Author Topic: ACME Miscellany  (Read 517860 times)

Bernster

  • ACME (Herts Branch)
Re: ACME Miscellany
« Reply #4775 on: 19 November, 2021, 08:03:37 pm »
Yes, you can ride. Permission granted  ;D

If only it were that simple...

jiberjaber

  • ... Fancy Pants \o/ ...
  • ACME S&M^2
Re: ACME Miscellany
« Reply #4776 on: 21 November, 2021, 12:22:52 pm »
Would anyone be interested in a ride out of Chelmsford on 15 Dec arriving at the Spiritual Home eventually with some Bikeability peeps?
Regards,

Joergen

Re: ACME Miscellany
« Reply #4777 on: 21 November, 2021, 12:45:16 pm »
I would, but unfortunately I have a board meeting that evening.

Eddington: 133 miles    Max square: 43x43

Re: ACME Miscellany
« Reply #4778 on: 07 December, 2021, 06:34:06 pm »
Interesting discovery. I noticed that Tomsk's AUK number is higher than mine, and thought that odd as I was sure he must have been riding before I got involved. Trawling through the Audax archives, it looks as though Tomsk first rode a 300km in 2001, starting in Wrabness. Felstedrider was also a finisher on that day. Tomsk's first 600km was in 2002, from Steeple, with Ed Knight and Dick Nuttall in the finishers list.

My first Audax was the Shaftesbury Spring 200 in 2013, in which Tomsk and the Strangler also rode. My second ride was the 400km Severn Across, 2 months later. Nothing like a gentle introduction to Audax! Phil Whitehurst and Richard Ellis were also riding that one.

Back to my discovery ... AUK numbers do not seem to be sequential in order of date joined.


Eddington: 133 miles    Max square: 43x43

josser

  • ACME Landlord
  • AKA Orange Socks
    • Orange Socks
Re: ACME Miscellany
« Reply #4779 on: 07 December, 2021, 06:50:51 pm »
Interesting discovery. I noticed that Tomsk's AUK number is higher than mine, and thought that odd as I was sure he must have been riding before I got involved. Trawling through the Audax archives, it looks as though Tomsk first rode a 300km in 2001, starting in Wrabness. Felstedrider was also a finisher on that day. Tomsk's first 600km was in 2002, from Steeple, with Ed Knight and Dick Nuttall in the finishers list.

My first Audax was the Shaftesbury Spring 200 in 2013, in which Tomsk and the Strangler also rode. My second ride was the 400km Severn Across, 2 months later. Nothing like a gentle introduction to Audax! Phil Whitehurst and Richard Ellis were also riding that one.

Back to my discovery ... AUK numbers do not seem to be sequential in order of date joined.

I was talking Mick Gray about this on Saturday as he was doing Audax almost before I was born. He said that AUK used to give out new numbers every year, but I'm not sure when that stopped.
You can’t just call time out and stroll on into the beach if you don’t like the way things are goin’.

Re: ACME Miscellany
« Reply #4780 on: 07 December, 2021, 07:41:53 pm »
Interesting discovery. I noticed that Tomsk's AUK number is higher than mine, and thought that odd as I was sure he must have been riding before I got involved. Trawling through the Audax archives, it looks as though Tomsk first rode a 300km in 2001, starting in Wrabness. Felstedrider was also a finisher on that day. Tomsk's first 600km was in 2002, from Steeple, with Ed Knight and Dick Nuttall in the finishers list.

My first Audax was the Shaftesbury Spring 200 in 2013, in which Tomsk and the Strangler also rode. My second ride was the 400km Severn Across, 2 months later. Nothing like a gentle introduction to Audax! Phil Whitehurst and Richard Ellis were also riding that one.

Back to my discovery ... AUK numbers do not seem to be sequential in order of date joined.

I was talking Mick Gray about this on Saturday as he was doing Audax almost before I was born. He said that AUK used to give out new numbers every year, but I'm not sure when that stopped.

Yes, amongst some other old junk, I found an AUK membership card, 1986. It says ‘year of joining 1984’, membership number C82. It’s a scrappy piece of card, John Nicholas must have had a John Bull printing outfit:) I guess the IT budget was less then, m
Zijn specialiteit was sprinten om de zesde plaats

Re: ACME Miscellany
« Reply #4781 on: 07 December, 2021, 07:48:41 pm »


I was talking Mick Gray about this on Saturday as he was doing Audax almost before I was born. He said that AUK used to give out new numbers every year, but I'm not sure when that stopped.

For the record,  in 1984 a prefix A was added to the membership number which changed every year until 1988 - and probably had done before 1984 without prefix.
Numbers stabilised in 1989 but the year prefix certainly continued  into 1994 by which time it had become L
Someone will, I'm sure, say when the prefix letter was abandoned - a massive unresolved question.

