Cyclist puts Rudolf on map in time for Christmas
A CYCLIST has brought some festive cheer to the streets of London by pedalling a route mapping out the image of a reindeer.
Anthony Hoyte, from Cheltenham, creates art by planning intricate routes that form images on maps, then recording his rides using the Strava fitness tracker app.
And his latest effort – his third annual Christmas image – may be his most impressive yet.
“I’m pretty happy with it,” the 51-year-old said. “You plan them all out but until you get back and upload it, you’re not quite sure whether it’s going to work or not.”
Mr Hoyte’s impressive 79-mile route started in Hammersmith in west London, went north as far as Edgware before heading south again and east through Hampstead Heath and Wood Green.
Finally he returned south through Kilburn and Maida Vale before finishing along Euston Road in central London.
At nine hours, it pushed him about as far as he can go, even as a regular club cyclist.
“I live in the countryside and it’s very different to coming into London,” he said. “Particularly around Neasden and Wembley, it’s not the most pleasant cycling.”
Mr Hoyte, a heritage consultant, has produced around a dozen pieces of art on his bike, and believes his training as a product designer helps in the creative process of planning the routes.
Other routes Mr Hoyte has cycled include a Yorkshire terrier in Leeds, two elephants in Birmingham, and a flock of birds in Bristol.
In 2017 he produced his first festive work by cycling a snowman in London and he followed it up last year with Santa in Birmingham.