by Doug » Wed Jun 04, 2008 7:58 am
Thanks John for placing the forthcoming event on the Addiscombe Forum.
I realise that Sleaford is some way from southern roads but there is always a chance that someone could be holidaying in the area and looking for an event to ride.
I moved from Kent 8 years ago and was so pleased to be in the company of a man that I never knew yet seemed to have known him for ever. Late 50's, early 60's Nev Crane was a headline so often in "Cycling". Often riding in the south and taking home the lions share of the prizes.
March 22nd 2006 was a sad day. Just as a few of us oldies met for our Wednesday bash Nev was unwell. As we held him and awaited an ambulance he passed away.
I had promoted near 60 Opens for my Kent club Wigmore CC with some success. My offer to get the Nev Crane Show on the road was eagerly accepted by his family and the Sleaford Wheelers.
Lincolnshire does not possess super fast courses but even so in 2007 91 riders entered. I was told by many that such a large field had not been seen in Lincs for decades. The previous weekends had seen fields of 22, 53 and 33. So you can guess i was ecstatic at the response.
I have been around long enough to know that nothing can be taken for granted. So having something to sell there is a need for me not to keep it a secret. And so I spread the word and hope that the 2008 version will be as successful as the last years inaugural event.
For the record Ken Platts (Cambridge CC) won that event in a fine time for the day and the course in 54-20. Less than a minute off course record. I have high hopes of paying out loads of money this year.
Lots of prizes and not all going to the fast boys'.
I have fond memories of my days when I was member of South London club Southern Elite CC. Often out to see record attempts by some of the Addiscombe lads. London-Brighton and back. London-Worthing and back. What lads were they? Well some what older than I. Sid and Fred Armstrong. Harvey and Eddie Mundy and Charlie Davey were those that immediately come to mind.
Thats it. Thank you Addiscombe CC for allowing me some space on your Forum. I hope to be able to greet some of you on July 13th.