Does anyone on the list remember a dance craze called the "Watusi". The
reason I am asking is that I went to a Stevenage Coureur CC dance in
December 1963 and fell madly in love for the first time with a girl from
the
Six Hills CC. I was so smitten I even got a tandem, oh for young
love. The record was by an American band called the "Orlons" and I think
it was called the Wah Watusi, anyone got copy?
Cycling club dances in the UK were something else in the past but since
the early 80's they have changed for the worse. Cross toasting, I would
like to take wine with and some witty toast would be made, happy days.
I am afraid they have gone the way of speed judging, free-wheeling
contests and Boxing Day 10's.
Boxing Day is December 26th and our club like many others held a ten
mile time trial, fancy dress, holly and tinsel decorating the bike. We
use to use the Old Great North Road in Stevenage the idea was to have
ten half pints in the nominated pubs on the course, the really serious
ones use to call it the "three P's" the idea was not to pee, puke or
pass-out. The draught beer back then was only about 3.2% ABV real
maidens water by today standards!
Sorry but I sadly miss the old style cycling club life. Thankfully we
still have the National Clarion who keep some of these customs alive at
their annual Easter and October meets.
Must fly off to the pub for some 5% Adnams Broadside if you could do the
Boxing Day ten on that rocket fuel you would be a real champion.
Best wishes and lots of luck and laughter to you all in 06.
Mick Butler Hunts UK.
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Michael Francis Butler
michaelbutler@fastmail.fm