POST OFFICE E-BIKES

I see that the Post Office is trialling postal ebikes - an encouraging sign for the future. I hope it takes off. 

But those central low hanging derailleur tension arms look very vulnerable to lumps and bumps. Also if the rider (driver?) comes to an unexpected halt (it quite often can happen in town riding) and they have not changed down the gears, which requires the pedals to be in motion with a derailleur, can you imagine trying to move off in a high gear with that weight behind you - even with electrical assistance.

It would appear far better to install a Shimano Nexus type hub gear in the nearside driven wheel. More compact, much less vulnerable and any gear can be selected whilst stationary.

I want one for winter cycling, but without that large back container (although I suppose it could be converted into a cosy coffee break retreat!

THE BREXIT MESS

I have never "done politics" on my blog before but irrespective of whether you voted to stay or leave the EU, I think our sorry MPs have finally exposed themselves for the incompetent and self serving things they are. Is democracy now dead? I am ashamed of our government with its petty infighting and how we must appear to the rest of the world.

I think Cromwell had it about right:

Dissolution of the Long Parliament by Oliver Cromwell speech given to the House of Commons, 20 April 1653.

     

It is high time for me to put an end to your sitting in this place, which you have dishonoured by your contempt of all virtue, and defiled by your practice of every vice; ye are a factious crew, and enemies to all good government; ye are a pack of mercenary wretches, and would like Esau sell your country for a mess of pottage, and like Judas betray your God for a few pieces of money.

Is there a single virtue now remaining amongst you? Is there one vice you do not possess? Ye have no more religion than my horse; gold is your God; which of you have not barter'd your conscience for bribes? Is there a man amongst you that has the least care for the good of the Commonwealth?

Ye sordid prostitutes have you not defil'd this sacred place, and turn'd the Lord's temple into a den of thieves, by your immoral principles and wicked practices? Ye are grown intolerably odious to the whole nation; you were deputed here by the people to get grievances redress'd, are yourselves gone! So! Take away that shining bauble there, and lock up the doors.

In the name of God, go!