What type of cycling gives you the greatest buzz? I have to reply in the past tense. Younger, fitter and in a group of 6 to 8 riders, all on fixed wheel, moving swiftly and smoothly in a controlled pack, probably heading for Derbyshire – maybe Three Shires Head; no sudden alteration of pace, braking done with the feet, the word “buzz” fits perfectly – a wonderful feeling.
When and how did you get serious about cycling, and when did you join the CTC? I started riding during the war with a group of teenage boy and girl friends – all “rookies”; empty roads, no sign posts (all taken down to confuse invaders), no knowledge, no maps and so a lot of adventures and exhaustion. Friends of my parents volunteered the info that their daughter rode with a club, so off I went to the rear of the Admiral Rodney in Wollaton and learned about “B section” of the CTC which I then joined in 1944.
How many bikes do you own, and do you have a favourite? I own 3 bikes – an AENDE which I had made when my early RRA was stolen, a Superbe which is the usual custom build, with some Campag components, and finally, as a concession to old age, I’ve progressed to my Specialized – with upright bars, low gears, fatter tyres and seat pillar suspension to protect a dicky back. The bike that was the love of my life, I gave away about 18 months ago. It was made by Wards, a lightweight builder of years ago: 531, 26” alloy wheels, track ends, Chaterlea pedals and usually fixed wheel – 62” to 74” – so light and responsive. My most unusual bike was a tandem trike, with very low back, which my children loved.
What can you tell us about your first bike? It was a “Fairy” bike, shared with my sister, from when I was 6 or 7 years old: upright position, loop frame, rod brakes I expect, small spoked wheels & solid rubber tyres. I rode it a lot and was a willing shopper for neighbours – earning a halfpenny sometimes, until I broke some eggs !! (no eg boxes, in those days). Years later, my first real bike was a Raleigh sports model – my sister’s castoff. This was the bike that I used for those early club runs and my first CTC tour to Wales. But when some “real” cyclist wags called my Sturmey a “cocoa tin”, I felt the urge to move upmarket.
Do you undertake all of your own bike maintenance? No, but I did do – some many years ago. I can remember stripping down hubs ands I also remember an incident on Beeley Moor, alone in wild weather, when I had to put a dumbbell spanner on the front wheel nut & then jump on it with my heel to get the thing undone. But, then I married an engineer and, when he died, my son was a wizard with bikes and my daughter also married Chris Juden – now, the CTC Technical Officer. So, between them and help from club members, I’m kept on the road – for which I’m truly grateful, as I can’t now even deal with a puncture because of small old hands and lack of general strength.
What gadget would you most hate to lose? Indexed gears and trigger levers, but perhaps most of all my bike mirror. My wireless computer would be also be greatly missed as my aim since the start of 2000 has been to cycle over 2000 miles each year. I’ve achieved it to date, but this year is looking doubtful. Ever advancing years & too much blustery weather have taken their toll, but I’ll keep trying.
Which is the best place that you’ve visited with a bike? The English Lake District or, abroad, probably Corsica – beautiful pink hued coastline & wonderful smells from the expanses of aromatic bushes. All some years ago.
And the most disappointing, with or without a bike? The Netherlands. After my husband’s death, I was invited (along with a lady cycling friend) to join a small group going to the Netherlands. We had no input to the planned route which was like a bus tour by bike, all major routes, most of it flat, just going from town to town. Admittedly, we had the safety of cycle paths – but alongside noisy, fume ridden roads. I did eventually map read and a few followed me but we were limited by the overnight fixtures. The fault was mine – I assumed that we would be touring and maybe the Netherlands can be charming.
What was the most memorable cycle ride that you have made, and why? The Cairngorms, with my husband, in May in the early 1950s. A hard winter had left lots of snow in high places and we cycled from Braemar to Aviemore via the Lairig Grhu. Another day from Aviemore, we cycled on tracks as far as possible towards Cairn Gorm, changed into boots, left the bikes (no locks) and climbed to the summit – exquisite, complete snow covering and cornices, blue skies, sunshine, silence, solitude. Ptarmigan in their winter white, walking around our feet.
