[CR]L'EROCIA or wishful thinking

(Example: Racing)

From: "Doug Smith" <doug@Kingsweir.plus.com>
To: <Classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
Date: Sat, 16 Sep 2006 21:14:04 -0000
Subject: [CR]L'EROCIA or wishful thinking

Hi Bob

You wrote:- What has impressed me is the list of VCC rides in the UK, it seems like there is something going on every weekend. I am sure since they have a 50 year headstart on us that many of these rides have a long history. So my question might be why other than VR and CIRC , are there not more vintage cycling events that go on?

I read with interest your comments on the frenquency of V-CC rides over here in the UK. Its true the programme of these rides are plentiful and many to choose on one particular day. At the beginning of each new year the various area representatives meet up to plan the rides and try to programme them in such a way that the proposed rides in their area do'nt clash with each other.

I would guess you folks in the States may have fewer events but the number of participents I understand are far greater than ours.When I attended these events as a member of the V-CC I was frequently disappointed only to find a handful of riders had turned up. The reason for this poor attendance did suggest the cause being ,too many events on the same day . Although they were always very enjoyable and friendly it seemed to me I could have done better to stay at home and ride around my usual routes.

In our small island it is not easy to compare our preparation to attend organised rides with yours , especially with the vastness of your country and greater distances you folks have to travel ,we will never begin to understand that fact alone!

These days I'm a lone 75 years old cyclist and enjoy every moment riding out regularly around our quiet byeways in this beautiful part of the world. With the wonderful Summer now gone and Autumn/Fall soon to be with us my solo rides will continue God willing for a long time yet!

Safe riding Bob and all you folks across the pond .

Doug Smith
North Dorset
UK