The mentioned bread and milk on Ch4 but TG was actually a veggie, which probably makes it slightly more difficult given the amount of chicken that long distance riders usually eat to repair their muscles. Carbs aren't a problem, obviously, but taking in that much protein from beans and pulses probably leaves a visible exhaust plume along the road ;D
(Veggies...I'm joking)
Is Citoyen's new mag going to cover it?
http://www.bikebiz.com/news/read/new-year-revolutions-chucking-in-the-job-to-cycle-more/017279 includes one of HK's on-the-road photos.
Podcaster and touring cyclist Jack Thurston said Abraham’s “homespun endeavour” is “as crazy as it is beautiful.” He added: “It goes beyond extreme physical endurance. It’s an existential quest with shades of mysticism about it.”
Might be a good idea if someone started a Publicity thread. Absolutely NOTHING in today's (delivered dated 1 Jan 15) Cycling Weekly. And they are supposed to be at the Heart of British Cycling. Though, they seem to be re-naming themselves 'British Sportive Cycling'.Whoever is doing Steve's publicity should contact Cycling Weekly directly with press releases, progress updates etc, if not already doing so. They seem to rely on their 'usual contacts' for news.
Bet, when they get wind of the enormity of Steve's achievements, they will swing to an Audax-recognising paper! That is, if they identify how Steve has trained over the past 20+ years, and not just concentrate of his 24hrTTs.
Podcaster and touring cyclist Jack Thurston said Abraham’s “homespun endeavour” is “as crazy as it is beautiful.” He added: “It goes beyond extreme physical endurance. It’s an existential quest with shades of mysticism about it.”
Good to hear from you again, Jack. When are we going to succeed in talking you into doing a longer Audax? The Bryan Chapman would be a good choice now that you are living in that part of the world.
Would you like to interview Steve on the bike sometime? Damon learned a long time ago that you need quiet roads and a good cover for the microphone.
Reference on the latest GCN video blog (along with a horrifically low res copy of a photo of Steve - or is that just my laptop?)
QuotePodcaster and touring cyclist Jack Thurston said Abraham’s “homespun endeavour” is “as crazy as it is beautiful.” He added: “It goes beyond extreme physical endurance. It’s an existential quest with shades of mysticism about it.”
I think Jack has it spot on. The more I think about what Tommy G accomplished in 1939 and what TG is attempting now, the more I can't get my head around the enormity of the task, with so little room for lost time, and all the potential unwanted places it could take you either physically of psychologically along the way. Different world.
Would you like to interview Steve on the bike sometime? Damon learned a long time ago that you need quiet roads and a good cover for the microphone.
O M F GQuotePodcaster and touring cyclist Jack Thurston said Abraham’s “homespun endeavour” is “as crazy as it is beautiful.” He added: “It goes beyond extreme physical endurance. It’s an existential quest with shades of mysticism about it.”
I think Jack has it spot on. The more I think about what Tommy G accomplished in 1939 and what TG is attempting now, the more I can't get my head around the enormity of the task, with so little room for lost time, and all the potential unwanted places it could take you either physically of psychologically along the way. Different world.
Reminds me of reading this article about Tehching Hsieh (https://www.thesaturdaypaper.com.au/culture/art/2014/05/24/time-piece-tehching-hsieh-exhibition/1400853600#.VKys52TF9-Y).
Steve's in the Comic this week. It's out today.Thank f**k, there is some sanity still in british cycling media.
Just bought a copy. How daft that they should get Tommy Godwin's year mileage wrong, when that's the one truly significant number in the whole piece :facepalm:
I see from the calendar that Zoe Williams is riding with Steve some time next Friday. Is that the Guardian's interviewer Zoe Williams - the one that wrote this (http://www.londondailyphoto.com/images/lc_zoe_williams.pdf)?
I see from the calendar that Zoe Williams is riding with Steve some time next Friday. Is that the Guardian's interviewer Zoe Williams - the one that wrote this (http://www.londondailyphoto.com/images/lc_zoe_williams.pdf)?
I saw that too and presumed it is one and the same - she has written many other pieces about cycling for the Guardian.
Also noticed that Max Leonard has interviewed Steve. Max is a pretty decent cycling journalist. He wrote Lanterne Rouge what came out last year - not read it myself yet but it is very well regarded. Maybe he's writing a book about Steve!
