Re: [CR]Winston Churchill's quote

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From: "Ken Strayhorn" <ken@dukecomm.duke.edu>
Subject: Re: [CR]Winston Churchill's quote
Date: Thu, 16 Jun 2005 12:45:10 -0400
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org


On Jun 16, 2005, at 12:19 PM, Lewis Ting wrote:
> Someone on the list quoted: "No Hour of Life Is Lost That Is Spent
> In The Saddle"
> --Winston Churchill"
>
> I have to wonder whether his use of 'saddle' isn't metaphorical? I
> know he probably didn't mean riding a horse as I think Sir Winston
> was a tad bottom heavy. Perhaps one of our English brethrens can
> enlighten us on the phrase "in the saddle" and the context.

Churchill was a cavalryman who took part in three campaigns - his description of taking part in "the last cavalry charge of the British Army" at the Battle of Omdurman is considered a classic of wartime journalism. And, believe it or not, he played polo well enough to be on the regimental team from 1895-98.

He also rode bikes - if you visit Chartwell (his country home) the bike he used to run down to the pub is still leaning against the wall of the garage.

To be sure, the mental image of Churchill coming back from the pub after a couple pints calls to mind Oliver Hardy trying to ride a bike while Stan Laurel watched in "A Chump at Oxford."

Ah, I knew that history degree would come in handy some day.

Somewhat on topic: Does anyone know of any information source for Triumph bicycles? I bought one at a yard sale simply because it was made in the same factory as my Triumph automobile - it makes a dandy accessory at British car shows. I've searched the web and can only find mentions that the bikes were made in the Coventry factory. Then things get very murky. The three lines of the company (auto, motorcycle, bicycle) were sold and re-sold so many times it's impossible to figure out who owns what.

Near as I can tell, there is a bicycle company named Triumph in Hinckley, Lancs, but the bikes are actually made in Asia (Japan, China, or Taiwan, who knows).

The one I have appears to be from the 50s or 60s, but I don't have a clue how to date it.

Any information would be greatly appreciated. Photos can be provided. I don't care about its value, it's too much fun to own and ride.

Ken Strayhorn
Hillsborough NC