[CR] The REAL "GEN" HUH!

(Example: Production Builders:Tonard)

To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Date: Sat, 08 May 2010 21:47:27 -0400
From: <crumpy6204@aol.com>
Subject: [CR] The REAL "GEN" HUH!


Trying NOT to put my foot in my bloody mouth I have witheld to this date any comment on the topic. BUT here goes, As a nipper with NO funds, I had to rely on my Dad for help to finance my wims. I think that because of the availabilty of Brit parts and the lesser costs as opposed to buying from foreigners, My bike was Brit equiped, To build a bike for the club rides and time trails, the local shop had most of what was needed and all Brit made, Like many NCU lads, I did get the urge to try the ROAD RACING massed start scene, For this gears where needed, I have to admit DOUG that I was VERY interested in the BLRC and was tempted to join and get into massed start racing ON THE ROADS as opposed to the air drome and city parks circuits. The shop in Tysley Brum that I and several of my mates hung out at did have the NEW Simplex, Huret kits, I don't think that I ever saw much Campagnolo this was VERY expensive and only for the REAL "GEN" chaps I did get a Simplex 4sp 1/8 chain set u
   p and used this for the massed start racing, I never did join BLRC due to going in the RAF for two years in 1951 I stuck with time trials 10-50miles. This does bring me to another posting about fixed wheels riding and racing, I for many years ONLY rode a fixed gear, for winter training about a high 50" summer riding about 72" and for racing in TT about a 83" gear, TWIDDLING was the "GEN" thing to do 'Twiddle your arse off' But I do think the reason and the ONLY reason that I have been able to keep riding all these years,was because I did this. In retrospect maybe our times would have been faster with freewheeling gears, BUT everyone rode and raced this way. Stan Higginson Halesowen CC in the 1950s BEAT the HOUR for 25miles on a fixed 72" gear! figure the RPMs on that one .He is I now think a year older than me and still in good shape and riding. I close (sorry Dale) with a memory of a 25TT I did in 1951 A cold wet windy early am, Just left the start, Head down,the only s
   ound the hum of the Dunlop#3 pumped till they ping! my all black kit soaked with the spray, pedals smoothly pushing the fixed 83" gear, My minute man IN SIGHT. ease past him,"Mornin Mate!" feeling good, two min man next! Humming to myself the 'Barber of Seville', finish in 1-1-58 Third place to Bas Francis and Bob Maitland, Nice ride Johnny, my mates said! THIS WAS AS GOOD AS IT GOT! Cheers mates, John Crump OldandIdidbuyBrit, Parker Co USA