I see from the calendar that Zoe Williams is riding with Steve some time next Friday. Is that the Guardian's interviewer Zoe Williams - the one that wrote this (http://www.londondailyphoto.com/images/lc_zoe_williams.pdf)?
I saw that too and presumed it is one and the same - she has written many other pieces about cycling for the Guardian.
I understand from speaking to Lesley on Steve's team that it is Zoe Williams of the Guardian.
Hopefully she'll buy him a good lunch and then provide a wheel to follow for a few hours.
I honestly think that this challenge could enter the national press in a big way.
People who have no cycling interest that I know are now tracking Steve and Tarzan everyday and reading this forum after me sharing this on my facebook. A well written book would be a massive commercial success in my opinion.
I might have a cheeky bety on Steve for SPOTY too - you never know how big this thing could go.
I can not think of another spoting achievemnt this year that will challenge this record if it is beaten.... not to mention the mental side of the challenge.
I would not be at all suprised to see Team Sky offering some assistance if the press continue to promote this - fantastic PR for all the sponsors involved with daily interest on social media
I don't believe this - Zoe fecking Williams?!? This is ... just getting beyond belief.I see from the calendar that Zoe Williams is riding with Steve some time next Friday. Is that the Guardian's interviewer Zoe Williams - the one that wrote this (http://www.londondailyphoto.com/images/lc_zoe_williams.pdf)?
I saw that too and presumed it is one and the same - she has written many other pieces about cycling for the Guardian.
I understand from speaking to Lesley on Steve's team that it is Zoe Williams of the Guardian.
Hopefully she'll buy him a good lunch and then provide a wheel to follow for a few hours.
I feel that sooner or later this whole attempt by Steve will capture `the great British Spirit`---wonderful amateur attempt on extreme record etc etc, and particularly as it`s also being attempted by someone who appears to be a semi professional Yank ! Even landlord at a local pub was very interested and he doesn`t cycle.............
Plenty of people have criticised Kurt just for using a knackered old people carrier driven by his girlfriend.
Maybe McLaren or one of the other F1 teams would lend Steve one of their motorhomes
That would outdo Kurt, however old or new his vehicle is.
One of the most attractive things about Steve's ride is that it has, to a great extent, been crowd-funded. OK, sponsor companies have provided kit, and I'm not intending to belittle that, but Steve needs food and warmth, also the bills to be paid on his flat while he's out on the road. I think it's wonderful how people who have met Steve, even only briefly, and, indeed, quite a few who have just met him on-line, are prepared to chip in for this absolutely crazy idea.+1
I think it would be a big mistake even to consider approaching Sky.
One of the most attractive things about Steve's ride is that it has, to a great extent, been crowd-funded. OK, sponsor companies have provided kit, and I'm not intending to belittle that, but Steve needs food and warmth, also the bills to be paid on his flat while he's out on the road. I think it's wonderful how people who have met Steve, even only briefly, and, indeed, quite a few who have just met him on-line, are prepared to chip in for this absolutely crazy idea.+1
I think it would be a big mistake even to consider approaching Sky.
My suggestion of SKY was purely tongue-in-cheek. I whole heartedly support the "Crowd Funding" approach. If Steve pulls this off, it will be one of the most remarkable aspects of the whole project.
Of course it's down to Steve, but the attempt would definitely lose something by taking on massive corporate support in that way. A donation wouldn't be out of place though ...
My suggestion of SKY was purely tongue-in-cheek.Understood!
My suggestion of SKY was purely tongue-in-cheek.Understood!
But it's not a ludicrous idea that somebody big might want involvement later in the year, given the rate that the profile of this is growing. So it's (sort of) worth discussing, IMHO.
My suggestion of SKY was purely tongue-in-cheek.Understood!
But it's not a ludicrous idea that somebody big might want involvement later in the year, given the rate that the profile of this is growing. So it's (sort of) worth discussing, IMHO.
I fear you are correct Matt. The longer this goes on and the more it looks like Steve will do it, the more "Corporate UK" will want to get involved. I suspect there may come a tipping point when it becomes an avalanche of sponsorship requests as corporates try to jump on the bandwagon. They will of course also start trying to dictate certain aspects of what Steve (Or for that matter Kurt) are trying to do. This should be resisted at all cost to keep the attempt "pure".
