some places to see again, and to bring the booklets. And mine was the logistics. Dad normally rides a hybrid, but we thought we'd try using Bromptons in combination with local buses, to make the cycling manageable and enjoyable. It took a bit of work to get on top of where and when the various buses went, but it was so worth it! We had a fantastic time.
Hope you enjoy our film!
MUSIC
Chasing Shadows / Tia Moors feat. Sarah Pumphrey
Life Is An Open Door / Katharine Appleton feat. Maja Norming
On A Roll / John T Graham feat. Lennart Lindeberg

[@stephencifka4629]

This brings tears. It's clear your dad is a big part of who you are. Wonderful video!

[@effyleven]

I too was much moved by seeing Susanna with her Daddy... All the best to both of you.. .... (and thanks for taking us along... again).

[@tonynekrews]

87 and riding smoothly! Impressive effort sir. At 65, I’m a mere boy in comparison, but still get out on my bike everyday. You are as inspiring as your daughter. Respect

[@wetllimfucked]

What a great father daughter relationship. Your dad must be so proud of you. He could pass for being in his sixties.

[@davidniven6665]

You had me sobbing watching the end of this.. I am sure it will touch the hearts of many that shared a passion with a parent that is no longer with us.. thank you for sharing this precious moment.. it was wonderful 🏆

[@susannathornton]

aw thank you David what a lovely thing to write, it is very nice thing you said

[@maidbloke]

I lost my dad 10 years ago and this film made me both sad and happy. It looks like you both had a great trip.Cherish every moment. ❤

[@susannathornton]

Aw sorry to hear that you lost your Dad 10 years ago. Thank you for the lovely comment, yes let's cherish life, and hold on to all the good memories xxx

[@maidbloke]

@@susannathornton thank you x

[@erickstiner1668]

Over the years you have created wonderful videos to share with us all. I must tell you THIS one brought the warmth to my heart and a smile to my face. Watching you and your dad traveling together is such a gift. I thank you from America. You touch the world Susanna. Cheers to you and your dad.

[@susannathornton]

Aw Erick thank you for the lovely comment, glad you enjoyed our film! Cheers to you too

[@Rlaplante73]

I'm new to your channel. These videos are outstanding. What a joy to be together with your Dad. Amazing to be riding at 87 years young :)

[@aedamhaeng]

It's a gift of life to have the possibility doing such travels with your loved ones. Absolutely amzing.

[@davidsaxby5400]

Your dad is amazing for his age. Well done both of you

[@cyclingdry]

Just watched this Susanna and I loved it. Your Dad is so fit and healthy looking. I can only wish to be cycling my own Brompton if I reach 87 yo. What a brilliant adventure for the both of you. Best wishes to you both from Belfast, Northern Ireland 👍

[@fraserconnell21]

So excited to watch this and im so sure you and dad were excited for the trip. Thank you for this. Family is ✊️👏👍🏼✊️❤️❤️

[@susannathornton]

Aw thanks Fraser. Glad you liked it! Dad and I just did another little adventure together actually, film coming soon!!

[@most513]

You are so amazing.. absolutely adorable. This is the way to celebrate life. Greetings from Lithuania

[@johalford708]

What a great trip. I loved seeing you combine the touring with the bus. Perfect. Your dad is amazing, as are you. Once again, I am in awe.

[@susannathornton]

Aw thanks Jo, glad you enjoyed it!

[@CarolFox-ut2fg]

I cried with happiness for you both. For you Susannah that you are well enough to have this adventure with your darling Dad. For your Dad, in that he is fit and well enough to create a magical memory. Blessed are you both to show us what a cherished, loving relationship exists between you both. So so happy for you both. So special. Greetings from sunny Australia.

[@susannathornton]

Aw Carol thank you for the lovely comment! sending greetings flying over to you there in Australia x

[@rachael8742]

Wonderful video of your lovely, short holiday with your Dad. I, like many others, look forward to your inspiring videos Susanna. Thank you for sharing them!

[@evaclarke6969]

Oh how I wish my dad can do this with me! You two are so lovely together ... Thank you for sharing this with us x

[@susannathornton]

Aw Eva thank you for the lovely comment. Sending you best wishes xx

[@lauraelysia7613]

Another lovely, heartwarming video Susanna! Watching it just now we commented on how nice it was to see someone in their 70s being so active and how good your dad looked, and then I went to read your description and was shocked to find he’s not in his 70s at all! I’m always so pleased when you upload a video, thanks for sharing.

