RSF - The Off Road Cycling Club

The Adventure Starts Here

2001

“Whoever invented the bicycle deserves the thanks of humanity” — Lord Charles Beresford, British MP

 

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On Thursday 13 May, 1999 four intrepid bikers, two (should have been three) Yorkshire Tykes, a Devonian and an Aberdonian depart Glasgow en route to Glencoe, and a rough stuff circuit of the famous Rannoch Moor. Demonstrating the depth of oui- understanding of nutrition and fitness issues, we each initiated our "evening before" routine by scoffing chip suppers and chocolate bars, although it must be said in mitigation that this was purely to soak up the eagerly anticipated beer.
All being well, those likeable likely lads. "Big Steve" Lewis and "Bob a Job" McHardy should about now be on the point of setting off for 2 months in Mongolia, via dodgy airlines and rail journeys, proving that the spirit of high adventure is still alive and kicking amongst some of our members. When we saw them at Easter, just their visas remained to be sorted out. Vegetarian Steve has had to try and get used to eating meat again, as mutton is the staple diet of the native people, and the nearest Tesco is probably the one nearest you.
Several members held an impromptu camping weekend at Pilsbury Lodge Farm in the Peak District prior to Louisa Brown's impending departure for two months touring in Peru. Rumour has it that this was the highest altitude training she could find in the Midlands. We couldn't lift her weekend-equipped bike, so hopefully they've strengthened the Andean bridges in anticipation of her visit. An evening of folk music and attempted dancing was enjoyed at Hurdlow's Royal Oak, but despite all the world travellers in the group we still managed to get lost on the High Peak Trail on the way back to camp.
Most of us live in a world where more and more places and things are signposted, labeled and officially 'interpreted'. There is something about all this that is turning the reality of things into virtual reality. It is the reason why walking, cycling and swimming will be subversive activities. They allow us to regain a sense of what is old and wild in these islands, by getting off the beaten track and breaking free of the official version of things.

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