tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2711781369107924586.post1439245907425444930..comments2024-02-28T18:31:09.088-08:00Comments on George the Cyclist: Stage NineteenJeff Potterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03790219160140511776noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2711781369107924586.post-17532909775963577152012-07-22T07:24:42.916-07:002012-07-22T07:24:42.916-07:00Hi George... It's neat that the UK has the top...Hi George... It's neat that the UK has the top 2 this year! Well, it's doubly historic, too, right? And triply cool due to the London Oly's coming right up. They have to be supercharged with excitement in the UK! I've been reading a memoir of UK bike culture, "One More Kilometer" by Tim Hilton, with an emphasis on the 50's. One of my favorite details thus far is the Haystack scene that was strong for a few years, along with the Wildman factor. Clubbies used to pride themselves on wild-camping enroute to events, races, rallies. Showing up with straw in the hair from a night in a haystack was a sign of pride. Makes me think of you! :) The Wildman was the indie rider who no one knew who would appear out of nowhere, riding to an event, dirty and crazed seeming, and would conquer then disappear. He was a fixture. Also, gypsies were an influence. And at rallies a couple clubbies would volunteer as poachers to get rabbits for the stewpot -- the poacher was an actual if unofficial role in these outfits! Another thing that strikes me is his report of the Singing Clubs: they sang while they rode. Then there's the poetry: writing some while taking a break on a ride was typical, common, and club newsletters all ran member poetry. Very nice reading! Inspiring. Maybe some of it is ready for a comeback? Now that the UK is on top? :)JeffOYBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10087632143369804638noreply@blogger.com