[@susannathornton]

Hi Laura! aw thank you, glad you liked the film! thank you for writing!

[@WheelersAtLarge]

What a lovely trip, thanks for sharing this. Well done

[@MrGraywood7]

You both are awesome. Cycling is amazing for all ages.

[@simonbentley4557]

Beautiful film and what a wonderful way to spend time with your father having an adventure on your bromies 😊

[@ayenackaye2625]

Well, I hope I can do what your dad has done when I'm his age! Inspirational.

[@vldarden]

This is beautiful. It hits my heart...my Dad is a very big part of my life. He's soon to be 93 and unfortunately has bad knees and can't do these kind of things anymore. Thanks for sharing.

[@susannathornton]

Hi Vicky Lynne! thank you for writing. Sorry to hear your Dad's knees are not good. Yes Dad and me are both really lucky to be able to do such nice things still. Dad is being treated for cancer too but he is coping with it all really well. We are both very lucky. Glad you enjoyed our film! Sending best wishes to you and your Dad x

[@timothywimborne1722]

Great trip. Love seeing your two wheeled adventures. You travel at just the right pace. 😊

[@susannathornton]

aw thanks Timothy! glad you enjoyed it. Dad and me have been out again actually, exploring different areas of the UK, we love it. New film of that coming soon! and more from me solo, as well as with other long suffering companions too haha. Thanks for watching!

[@tonypaddler]

What a heartwarming video Susanna, absolutely beautiful 🚲🙂👍

[@sohdusty]

Wonderful , thanks for taking us along .

[@GOBBYBOY333]

What a simply lovely video Susanna, great weather, company and wonderful countryside. Thanks for taking us along, on a very special minibreak (often the best) ATB Big Dave Scotland

[@susannathornton]

Aw thank you Big Dave! yep, you put it perfectly... ATB to you too!!

[@pprietojuez]

Thank you for taking us with you in this trip.

[@rogberube6422]

I would have loved to ride with my father. You're lucky, Susanna. Make the most of it. 🤗

[@garybrookes6697]

Lovely trip Susanna, you and your dad are amazing

[@angelagayehorn6362]

We loved this video ❤ So much respect for your Dad wow what an inspiration 😅

[@SarahGrant-nu1ed]

Wonderful! What a pleasure to watch. Your dad is fab!

[@susannathornton]

yes he is x

[@5mjc]

Love to see the Old Historic Churches. Lovely scenic views on your travels. The Scramble eggs looked very good.

[@fraserconnell21]

Some sunshine you are and so well read too😊

[@WiltshireMan]

Dads are Precious. What a wonderful holiday and great to spend time with your Dad. He's actually in very good nick for his age. The last time I went cycling with my Dad was back in 1969 when I was around 7 years old. My Dad developed rheumatoid arthritis when he was very young and wasn't able to do much active sport with us boys, there were four of us (brothers) and we all enjoyed sport and getting out and I know my Dad wanted to participate but he just couldn't, his body wouldn't let him. Sadly he passed away in 1988 but I still miss him and think about him every day. He was a Lovely Dad to us and did his Best despite his disability.

[@susannathornton]

Aw Sandy thank you for watching. Yes youre right Dads are so precious. I am so lucky. I'm sorry to hear that your Dad wasnt able to do as much as he wanted, and wasnt able to join activities with you and your brothers. (gosh four boys!) But I am glad that you had a lovely Dad. Thank you for writing! sending best wishes x

[@SouthEast_Roamer]

What a gent, chinos and shirt, love it

[@taber247]

Thank you again for sharing. Take care, all the very best.

[@lorena.gianoni]

Wow, so sweet!! you're amazing, cheers from Uruguay 🏆👏

[@alannorman1773]

Lovely ❤. So heartwarming. Thank you for this.

[@sharonmerredew5354]

Huge congratulations for being recognised as one of the Cycle Uk 100 women in cycling. I couldn’t think of a more worthy person to be on that list. Hope all is well. Sharon.