Daily Telegraph - Meet the man who is trying to cycle over 200 miles every day for a year (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/men/active/recreational-cycling/11360700/Meet-the-man-who-is-trying-to-cycle-over-200-miles-every-day-for-a-year.html)
Quite a thorough report there. It gives the sorts of details about Steve's minor niggles (e.g. his right knee) that have been lacking in all the other article's I've read so far. I'm glad I read it.
Insightful podcast from http://cyclingtimetrialpodcast.libsyn.comThanks Kieron. Intrigued to hear him say 'I'm not eating much at the moment.'
Daily Telegraph - Meet the man who is trying to cycle over 200 miles every day for a year (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/men/active/recreational-cycling/11360700/Meet-the-man-who-is-trying-to-cycle-over-200-miles-every-day-for-a-year.html)
Quite a thorough report there. It gives the sorts of details about Steve's minor niggles (e.g. his right knee) that have been lacking in all the other articles I've read so far. I'm glad I read it.
My suggestion of SKY was purely tongue-in-cheek.Understood!
But it's not a ludicrous idea that somebody big might want involvement later in the year, given the rate that the profile of this is growing. So it's (sort of) worth discussing, IMHO.
I fear you are correct Matt. The longer this goes on and the more it looks like Steve will do it, the more "Corporate UK" will want to get involved. I suspect there may come a tipping point when it becomes an avalanche of sponsorship requests as corporates try to jump on the bandwagon. They will of course also start trying to dictate certain aspects of what Steve (Or for that matter Kurt) are trying to do. This should be resisted at all cost to keep the attempt "pure".
I'm not surprised he's losing weight, but what of the future? He's obviously been assisted by the spare tyre he was carrying to begin with [I'm sure that was the idea], but he obviously can't sustain a continued weight loss like that without his performance being seriously affected. He's obviously well aware of all this, but what's his thinking here in terms of how he expects it all to pan out?
How Tommy kept his stamina/body mass up with a diet consisting primarily of milk and bread, lord knows.
Sports Personality of the Year?!
I'll eat my hat. That'so not how SPOTY works. Sadly.
I left the typo in deliberately.
Sports Personality of the Year?!
I'll eat my hat. That'so not how SPOTY works. Sadly.
I left the typo in deliberately.
SPOTY do have an unsung hero award do they not? Maybe Steve needs Wiggo to put a word in...
I'm not surprised he's losing weight, but what of the future? He's obviously been assisted by the spare tyre he was carrying to begin with [I'm sure that was the idea], but he obviously can't sustain a continued weight loss like that without his performance being seriously affected. He's obviously well aware of all this, but what's his thinking here in terms of how he expects it all to pan out?
Best approach to getting stuff in local papers is to write the story for them - ie submit it in the form of a "press release", then they can regurgitate it without doing any actual work. Or any actual journalism.
When Mrs. Wow and I completed our end-to-end...
When Mrs. Wow and I completed our end-to-end...
Now there's a euphamism! :o
Best approach to getting stuff in local papers is to write the story for them - ie submit it in the form of a "press release", then they can regurgitate it without doing any actual work. Or any actual journalism.
If doing that, it's probably useful to have an irrelevant(ish) and uninteresting(ish) paragraph or two at the end, which they can cut without affecting your story in the slightest, yet still enabling them to feel they have not simply printed your press release unedited.
(Cynicism aside, writing so it can be cropped from the end is a useful discipline. Even if it's not cut before printing, it'll be cut mentally by all the readers who get no further than the first two lines.)
I have approached the local rag about publicising Steve coming down to Pompey in March. They can be a bit picky on stories they support but if you don't ask, you don't get.
H
Best approach to getting stuff in local papers is to write the story for them - ie submit it in the form of a "press release", then they can regurgitate it without doing any actual work. Or any actual journalism.
If doing that, it's probably useful to have an irrelevant(ish) and uninteresting(ish) paragraph or two at the end, which they can cut without affecting your story in the slightest, yet still enabling them to feel they have not simply printed your press release unedited.
I have approached the local rag about publicising Steve coming down to Pompey in March. They can be a bit picky on stories they support but if you don't ask, you don't get.