An old cycling acquaintance still has a two-figure membership number which would surely be the envy of anyone still carrying a 3 or 4 figure number from 1989.   Membership numbers were also reissued in the past and someone interloped on my old lapsed [shame]  4 [more shame] figure number.
Takes off Audax </anorak>




Re: ACME Miscellany
« Reply #4782 on: 07 December, 2021, 08:27:24 pm »
My first Audax was the Shaftesbury Spring 200 in 2013, in which Tomsk and the Strangler also rode. My second ride was the 400km Severn Across, 2 months later. Nothing like a gentle introduction to Audax! Phil Whitehurst and Richard Ellis were also riding that one.

My first 200 was in March 2012, The Stevenage Stsrt of Summertime Special, and then I did my first 300, The Mildenhall Rally , in August 2012.  Severn Across was my first 400. I remember your silver jacket from that ride and last remember seeing you somewhere between Stowe on the Wold and Winchcombe.  Interesting seeing who was on the ride as apart from Howard who I’d given a lift to, I didn’t know anyone.

I joined in mid 2012 and have had continuous membership since.  I see you have a lower membership number.   

felstedrider

Re: ACME Miscellany
« Reply #4783 on: 08 December, 2021, 08:06:30 am »
I joined in 1993 (aged 20).   My initial membership number was in the low 2000s.   I swapped to a family membership at some point and was given a new number in the 4000s which has been with me ever since.

This does make me realise that next year is my 30th year of membership in the run up to my 50th birthday.   I probably should get a new hobby.

For the record my first 200k was the Doncaster-Cleethorpes which took over 12hours and it chucked it down.   I did my first 300k the same year which was Bernies Little Flat One.   It took me until 1995 to complete my first SR and an ill-timed crash on a 400k prevented me from qualifying for PBP, which had to wait another 4 years.

My first Green & Yellow Fields was 1994.

Re: ACME Miscellany
« Reply #4784 on: 08 December, 2021, 08:17:42 am »
Severn Across was my first 400. I remember your silver jacket from that ride and last remember seeing you somewhere between Stowe on the Wold and Winchcombe.

There were a small group of riders to-ing and fro-ing around there, including the Brown's tandem. I didn't see many people after then, except at the stops.

Eddington: 133 miles    Max square: 43x43

TimC

  • Old blerk sometimes onabike.
Re: ACME Miscellany
« Reply #4785 on: 08 December, 2021, 08:33:42 am »
I joined in or around 2010. My number is 1824, so definitely re-used!

Tomsk

  • Fueled by cake since 1957
    • tomsk.co.uk
Re: ACME Miscellany
« Reply #4786 on: 08 December, 2021, 05:41:43 pm »
I joined AUK in 1999. A few local 100/150s, and a Winter tour of Kent that took in the Mad Jack Fuller 120km grimpeur in 2000, the did a Randonneur 1000 in 2001 (including Herman's Green and Yellow Fields 300 - overnight sleep at Wrabness village hall, silly o'clock start and turn around in Wells) and 1st SR in 2002. Prior to AUK membership I'd done a few 100 mile CTC reliability-type rides and touring trips of around 70 miles/day.

2001's rides were prep for a 1,200 mile very roundabout LEJOG tour. I seem to have got addicted ...

bhoot

  • MemSec (ex-Mrs RRtY)
Re: ACME Miscellany
« Reply #4787 on: 08 December, 2021, 11:20:34 pm »
I joined in or around 2010. My number is 1824, so definitely re-used!
This is before my time as membership secretary but I have been told a bit about the history. At one point the membership system could only cope with a 4 digit number, and once 9999 was reached no new numbers were available. So as TimC says, numbers were re-used, based on numbers where membership had lapsed and ideally there were no event results. So there are some numbers that have had two holders.

Re: ACME Miscellany
« Reply #4788 on: 09 December, 2021, 12:43:09 pm »
Sorry to interrupt the fascinating exploration of AUK's historical allocation of membership numbers but I thought I might turn the thread momentarily towards bikes again - feel free to continue your trip down membership memory lane after this post though.

A Minie Adventure to the Alma

Unfitness and a headwind conspired to mean yet another late arrival for me.  I had hoped to intercept the Famous Witham Peloton and marvel at their majestic manouevres but they were long gone by the time I reached my planned interception point. What a sight it must have been with the return of OD alongside Huggy, the Hustler and Doc Brown - almost the classic line up.

The pub itself was heaving with various groups of diners getting in ahead of any further restrictions but they had managed to secure a table and a sample of Black Sheep.