[@susannathornton]

Hi Sharon! thank you for writing! yes it is an honour!! It is amazing to be on that list with all those super and diverse and interesting people. Hope you are well and having a good day today. More films coming soon! I have been out a lot and feel good, so glad and lucky! x

[@sharonmerredew5354]

@@susannathornton Excellent, glad you are well and I’m really looking forward to the next instalment.

[@bennettshfd2]

Good story. I'm glad you had time with your dad on this journey.

[@juliewerner9592]

What a lovely Surprise to wake up to early on a Sunday Morning, Susanna AND her dad , thank you for posting your wonderful adventure. Lots of love and Brompton vibes from Australia 💞🌻🌅☕️

[@susannathornton]

Hello Julie! Thanks for writing! Hope you had a nice weekend! Best wishes from Dad and me winging over to you there in Australia!

[@ActiveTowns]

Yay! So very cool. Bus and Brompton Bike Hire holiday for the score. Brilliant! Thanks so much for bring us along for the ride. Cheers! 😊

[@susannathornton]

Hi Active Towns! thanks for writing! yes it was brilliant to go a holiday like that, folding bikes and buses. Made it feel like we deserved all the cheesecakes and thing haha! I'd not done anything quite like that before, using the bus network actually. Having good info online re bus times and detailed bus maps etc makes quite easy really. Takes a bit of time to plan but then it worked nicely. And Brompton Bike Hire was brilliant. We'd not done that before either. £5 a day. Amazing really

[@ActiveTowns]

@@susannathornton Yes, re: Brompton Bike Hire, sounds truly amazing. Will Butler-Adams, CEO of Brompton mentioned the program in my interview with him, but I had not yet seen anyone document their experience. I typically have my Brommie with me at all times, but certainly see wanting to hire an extra one for a family member or friend like this. Very cool and conducive to building fond memories like this.

[@lizziel4876]

Lovely video to watch! You know what I liked (although it's not the done thing to say it)? That neither of you is wearing a helmet! And your dad is wearing such nice normal clothes!! And I love his trousers tucked into his socks.... A proper cyclist.

[@susannathornton]

Hello Lizzie aw thank you, Dad and I are sitting together reading through all the lovely things people said again this evening. Thank you for writing x

[@jazzfan7491]

Very moving. You did a wonderful thing for your Dad

[@susannathornton]

Aw thanks - it's the other way round really

[@jasonloke2219]

Your dad is still strong. Got more hair than me. Great to be up and about!!

[@DLBard-bv2nd]

Beautiful video. Thanks for sharing.💖

[@kierongreen9789]

Absolutely fantastic. Kg.

[@susannathornton]

Aw thanks Kieron! Glad you liked it x Dad and I are lucky that we can do things we enjoy

[@EarfulOfTunes]

Salute to Dad!

[@janvandenberg3504]

Marvellous trip. And the weather! Amazing. Music was a bit loud at times. Keep cycling, Suzanne.

[@thecycle2worker152]

Hi Susan hope you are keeping well, Happy Christmas to you and your family wishing you good health in 2024

[@philipbowen3932]

What a fantastic video and a joy seeing your Dad still enjoying cycling at 87😃 Your videos so inspirational Susannah and again thank you❤

[@colinpearce7079]

Hi Susanna,lovely to see you out again,those memories created with your dad are priceless that no money can buy,atb Colin P.

[@chriss665]

Thanks as Susanna for another lovely video, great to see your Dad joining in, only spoilet with that dreadful music, so nice on the parts without it, so we can here you chat to Dad.

[@victorialane154]

It’s wonderful creating memories with parents ❤

[@edebruinify]

What a great video! Loved watching it. Greetings from Rotterdam

[@alicejwho]

I've just today discovered your channel and your travels. I'm so glad I did! Your videos are so uplifting and interesting, and I like the way you put them together, including the music you use. This one, with your dad, is so heart warming and inspirational. I'm 58 and i hope to be cycling when I'm your dad's age. Very impressive! Also, I watched the first part of your trip to Sweden and loved it. I'm so looking forward to the next part!