H
H - You may remember I did a charity ride last year which was based on the Tommy G challenge . The deputy sports editor of The News was on it and I reckon he'd definitely be receptive to an article. If you get a lukewarm reception from elsewhere at the paper we can contact him. Let me know.
James
I wonder whether I should send this link to Zoe Williams to help with her research before interviewing Steve on Friday.Reads first paragraph and wonders if this is another Agent Picolax story
https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=52836.0 (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=52836.0)
I wonder whether I should send this link to Zoe Williams to help with her research before interviewing Steve on Friday.Reads first paragraph and wonders if this is another Agent Picolax story
https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=52836.0 (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=52836.0)
FWIW I am one of the many who TG helped through their first 600, the september jolly from MK. Mine was in 2010, and lead to a frenetic year and a half....
As with many of us Steve has shed loads of positive karma from me, and is welcome whenever it suits him and the team this year.
I wonder whether I should send this link to Zoe Williams to help with her research before interviewing Steve on Friday.Reads first paragraph and wonders if this is another Agent Picolax story
https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=52836.0 (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=52836.0)
It's far, far worse.
I wonder whether I should send this link to Zoe Williams to help with her research before interviewing Steve on Friday.
https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=52836.0 (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=52836.0)
Publicity in Germany:
http://blog.zeit.de/fahrrad/2015/01/28/rekordversuch-fahre-ein-jahr-lang-weit-du-kannst/
die Zeit is one of the larger weeklies.
I'll be talking with Zoe Williams tonight in preparation for her interview with Steve. Apart from bum boils, anything I should be mentioning to her?How did it go? Did she seem impressed by the stories and Steve's current undertaking?
Publicity in Germany:
http://blog.zeit.de/fahrrad/2015/01/28/rekordversuch-fahre-ein-jahr-lang-weit-du-kannst/
die Zeit is one of the larger weeklies.
Readers are directed to Jack Numplumz' blog for a vivid (recht anschaulich) account of a night in the life of a host.
I note the Bild article uses the word "Rennen" (race) several times.
And a Zeitfahren is a time-trial.
One reference is to the UMCA reviving the 'Race', and the other is to the Race Across America.And a Zeitfahren is a time-trial.
I thought that was a Gegen die Uhr Rennen.
One reference is to the UMCA reviving the 'Race', and the other is to the Race Across America.
We also chatted about how extreme 'normal' Audaxing distances seem to others, and then how Steve's effort is an order of magnitude greater than that. I mentioned that Audaxing and Steve characterise a no-nonsense stoic "just get on with it" approach and she wondered whether Steve's own modest phlegmatic attitude might make it even harder for people to appreciate just how big a challenge this really is.
I know that Steve isn’t doing this for the publicity but it will be interesting to see how media publicity for this challenge continues through the year. It’s such an enormous and lengthy challenge, I suspect it doesn’t sit easily with the media’s usual appetite for instant results and quick fix answers. When I’ve mentioned it to (non-cycling friends), they’ve generally seemed to find the scale of the challenge difficult to comprehend. Besides being generally awe-struck and comparing it to how far they think they could drive in a year, I guess it’s pretty hard for most people to understand quite how difficult it is to cycle these distance on a daily basis – it just doesn’t sit easily with a one off 30 mile ride or almost any other kind of physical/mental challenge they’ve come across. Conversely, I think Steve’s challenge is interesting to Audaxers, and anyone who’s cycled 200 miles in a day, precisely because they do have some idea of how difficult it is to ride these distances, even for one day.
We also chatted about how extreme 'normal' Audaxing distances seem to others, and then how Steve's effort is an order of magnitude greater than that. I mentioned that Audaxing and Steve characterise a no-nonsense stoic "just get on with it" approach and she wondered whether Steve's own modest phlegmatic attitude might make it even harder for people to appreciate just how big a challenge this really is.
I know that Steve isn’t doing this for the publicity but it will be interesting to see how media publicity for this challenge continues through the year. It’s such an enormous and lengthy challenge, I suspect it doesn’t sit easily with the media’s usual appetite for instant results and quick fix answers. When I’ve mentioned it to (non-cycling friends), they’ve generally seemed to find the scale of the challenge difficult to comprehend. Besides being generally awe-struck and comparing it to how far they think they could drive in a year, I guess it’s pretty hard for most people to understand quite how difficult it is to cycle these distance on a daily basis – it just doesn’t sit easily with a one off 30 mile ride or almost any other kind of physical/mental challenge they’ve come across. Conversely, I think Steve’s challenge is interesting to Audaxers, and anyone who’s cycled 200 miles in a day, precisely because they do have some idea of how difficult it is to ride these distances, even for one day.