Do you have a favourite local ride? No. Because I’m now so limited in my mileage and local routes go under my wheels so frequently, their true appeal is lost. I do like riding long lengths on the Grantham Canal towpath, watching the wildlife, especially the statuesque herons, but after a puncture this year due to hedge clippings, I’m not so relaxed on the tow path (see comments on maintenance).
What about a favourite café? Because I’m so restricted, it’s probably Gunthorpe – but only because I usually see some cyclists that I know, sometimes from many years ago. Even in the days of food rationing, we had some wonderful meals at Derbyshire farms and Northedge, above Ashover, was my firm favourite. So, Harry & I chose it for our wedding reception – but we didn’t cycle there!!
If you’re touring, what’s your preferred accommodation? I’ve done a lot of hostelling – family rides & club runs, weekends & holidays. I greatly admire campers, but was deterred by the extra weight. Nowadays, it’s the softest option I can find – farm, guesthouse, hotel – preferably serving evening meal.
Do you have a favourite Youth Hostel? It was Bretton, especially in the snow, via the Sir William Road – having to walk the top section which snow ploughs ignored. Wonderful views, especially if a blue sky. On one occasion, the snow was knee deep around the hostel.
What, if anything, would you most like to see changed within CTC? I’d like to see routine checks and surveys on the quality of service, some of which is now “out of house”. Many uncomplimentary remarks have been made to me – especially about the membership department.
Do you have any notable cycling achievements? Notable for me, but others achieve much more. Riding a Notts CTC 24 hours – 240 miles Tourist Trial in 1950. My worst spell in the early hours of the morning was through a very hilly part of Derbyshire, to drop to Woolley Moor for breakfast. But too shattered to eat much of the big meal, I carried on to recover and cope with many more miles – finishing with an hour to spare. Off road “classic crossings”, the Lairig – as mentioned earlier – Glen Affric, Glen Tilt. The latter was the most exacting as it was scorching sunshine, with not a tree or a bush or shade of any kind.
Have you any other interests apart from cycling? I’m also in a Nottingham walking club and I walked in the Alps with my husband. In more recent years, I’ve been grateful that my daughter Helen has accompanied me walking in the Dolomites and on the Levadas of Madeira. Unfortunately will power alone isn’t enough and my walking capabilities are deteriorating. For years, I’ve had a keen interest in public rights of way and used to ride long distances to check them out. I like simple gardening.
Do you have a favourite film or TV show, or maybe a favourite musician? A film I can enjoy seeing more than once is “Educating Rita” – an interesting subject and Julie Walters’ wonderful acting which animates both the serious and the comic. Music: in my youth, I loved opera – queuing night after night for a seat in the “Gods”; my favourite is an old “78” record by Jussi Bjorling, the Swedish tenor (to whom I was listening before John Hand was born), singing Puccini. Unfortunately, reduced hearing now limits my enjoyment of music.
Do you have a pet hate or something that really annoys you? Smashed glass on cycle routes (see earlier comments on punctures). Litter – especially within a few yards of a litter bin. Adults or children screaming, whether in high spirits or anger. In pain would be acceptable
Who, if anyone, has had the biggest influence on your life? My husband who I met through cycling. I benefited from his almost encyclopaedic knowledge and I admired his wisdom, compassion and integrity. His natural reserve prevented all but a few getting to know him. My son and daughter now try to drag me into the twenty first century, but I haven’t got a computer, mobile phone or digital TV.
What else can you tell us about yourself that members of Notts CTC might not know? That I’m 82 and have been in Notts CTC for 64 years. During that time, I’ve served on the CTC National Council and the Regional Sports Council. During the war and austere post war years, I enriched my life with many simple activities including rink roller and ice skating, dancing and playing hockey. In Canada, for my husband’s work, I tried skiing and (in a one-off) gliding with the Gatineau Gliding Club – but, to me, none of this was so accessible and satisfying as recreational cycling. At last, cycling is getting serious recognition and long may it continue.