[@susannathornton]

Hi Alice! thanks for writing! glad you like the channel! welcome! Next part of the Sweden trip is coming soon... working on it 💻🙄

[@hunteraaa2666]

Love it! Wish I can do the same with my kids when I’m older. He is 3 and he asked if he can have my Brompton when he is tall enough 😅

[@PaulFreeman1]

So inspirational and beautiful

[@johnroden785]

Thank you for making these videos I always enjoy them, this one was especially heartwarming. You inspired me to do my own Brompton trips and I did my first overnighter this last weekend. I drove my daughter off to college and let her keep my car and then rode A pretty long way and did some camping and then grabbed the train home. It was a completely different way to bike tour and I want to do more of it. Thank you for showing me that this was possible, I never would have suspected the little Brompton had any utility for this kind of use.

[@susannathornton]

Hi John! oh that sounds great! Bravo you, sounds brilliant to ride part way home like that

[@ronstokes5787]

Keek the wind on your back for a long time yet. Many thanks.

[@tonystrange3893]

Your dad’s awesome x

[@jdgfjy]

Very impressive riding with father. Brompton is conntecting the relationship more tightly and warmly. Good!!!

[@peterforde9513]

Susanna, Absolutely wonderful. You have done a great deal of cycling, but I imagine this experience is tops. There is nothing I like better than taking cycling trips with my sons and grandchildren; precious moments. P.S. Your dad is my new hero. Peter Forde

[@susannathornton]

Aw Peter thank you for writing. That sounds so nice, cycling with your sons, and their children... Aw my Dad is my hero too!! best wishes and see you guys on the road!!

[@carmeltravers6371]

Loved that 😊thanks for posting.

[@jayvalle3704]

Wonderful memories of Father Daughter Brompton cycling tour❤❤❤

[@misshoneyjam]

I love this :) - thank you so much for sharing.

[@vijaybose5904]

Rarely I comment on your videos but this is lovely 🧡🧡🧡👌

[@susannathornton]

Aw thanks Vijaybose, glad you like it

[@nicolarusso]

What a wonderful video! My dad, who is no longer with us, taught me how to ride over 50 years ago and I have not stopped. How I wish I could have had such a wonderful time like you!

[@martynjryan3]

Thank you for your videos and the inspiration that you and your dad have given. I caught the train to Hereford yesterday and cycled to some of the castles and churches in your video. Beautiful and interesting ride. Thank you for the idea. I hope to catch the train to Hereford again and cycle home to Newport.

[@susannathornton]

Hi Martyn! how lovely, glad you enjoyed it too! Hope you had some nice good etc too like we did, cheese cake and things

[@CarolFox-ut2fg]

Wishing you a beautiful Christmas and may 2024 see you in remission from C and out there having more fun adventures and..selfishly..sharing them with us. Greetings from a hot, sunny and humid Australia. 🥳🥂🥳

[@susannathornton]

Hi Carol! thank you for the lovely message! best wishes for the New Year!

[@caracheong6407]

Wowwwww! Susanna, u r such an inspiration! I am travelling vicariously through u really! And this trip with your dad made me wish I had a chance to do it with my dad & mum too... Been a year since their passing... U rock for celebrating life, your dad & mum! :)

[@susannathornton]

Hi Cara, aw thank you for writing. What a lovely message. I'm sorry about your Mum and Dad. I am so lucky to be able to do a ride with my Dad. Sending best wishes x

[@stigohara4961]

Oh, these .... hedges. Blocking the view. I hope my daughter rides with me when I'm 87. Thank you for taking us along. ❤

[@Grangeburn]

Loved the Churches. Loved the scenery. Loved seeing father's love for daughter. Loved seeing daughter's love for father. Loved this video.

[@darinjgraham]

Hey Susannah. I discovered your channel after I got my Brompton a few weeks ago! I have the coral one and I think you have it too. I absolutely love your channel and find you and your adventures really inspiring. I’m now planning my first Brompton trip already from where I live in London to a camp site on a farm in Hertfordshire. Thank you for sharing your experiences and I look forward to your next video!

[@susannathornton]

Hi Darin! oh that sounds great, yeh mine is fire coral too, I love it. I've got a couple of little chips now in the paintjob argh but never mind, they are meant to be used arent they. Hope the Hertfordshire trip goes well, sounds great! Thanks for writing! Happy cycling!!

[@lindaholmes1920]

Just beautiful! What better way to spend Dad and daughter time than a bus and Brompton tour of historic churches 😀 and your dad looks so fit and healthy for 87, I’m sure the cycling has helped.