Good analysis.
We also chatted about how extreme 'normal' Audaxing distances seem to others, and then how Steve's effort is an order of magnitude greater than that. I mentioned that Audaxing and Steve characterise a no-nonsense stoic "just get on with it" approach and she wondered whether Steve's own modest phlegmatic attitude might make it even harder for people to appreciate just how big a challenge this really is.
I know that Steve isn’t doing this for the publicity but it will be interesting to see how media publicity for this challenge continues through the year. It’s such an enormous and lengthy challenge, I suspect it doesn’t sit easily with the media’s usual appetite for instant results and quick fix answers. When I’ve mentioned it to (non-cycling friends), they’ve generally seemed to find the scale of the challenge difficult to comprehend. Besides being generally awe-struck and comparing it to how far they think they could drive in a year, I guess it’s pretty hard for most people to understand quite how difficult it is to cycle these distance on a daily basis – it just doesn’t sit easily with a one off 30 mile ride or almost any other kind of physical/mental challenge they’ve come across. Conversely, I think Steve’s challenge is interesting to Audaxers, and anyone who’s cycled 200 miles in a day, precisely because they do have some idea of how difficult it is to ride these distances, even for one day.
Good analysis.
Weird quoting there.
It might be worthwhile contacting one of the PR folk on his team, such as ElliptEGO OTP.
I'm doing a bit of part-time work for a local firewood supplier, and today we had a tall, thin, bloke with a beard in a flash Merc van, wanting 20 bags of hardwood. I recognised him as a local cyclist, and told him about Steve's ride. I also asked the usual questions. Was he getting out much in this cold weather? 'Not before 11, because of the ice', was the reply. What plans did he have for the coming season? 'The opposite of your mate; the Hour Record'.Lovely :)
Sir Bradley seemed impressed that Steve was attempting such a feat in this country. When I told him about the 205 miles a day, it didn't seem to compute, as he wondered if that was the weekly figure.
Sir Bradley seemed impressed that Steve was attempting such a feat in this country.
The weather is superb around here at the moment, cold but very dry, still, and sunshine all day. It would have been a nice day for a ride between 11 and 3.Not a bad way to earn a living. <sigh>
I'm doing a bit of part-time work for a local firewood supplier, and today we had a tall, thin, bloke with a beard in a flash Merc van, wanting 20 bags of hardwood. I recognised him as a local cyclist, and told him about Steve's ride. I also asked the usual questions. Was he getting out much in this cold weather? 'Not before 11, because of the ice', was the reply. What plans did he have for the coming season? 'The opposite of your mate; the Hour Record'.
Sir Bradley seemed impressed that Steve was attempting such a feat in this country. When I told him about the 205 miles a day, it didn't seem to compute, as he wondered if that was the weekly figure.
And there's an article on the Guardian website: One man, one bike and a 75-year-old record he’s determined to beat (http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2015/feb/06/bike-record-steve-abraham-longest-distance-cycle-year)
I'm doing a bit of part-time work for a local firewood supplier, and today we had a tall, thin, bloke with a beard in a flash Merc van, wanting 20 bags of hardwood. I recognised him as a local cyclist, and told him about Steve's ride. I also asked the usual questions. Was he getting out much in this cold weather? 'Not before 11, because of the ice', was the reply. What plans did he have for the coming season? 'The opposite of your mate; the Hour Record'.
Sir Bradley seemed impressed that Steve was attempting such a feat in this country. When I told him about the 205 miles a day, it didn't seem to compute, as he wondered if that was the weekly figure.
They got the caption wrong on the pic in the RHP.
They've also linked Steve's story to Tommy Godwin's obituary, unfortunately the wrong Tommy Godwin. Perhaps somebody should let them know.
They've also linked Steve's story to Tommy Godwin's obituary, unfortunately the wrong Tommy Godwin. Perhaps somebody should let them know.
They've also linked Steve's story to Tommy Godwin's obituary, unfortunately the wrong Tommy Godwin. Perhaps somebody should let them know.