OD was already itching to take the official selfie but wiser heads had prevailed.  He was still trying to work his 'phone when Nick Not Nik Nor Nik's Nick Nor Even Nick's Nik arrived looking very pleased with himself.  He had covered the 45k from home in record time.  His excitement soon turned to trepidation when OD gently reminded him he now faced a 45k ride into a headwind to get home again.  We were all secretly impressed with his dedication to the cause.

The Alma is a hospitable pub that looked after EER very well during the dark days of Tier 2, Unlocking A and B and whatever else we have had recently but it offers a limited selection of ales.  The only other offering within MEMWNS orthodoxy was Shipyard's Icebreaker.  Apparently, however, Gin & Tonic and Jagermeister were also acceptable options.  Worse than that, a fellow member of the Quaffers' Choice Committee was one of the heretics.  I won't name the Hustler as the guilty party to save him from embarrassment.  Once again we were barely quorate with Doc Brown filling in as he continues his apprenticeship. His training seems to have hit a bit of a roadblock (not helped by a few inquorate assemblies).  We are all becoming concerned that he just might not be capable of shaking off his professional past. I don't know how much longer we can persevere with someone who still has the expert insight to describe Icebreaker as "edible".  It was also given the coveted award.

It has been some time since our TV We Liked in the '70s and '80s with Terrible Impersonations specialist interest group last met so we knew a lively evening was in prospect.  Before that treat we had a detailed report presented by Slipper of the Yard on his recent patrols with the Ongar Neighbourhood Watch and Famous People Who Live Nearby Stalkers Society.  He now knows what it must have felt like for the citizens of a certain north Essex town felt when they found out Tomsk lived among them.  Not only that but he has also managed (unwittingly) to sell his warts and all expose of life in the village to a national newspaper for the princely sum of £0.

I should draw a discreet veil over much of what was discussed by the specialist interest group. TV stars of the '70s have that effect it has to be said.  We did find out about one of Huggy's more niche sporting interests which provided great amusement and a chance for OD to audition as Finbarr Saunders. 

NNNNNNNENN having departed earlier to tackle his headwind home, I was able to watch the FWP as they formed into their celebrated Closing Time Retreat Formation and sped off into the night.  My own struggles were all ahead of me as I ground home.  Winter brings its own challenges but the roads are quieter, the skies clearer and the air fresher.  Despite 2 degrees on the Garmin and a bit of windchill on top of that, it was a pleasant ride home - which was just as well given how slowly I was going.



The pleasure of pain endured
To purify our misfit ways

Oscar's dad

  • aka Septimus Fitzwilliam Beauregard Partridge
Re: ACME Miscellany
« Reply #4789 on: 09 December, 2021, 01:01:20 pm »
Good write up ted.  Don't forget the conversation you need to have with a certain someone.

Andy C33

  • Beverage Procurement Officer.
Re: ACME Miscellany
« Reply #4790 on: 09 December, 2021, 02:07:08 pm »
"Worse than that, a fellow member of the Quaffers' Choice Committee was one of the heretics.  I won't name the Hustler as the guilty party to save him from embarrassment."



 ::-) One can only apologise. I blame the excitement of having O.D. back.

Re: ACME Miscellany
« Reply #4791 on: 09 December, 2021, 02:17:00 pm »
I can understand that.  We see him so rarely these days.
The pleasure of pain endured
To purify our misfit ways

Oscar's dad

  • aka Septimus Fitzwilliam Beauregard Partridge
Re: ACME Miscellany
« Reply #4792 on: 09 December, 2021, 02:27:51 pm »
I can understand that.  We see him so rarely these days.

Yes I know, my turn to apologise now. 

Which leads nicely onto next week, which I will be able to make, so that'll be me attending on two consecutive weeks  :thumbsup:  Please can I encourage folks to shimmy over the the MEMWNS thread and join the discussion about curry night.   :-*

hellymedic

  • Just do it!
Re: ACME Miscellany
« Reply #4793 on: 09 December, 2021, 08:13:50 pm »
I was talking Mick Gray about this on Saturday as he was doing Audax almost before I was born. He said that AUK used to give out new numbers every year, but I'm not sure when that stopped.
For the record,  in 1984 a prefix A was added to the membership number which changed every year until 1988 - and probably had done before 1984 without prefix.
Numbers stabilised in 1989 but the year prefix certainly continued  into 1994 by which time it had become L
Someone will, I'm sure, say when the prefix letter was abandoned - a massive unresolved question.
An old cycling acquaintance still has a two-figure membership number which would surely be the envy of anyone still carrying a 3 or 4 figure number from 1989.   Membership numbers were also reissued in the past and someone interloped on my old lapsed [shame]  4 [more shame] figure number.
Takes off Audax </anorak>

I've had my number (2443) since I joined AUK in 1993.
Prefix letters were used to show when membership would elapse, so my prefixes would budge 5 places in the alphabet when I bought another 5 years' membership.

