A Flame in Newham...

With less than a week to go before the start of the Olympics, I must admit my excitement for the event has been building up. First there was the emotional BBC documentary on Victoria Pendleton earlier this week (which featured the Cycletta event which I interviewed her about last year), and now the Torch has finally made it to Newham - home of the events and where I'm from.

As it was passing so close to home there was no way that I could miss it, so I headed out to Green Street Market this morning to have a look...

I loved this old bus... yes, there are lots of corporate names on display - but it was a nice spectacle all the same...

... the back of the bus was even better - spot the lovely bicycle on the back!

This dude on a bike was also part of the parade! He was quite a happy bloke... be ace to know who he is if anyone can tell me...

And here it comes...

...the Olympic Torch! 

Seeing the flame come through the borough was fantastic, as was the atmosphere from the crowds. It made a pleasant change to be chatting and laughing with people in the market, instead of the usual barging to get to the shops and walking through the area with blinkers on. Everyone was in a good mood and had something to smile about. I just hope the 'legacy' the event leaves behind in Newham will be of benefit to the area and all of us who live and work in it.


More photos can be viewed in this flickr set. Now, bring on the cycling events... good luck Team GB!