They have been informed and the obit has now been removed.
And there's an article on the Guardian website: One man, one bike and a 75-year-old record he’s determined to beat (http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2015/feb/06/bike-record-steve-abraham-longest-distance-cycle-year)
They've also linked Steve's story to Tommy Godwin's obituary, unfortunately the wrong Tommy Godwin. Perhaps somebody should let them know.
They have been informed and the obit has now been removed.
I ask him what had finally made him do it, and he says, modestly: “Well, I had a year off work.”Thank god I'd just finished my cup of tea. That's just perfect.
“But you asked for the year off work, right?”
“Well, yes.”
Inestimable logic. This is a masterly way to deal with the question "but why, why are you doing it?"
I loved reading that. She writes funny.There's also a great reply to the troll's comment:
And great comment by TG at the end.
http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2015/feb/06/bike-record-steve-abraham-longest-distance-cycle-year#comment-47201580[/url]]
Regarding the comments below concerning the "community". It already exists, and when the challenge is over it will go back to doing what it did before - long distance cycling! The "community" is a disparate bunch, geographically and most probably socially, with a common interest - supporting Steve in this incredible endeavour.
Steve was described in the article as being a modest man. This is indeed so. But he has also supported and encouraged many others to achieve what they hitherto thought was impossible. In my case my first 600Km audax in a little under 40 hours and a 376 mile 24hr TT. But he has done this for many years, and for many people. Do not underestimate the positive karma that he has amassed over the years. Have a look at the list of financial donors on his website.
The community is huge, and he deserves all the support he is getting. I am obviously biased, but as the year progresses this challenge will gain momentum and IMO start to capture the public's imagination.
Rather than posting here wouldn't it be more productive to explain it toNo need; looks like you've done the job perfectly Andy :thumbsup:millions of guardian readersone or two uninitiated people by posting over there?
http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2015/feb/06/bike-record-steve-abraham-longest-distance-cycle-year#comment-47201580 (http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2015/feb/06/bike-record-steve-abraham-longest-distance-cycle-year#comment-47201580)
For those who like to read their articles on paper .....Not usually, but I'll be making an exception for this :)
"It's 5.30 am and time for Cycling Today, for live coverage of Battling British Boy Steve "Teethgrinder" Abraham and his attempt on the record set by the other Battling British Boy, Tommy "4-gears" Godwin. We'll be with you all the way through to stumps, which will be all Steve will have left after the frostbite suffered in North Yorkshire last month. First, Steve's thoughts on farmyard manure marketing strategies."
breaks off into Lilliburlero followed by the shipping forecast
Oh sorry, that was radio.
great article.
don't read the comments
There are some right miserable people around aren't there?! Who has the time or the energy to post snide comments on an article that was generally positive and life affirming?
Liam
Steve will be on The Bike Show today at 4.30pm on Resonance FM. That's 104.4fm on your FM radio in central London, or via the internet stream or the Radio Player app.
http://resonancefm.com/listen
It's quite an in depth interview, recorded on the eve of his attempt.
However, the podcast version will have 20 minutes or so more stuff than could fit into the half hour broadcast slot (including Dave Barter on the history of the year record), so you could wait for that to appear, midweek sometime.
Steve will be on The Bike Show today at 4.30pm on Resonance FM. That's 104.4fm on your FM radio in central London, or via the internet stream or the Radio Player app.
http://resonancefm.com/listen
It's quite an in depth interview, recorded on the eve of his attempt.
However, the podcast version will have 20 minutes or so more stuff than could fit into the half hour broadcast slot (including Dave Barter on the history of the year record), so you could wait for that to appear, midweek sometime.
Just listened to the podcast, very balanced interview IMO and Steve came across very well. Well worth spending an hour listening to it and thanks to "Menthel" and others for posting the links.
When is "The Bike Show" normally broadcast for the benefit of we who do not live in the metropolis?
If there is another interview before the ride finishes, there won't be anything like an hour's worth of material, unless he is interviewed over several days. When awake riding time is of utmost importance and when off the bike it is either eating or sleeping.
Glad to hear you've enjoyed this week's show.
Steve on The Bike Show here:
http://thebikeshow.net/a-year-on-two-wheels/
This is a big story that will soon hit the imagination of an unbelieving public.
