Turning Miles into Memories

I retired in 2012 from residential child care work.  I've been married to my wife Jo-Anne for over 50 years, and have two children Nick Tempest and Sally McMahon (who are both serious cyclists.  Sally's husband Mike is also a strong athlete, and Sally and he met through cycling. Nick is married to Karen who is also an avid runner and cyclist. I have two grandchildren (boys) who are 13 and 9.  

 

I started cycling in 1963 in Selby, Yorkshire England.  I was with the Selby Cycling Club.  At that time they had three strong riders who did well in the British Best All Rounder Team Competition.  This was the season long event with best times at 50 miles, 100 miles, and 12 hour time trials. 

  

I took up judo later that year, and stuck with it for over 17 years and became a black belt. I trained with Dave Peake who was the British Team Heavyweight representative and I was best man at his wedding.  I fought as a middle weight in competitions (175 pound maximum), which is my current weight.  I fought silver and bronze Olympic medalists and didn't last long but not to be forgotten.  

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Currently I have three road bikes:  Trek Domane, 2015 Cervelo S5, and a Trek Domane + E-Bike which is very suitable to try to keep up with the "fast guys" up to 28mph.  After that, I'm pushing a 40 pound bike with no more electrical assist.

 

 

Advice for new riders:

1. Keep the rubber side down!

2. Don't be afraid of being dropped.  Do the best you can and know your way home!  Even the Tour De France has a "lanterne rouge".  

3. Just keep riding; it's great camaraderie and healthy too.  I turn 82 in May and plan to keep riding for as long as I can, hopefully safely and definitely slower.