You are reading a single comment by @clubman and its replies.
Click here to read the full conversation.
London Fixed Gear and Single-Speed is a community of predominantly fixed gear and single-speed cyclists in and around London, UK.
This site is supported almost exclusively by donations. Please consider donating a small amount regularly.
@clubman
Great ride Hippy – Congratulations!
I was there yesterday and I thought you turned out a really super performance, especially considering this was a first attempt at a long distance time trial. You are certain to improve in the future.
I was also impressed that Hippy could hold a coherent conversation with me shortly after the finish. I was there to support my former clubmate and training companion Rob Richardson (now Chippenham & Dist.Wh.) who we think did about 450 miles, but passed out at the HQ. “Not unusual for Rob at distances of 12 hours and more” his dad commented, showing remarkable *sang froid *as his only son was stretchered away. He was right – Rob was out of hospital later in the evening and I hear is now almost back to normal. After all, it is hard to tell at the end of a 24 whether a rider is unconscious or just asleep.
It’s perhaps worth mentioning that both Andy Wilkinson and Dave Shepherd (3rd place 475 miles) were unsteady on their feet as they approached the podium – that said, Wilco gave a good acceptance speech.
There was one rider on fixed – Steve Abraham (North Bucks RC). I didn’t manage to speak to him, but he seemed to be going pretty well and I think he did something over 400. Just looking at his bike, I’d say his gear was 86”(52x16)
I don’t know when the last 24 was won on fixed, but it remained quite a common occurrence long after most had gone over to gears. Just one example I happen to be aware of – Fred Burrell (Middlesex RC) who was champion in 1956 and 1960. According to the books both wins were exactly 477.7 miles, but I don’t know if this is outstanding consistency or bad proof reading. I believe his gear on both occasions was 79” which I suppose is reasonable if you’re aiming for a 20mph average.
Back to Hippy – now that he can look at a 12 as a middle distance event I think he should have a go at the British Best All Rounder competition next year. (Best average speed over 50, 100 miles and 12 Hours).