Steve on The Bike Show here:
http://thebikeshow.net/a-year-on-two-wheels/
Perhaps "Tarsan's" alleged possible use of recumbents could be compared with Amundson's use of dogs?
Just one question though - there seemed to be some question towars the end of the podcast as to whether Steve's year of cycling and the the record attempt could be considered, or treated, as "cycle sport". To be honest , I'm not quite sure what "cycle sport" means but I would have thought a challenge such as this is exactly what the sport of cycling is about - a racing challenge, epic by any endurance standards, motivated by a love of cycling and the cycling legends of the past. Or am I missing something?
AIUI Jack was asking the question in the context of how the record attempt is covered by the media, viz. would the cycling press (specifically the likes of Cycle Sport, Procycling, Cycling Weekly) cover it in the same way they cover more traditional kinds of racing. In which case the answer is clearly no, it isn't "sport" in that sense.
AIUI Jack was asking the question in the context of how the record attempt is covered by the media, viz. would the cycling press (specifically the likes of Cycle Sport, Procycling, Cycling Weekly) cover it in the same way they cover more traditional kinds of racing. In which case the answer is clearly no, it isn't "sport" in that sense.
That's right. We can definitely expect some in brief coverage in Cycling Weekly and the like - to be honest they have a job to do filling the space each week - but FWIW I have pitched the idea of a longer feature looking at the titanic tussle between Steve and Kurt, and the whole subject of ultra endurance competitions, to the two leading 'long form' cycle sport publications in the UK (I won't name them but you can guess). Editors of both gave the same reply: it's an interesting story but not 'pro' enough for them. I do see their point, but actually I think this is a much bigger canvas for a story than sport - it's about human endeavour, extraordinary motivation, a truly epic trial against adversity, but also something very amateur, bizarre and niche, which kind of amplifies it all, in my mind at least. The year record is a whole lot weirder than riding the Tour de France, climbing Everest or getting to the South Pole. And that just makes it all the more interesting.
And sausages.
Don't forget the sausages.
H
And sausages.
Don't forget the sausages.
H
Good point. Maybe I should be pitching this to food magazines instead. Sausage Weekly?
Given all the sausage talk, it's worth remembering that Tommy Godwin was a lifelong vegetarian - apparently he gave up eating meat after a stint working in a pie factory. I'm guessing Steve has never worked in a sausage factory.
The biggest circulation magazines are the supermarket freebies. Steve's palate is bound to become bit jaded. How many calories a day is he consuming? Is Tarzan still 'Lovin It?'
A 'Food on the Move' article would be quite good. I've always favoured Morrisons as the best supermarket cafe.
Given all the sausage talk, it's worth remembering that Tommy Godwin was a lifelong vegetarianAnd Walter Greaves was vegetarian from the age of 20, if Wikipedia is to be believed.
I'd have thought that the regional TV programmes might be interested in Steve. It was a BBC Midlands programme that brought the two Tommys to the public attention again.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88uK8E9yyec
Just listened to the podcast - excellent stuff.
A footnote to the story of hallucinations during the wet cold night on the A19 on the 1993 LEL - Steve (or 'that curly-haired youngster on the Moulton', as he was known then) says he saw people (some naked) at the side of the road cheering him on.
My memory of that stretch of road (apart from the cold and the wet) is riding with Ann and Bernard Dawes somewhere just south of Thirsk, and seeing two red lights in the murkiness ahead. One was steady, but the other was moving up and down in a gentle rhythm, as if the rider were playing with a fancy LED-equipped yo-yo. I gradually became mesmerised by these lights. Bernard soon identified the rider, but only when we got much closer did I realise that Steve had an LED attached to the back of his shoe.
Fast forward 20 years to LEL 2013, it's not long after daybreak, and I'm dragging myself along the B7076 between Gretna and Lockerbie with Frenchman Bruno. Steve comes flying past on his orange Moulton, fumbles in the pocket of his baggy shorts and, pausing only look over his shoulder with a huge grin, demonstrates his yo-yoing skills as he disappears into the distance. Cue laughter and bemused Bruno.
Good Evening
on New Years Eve, if I recall correctly, you ran a story about Steve Abraham from Milton Keynes and his attempt to break Tommy Godwin's 1939 record for the most miles cycled in a year. This is an inspirational story that deserves regular coverage.
