| As I write,
October 1(1991) is upon us; the sky is grey, there is a chill in the wind and a steady
drizzle coming down. The L.E. awaits a gearbox rebuild and I await the return of my script
from being desk-top published. The money came in thick and fast, the Club members
responding very quickly once the trip was completed. On August 19th, Chris Bebbington, the
fund raising assistant from Dreams Come True Charity, came to Chelmsford where he was
presented with a giant cheque, care of Barclays Bank, Danbury. The presentation took place
at Upleatham House, a residential home for the elderly where Lynn works. Residents and
staff had taken an interest in the trip and had sponsored me so the presentation in their
presence was well received. The local press attended and the following week there appeared
a picture and a few lines, this time with my correct name. A short while later the
features editor of the monthly "Classic Bike" magazine telephoned and asked if I
was the L.E. rider who rode over drawing pins. The joke was that my Welcome Home banner
had been attached to the oak gates with drawing pins. The pins had been dropped resulting
in my first ever motor cycle tyre puncture. I sent a photograph and some details and there
we were, Velo and me, in December '91 "Classic Bike". Many people have asked
what my next trip will be. My answer is that this was a one-off, it was never meant to be
the start of a series. However, another trip would have to fulfil several criteria. |
| 1) It must be longer or more difficult than this one. 2) It must catch
people's attention with a name that everyone has heard of (e.g. John a'Groats to Land's
End). 3) It must raise more money. I gave the idea of another trip no further thought
until, without warning, the words "Monte Carlo Rally" came into my mind. The
idea of following the route (but not in winter!) does appeal: Tower Bridge to Monte Carlo
and back. It certainly does meet the first two criteria. The North still calls though. How
about emulating the Picketts and enter the Arctic Circle? That appeals even more! Now
where is my European Atlas? |
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