Tour of Buckinghamshire

Well, we lost our Directeur Sportif, Gary Nelmes, from whose creative and sparkling brain the glamorous 'Tour of Buckinghamshire' sprung. As incredible as it seems, he did indeed spend his last days in the mountains wearing Mallory's recreation jumper. I am so proud of him in every way and he is always in my mind.

Gary had hundreds of ideas, but his last fleshed-out plan was the ToB - intended to introduce as many of his friends as possible to the excitement and aesthetic of cycle racing. Either that or to get us to 'improve' physically and morally, and turn us into lycra-wearing Nelmsian clones. I was never quite sure.

So, although it could never be the same without him, we felt the tour should still go ahead, as close as possible to his plans from his Ludicrous Exploits blog and from backs of envelopes and on various scraps and scribbles found about my house.


Here is an update on progress.

Richard G - to whom I am so grateful - graciously braved the new September gales yesterday and tested out the original 93-mile route. Richard - streamlined cycling machine that he is - tested the whole lot in one day, and with comments from the other team leaders came up with:

Day 1

http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-kingdom/-simpson/361125199872169162

Day 2

http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/united-kingdom/lower-hartwell/201125199952357216

As you'll see, this now adds up to 69 miles. After some discussion, and some carefully timed training rides led by Matt snr, we feel that cutting down the mileage is necessary. Gary was keen for the ride to suit all, and a shorter route would allow us to enjoy a couple of stops for stimulants, to get in before nightfall and to enjoy the spa of our ville d'etape - which is now booked. Those who need more of a challenge will be able to test their mettle on the time trial, the 'mountain' stages, and the intermediate sprints. I think he'd approve of the modification.

Further progress

Richard J has now booked the broom wagon, and Jackie our driver is currently in her lab working out the physics of how to duck tape an actual broom to the back. Visual gag!

All Butter Flapjack has posted us a DVD of the film A Sunday in Hell (to be shown after the grand dinner in the evening of Day 1).

Plans are afoot for the creation of 'musettes' at a craft club evening chez moi with the aid of seamstresses Sue and Beccy.

I have read things out and Emma has written things down in neat handwriting. We think we know what we need to do.

So things are shaping up. Some further discussion of the route with the team leaders is necessary - but I'm pleased with progress. Everyone seems genuinely keen to be involved and to be looking forward to celebrating the life of Gary in serious style.