[CR]Ride Until You Drop

(Example: Racing:Jacques Boyer)

From: <speedaneze@tesco.net>
To: <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Date: Wed, 15 Jun 2005 23:07:44 +0000
Subject: [CR]Ride Until You Drop

Good evening all, Rode the Cambridge VCC "50" last Sunday didn't bother to sign on as I am not a VCC member and I was riding a 1989 Quinn. Loverly day sunny with showers and one hell of a wind blowing, mostly head but occasionally "Chuff". That's Brit slang for arse. There was a good turn out and one hell of a mix of machines including five ordinaries (Pennies) who got round easily. That's one hell of a ride on this windy hilly route. The only thing they have in their favour is they have a puncture free ride. The bikes which really stood out were a totally original G.A. Same paint and same equipment it came with when it was purchased way back in 1936. It was a picture with Russ forks. GA was one of the biggest British lightweight builders and they had at least four shops in London. George Brooks was a manager there. Next was a 1939 Sun Wasp in original paint, stunning. Then there was an original 47 Mal Rees and a 56 Ephgrave built Rory O'Brien. Both in original enamel and with all their original bits. More than you can say for some of the riders I am positive one bloke had a "Syrup" (syrup of fig = wig)under his helmet! My old mucker Mick Butler was there still pushing big gears and steaming up the hills but he is one crafty old bugger always rides a nice period frame kitted out with the best lightweight stuff from the 50's through to the 80's. His beautiful Rensch had a Stronglight 49D with SunTour gears and his 70's Weinmann rims were laced into Shimano Durace hubs and real light modern tyres. Not exactly kosher but he does ride a lot of miles and at one hell of a pace so comfort and reliability he needs more than period authenticity. No wonder the 80's Concor! He sends his regards to everyone on the list. Poor sod is having a rotten time at the moment what with personal problems and being made redundant from his job yet again. Would love to hear what he have to say if you described cycling as a hobby to him. It's a passion and way of life to him, more like a bloody obsession if you ask me. He is typical old school who want to die riding their bikes, their favourite expression is I hope it comes quick and from behind as long as I don't know about it! If you ever get overhere this is one ride you should do. The ride is organized by an American who really appreciates what just post war British club cycling was all about and does one hell of a fine job in trying to replicate this even down to the tradional 60's cyclists tea stop.

Oil up! Frank Ellingford London UK