[@pauljenkins2501]

I can't improve upon the raft of lovely comments that you have already received for this video. They were well deserved. Thank you for another wonderful video.

[@platypushatstand]

Lots of pretty little churches, I like the stonemason designs, especially the dog and cat. I think Mocca was the best, just imagine living on that estate with that lovely little church in the grounds. My dad regaled me of his cycling days, he’d think nothing of riding from Fareham to Arundel Castle and back when he was a teenager. I tried to teach him to ride my Brompton during lockdown, but his riding balance has gone unfortunately. You’re the spitting image of your dad.

[@susannathornton]

Yeh I liked Moccas a lot too. Imagine living there. Your own cricket pitch and everything. Amazing. Sounds like your Dad enjoyed his bike a lot. Sorry to hear his balance has gone. Dad and me know we are are super lucky. We were just on the phone chatting about it now. Nothing is to be taken for granted is it, so much to be thankful for. Anyway, best wishes! thanks for watching!

[@adrianstrand1120]

Wonderful ! Precious times together for Dad and Daughter 😊

[@markbarkntrunk102]

I enjoy watching your trips. Im very impressed with your farther striding on up the hill not wishing to walk. You're both lovely people.

[@eisvogel8099]

If this wasn't a special trip I don't know what is. Thank you so much for sharing, Susanna

[@davidstokes551]

Yes we enjoyed that, sanity in this mad mad world…PaD x New Forest

[@stuartguy4479]

What a lovely way to spend time with your Dad exploring such beautiful places

[@jimkonst]

I have always believed that cycling does not make you live long, it makes you live well. I need to rethink that. It seems to do both. This was very moving, Susanna, thank you.

[@peterstecks7660]

What a wonderful video Susanna. Please thank your Dad for joining you on yet another excellent trip. Stockport is dear to my heart. I was born there and all my Mum's side of the family lived in Edgeley. Your Brommy trips are legendary. Stay safe.

[@jenniferbailey44]

I loved watching this. So lovely to see you and your dad cycling together and the smiles on your faces. I see your dad has still got his cycling legs, a fair speed up that hill! Thanks for sharing!😊🚴‍♀️🚴🌞

[@swakemudi8682]

this is awesome video, my tears just flowing out

[@susannathornton]

Aw thank you SK, glad you enjoyed it! Well, if crying is enjoying it!! thanks for watching!

[@johnlindsay6270]

What an absolutely delightful few days with your dad. Beautiful video, thank you.

[@simonchristie4117]

Just wonderful ❤

[@dorsettyke]

Lovely! 👍🙂

[@tonyfrewin4822]

This is lovely ❤

[@thg1173]

Just lovely

[@SteveGarner1964]

Loved it 👍👍

[@FollowThomas]

You're right about that, you're never too old to go bike touring. I just finished my tour.👍

[@gtex1963]

Wonderful ❤️

[@jellyartist]

Hey Susanna. Lovely video. Your dad! What an amazing gent he is. 87! Incredible example to us all. I love Herefordshire, especially that area. My in laws used to live near Weobley so we often went up there. Those churches are fantastic and the roads really are pretty quiet. Pembridge and Eardisland are well worth a visit if you are up there again. Both beautiful villages with lots of timber frame buildings and Pembridge has a separate bell tower from its church.

[@susannathornton]

Hi Vin! Aw thanks for writing! How nice that you know that area from many visits and family connections. I loved the bits Dad and I saw on this visit. I was surprised about how much timber framing there was round there actually. I thought of timber frame as a Cheshire thing - which is kind of where I am from - and obviously I am wrong!

[@jellyartist]

Yes. They even have the black and white house trail round there. As with the churches, the other border architecture is great and very historic. When we first went up there about 35yrs ago some of the neighbours still didn’t have mains electricity or water.

[@willarn1]

Amazing! Thanks for bringing us along.

[@geoff9614]

Go dad well great to see an 87 year old riding so well

[@j.r.newton2427]

That was lovely. Thanks for sharing. ❤

[@marklaurie9563]

Thank you Susanna for the wonderful video it made my day. Your Father is a total inspiration as is his love of Churches. Stay well please.

[@waxer00]

What a great ‘Peter pan ‘ of a father you have . Fantastic trip