HATS OFF TO THIS BLOKE !

For those who didnt do 2008's Dartmoor Classic, let me fill you in it a little. It was a scorching day, I mean really hot..and there werent many this summer ! The 100 mile route was breathtaking, not just because of the amazing scenery but the fact that there wasn't any air. The second feed station was in Princetown with the tall grey buildings of HM Prison looming over us....probably feeling sorry for us as they gazed through the bars, no doubt! It was from here onwards that things got really really heavy, the hills got longer and steeper, the air got thicker and I was passing people pushing their bikes along the flat sections and virtually crawling up the hills.......we still had 50 miles to go. I remember having a huge mental battle with myself, finally getting to the top of a horrible hill with the sun beating down and sweat dripping onto my crossbar when I looked up and saw this bloke ahead of me in the distance with what looked like plus fours and a cloth cap on! Was my mind playing tricks on me? Had I finally pushed myself too far...maybe I should take on some water or something! As I got closer I began to realise this wasnt a vision but it was real. I managed to justify it in my head by telling myself its just some old bloke out for a Sunday ride, but then finally I managed to pass him, having just enough energy to turn my head to the left only to see that he had a number board on his bike !!! Not only did he have thick trousers and a cloth cap on but a v-necked sweater, shirt and tie. If I had the energy or mental capacity I would of said hello or somothing but at the time I had forgotten the art of communication.....and no doubt so had he.

I've just found this photo of him on the Dartmoor Classic website !! What a star..... If you see this write-up mate, get in touch and let us know who you are !!