Just in case anyone marked their calendars for a ride I planned to organize on Saturday, September 13 (the 50th anniversary of Mockridge's untimely death during a bike race). I had a grand vision for this ride, including a prize for the best Aussie bike: a commemorative medallion celebrating his gold medal in the 1950 Commonwealth Games in Auckland.
Hip surgery next week forces the cancellation - I'm getting an upgrade, just like Floyd Landis' (Birmingham Hip Resurfacing). Deterioration in that joint has been rapid over the last several months, after many years of getting by on it. With any luck, I'll be back on the bike in a few months. But I'll still be laid up on 9/13. If someone else is inspired to celebrate this great rider with a vintage Aussie group ride, I'll send along the "prize!"
Dave Ross
Portola Valley, California USA