I think this was abandoned fairly recently. bhoot might know more.

Re: ACME Miscellany
« Reply #4794 on: 09 December, 2021, 11:26:52 pm »

Prefix letters were used to show when membership would elapse, so my prefixes would budge 5 places in the alphabet when I bought another 5 years' membership.

I think this was abandoned fairly recently. bhoot might know more.

Thanks. Great info, saved for posterity.  I guess that once the alphabet had been exhausted for renewals, the process would start again but with a suffix.   Kind of like how vehicle registrations progressed annually in mainland Britain, in an inverse kind of way. 
</forum slide>

hellymedic

  • Just do it!
Re: ACME Miscellany
« Reply #4795 on: 09 December, 2021, 11:48:10 pm »
Prefix letters were used to show when membership would elapse, so my prefixes would budge 5 places in the alphabet when I bought another 5 years' membership.
I think this was abandoned fairly recently. bhoot might know more.
Thanks. Great info, saved for posterity.  I guess that once the alphabet had been exhausted for renewals, the process would start again but with a suffix.   Kind of like how vehicle registrations progressed annually in mainland Britain, in an inverse kind of way. 
</forum slide>

I think letters were abandoned entirely when AUK computers could cope with 5-digit numbers and letters just confounded matters.
I think that the alphabet just started again, without a change of position. I think my membership letters have been M,R, V and B

Re: ACME Miscellany
« Reply #4796 on: 10 December, 2021, 10:08:32 am »
Severn Across was my first 400. I remember your silver jacket from that ride and last remember seeing you somewhere between Stowe on the Wold and Winchcombe.

There were a small group of riders to-ing and fro-ing around there, including the Brown's tandem. I didn't see many people after then, except at the stops.

Same here.  I did meet up with Bikeability man in Royal Wotton Bassett.  I’d got a puncture and my pump had failed.   I’d waited for someone to pass and he was the first.  He leant me a pump.  We then met up again at Membury services. Someone was sleeping in the toilet area as it was warmer. Can’t remember who that was.   Then rode with Bikeability man and his mate to the finish.  I then slept for 3 hours waiting for Howard Knight to finish.   Then refreshed drove home with Howard asleep in passenger seat.

Oscar's dad

  • aka Septimus Fitzwilliam Beauregard Partridge
Re: ACME Miscellany
« Reply #4797 on: 10 December, 2021, 10:49:02 am »
Severn Across was my first 400. I remember your silver jacket from that ride and last remember seeing you somewhere between Stowe on the Wold and Winchcombe.

There were a small group of riders to-ing and fro-ing around there, including the Brown's tandem. I didn't see many people after then, except at the stops.

Same here.  I did meet up with Bikeability man in Royal Wotton Bassett.  I’d got a puncture and my pump had failed.   I’d waited for someone to pass and he was the first.  He leant me a pump.  We then met up again at Membury services. Someone was sleeping in the toilet area as it was warmer. Can’t remember who that was.   Then rode with Bikeability man and his mate to the finish.  I then slept for 3 hours waiting for Howard Knight to finish.   Then refreshed drove home with Howard asleep in passenger seat.

Surely one day someone will make a Hollywood blockbuster about the UK audax scene, such a rich vein of thrilling content  ;D

Re: ACME Miscellany
« Reply #4798 on: 10 December, 2021, 01:11:49 pm »
Severn Across was my first 400. I remember your silver jacket from that ride and last remember seeing you somewhere between Stowe on the Wold and Winchcombe.

There were a small group of riders to-ing and fro-ing around there, including the Brown's tandem. I didn't see many people after then, except at the stops.

Same here.  I did meet up with Bikeability man in Royal Wotton Bassett.  I’d got a puncture and my pump had failed.   I’d waited for someone to pass and he was the first.  He leant me a pump.  We then met up again at Membury services. Someone was sleeping in the toilet area as it was warmer. Can’t remember who that was.   Then rode with Bikeability man and his mate to the finish.  I then slept for 3 hours waiting for Howard Knight to finish.   Then refreshed drove home with Howard asleep in passenger seat.

Surely one day someone will make a Hollywood blockbuster about the UK audax scene, such a rich vein of thrilling content  ;D

A special edition of the Likely Lads and Lasses

Deano4

  • Trouble
Re: ACME Miscellany
« Reply #4799 on: 25 December, 2021, 06:39:45 am »
Merry Christmas Everyone! Hope to see you all in the new year  :)
ACME - Suffolk Branch