Up until last night, 17th Feb, Steve was over 1600 miles ahead of where Tommy was on the same date in 1939, and also ahead of his own target, having covered over 9000 miles (yes 9000!) so far since new year's day. On a Bike.
May I suggest that this is worth a weekly, 30 second (minimum), "how far has Steve gone" spot on C4 news?
Thanks for your consideration
Just a thought.Good idea ... but bear in mind that dark in Feb looks exactly like dark in July on telly.
Later on when the media start to take a serious interest in Steve's ride they will probably film him riding. By then it will hopefully be lovely summer days and give no indication of the conditions that Steve faced in these early months.
Would it be an idea for someone to film a typical current day - up in the dark, riding into the sunset and then more hours in the dark - to be given to the media production so that it represents the true magnitude of the ride.
I'd be up for filming him for a day. Although Exit Stage Left is the film man OTP.
Anyway, this is ridiculous. I can't understand why he isn't all over the news. We should lobby the press. I've just sent this to C4 newsQuote from: TGSGood Evening
on New Years Eve, if I recall correctly, you ran a story about Steve Abraham from Milton Keynes and his attempt to break Tommy Godwin's 1939 record for the most miles cycled in a year. This is an inspirational story that deserves regular coverage.
Up until last night, 17th Feb, Steve was over 1600 miles ahead of where Tommy was on the same date in 1939, and also ahead of his own target, having covered over 9000 miles (yes 9000!) so far since new year's day. On a Bike.
May I suggest that this is worth a weekly, 30 second (minimum), "how far has Steve gone" spot on C4 news?
Thanks for your consideration
Just a thought.Good idea ... but bear in mind that dark in Feb looks exactly like dark in July on telly.
Later on when the media start to take a serious interest in Steve's ride they will probably film him riding. By then it will hopefully be lovely summer days and give no indication of the conditions that Steve faced in these early months.
Would it be an idea for someone to film a typical current day - up in the dark, riding into the sunset and then more hours in the dark - to be given to the media production so that it represents the true magnitude of the ride.
Some snow footage would be ideal! (Not sure I should cross my fingers for more snow this year ... :-\ )
I wonder if Premier Inn, has been approached for sponsorship of Steve - all you can eat breakfasts etc? That would be pretty good... :)
Steve's Feb 14 post. https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=88252.msg1813419#msg1813419
I wonder if Premier Inn, has been approached for sponsorship of Steve - all you can eat breakfasts etc? That would be pretty good... :)
Steve's Feb 14 post. https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=88252.msg1813419#msg1813419
What about JD Wetherspoon.
I sent this to their Customer Relations Dept.
Dear Sirs
You may not be aware that one of our AudaxUK cyclists, Steven Abraham, is 6weeks into an attempt at the World Record for cycling in a calendar year. The record of 75,065miles was set in 1939 by Tommy Godwin. Steven is ahead of Tommy’s schedule. If you go to Steven’s website “oneyeartimetrial”, all will be explained. Fundamentally, Steven, having given up his job, is relying on sponsorship; many have supported with equipment and donations. Within AudaxUK, many of his cycling friends have set up Standing Orders to help fund his year.
Within cycling, I and many Audax colleagues regularly use JD Wetherspoon as a source of excellent well-priced sustenance. Steven is aware of many branches and I know he is using them to fuel his journey. As a further means of sponsorship, we are invited to meet Steven en route and ‘buy’ his food. Of course that relies on knowing where he is routed and catching him – not an easy task, although his live tracker helps.
Steven is at a point in his attempt when the media is beginning to appreciate his determination. As a favourite eating venue, I was wondering if Wetherspoon’s would consider supporting/sponsoring Steven. The publicity payback would be considerable and I can assure you that AudaxUK riders would provide continuing custom, in recognition of your support of Steven.
I ask that you contact Steven’s support team should you wish to help in this endeavour.
Regards
Stephen Poulton, Cheltenham, Tel No
Perhaps they never sent it to the MD.
Anyone with a better input to JDW. Worth a serious punt?
Tbh, it's a bit wordy. You want to get to the point quicker, viz: "Hi Eddie, can I interest you in a great PR opportunity for Wetherspoons? My friend Steve is attempting to cycle over 80,000 miles in 2015 and has already covered nearly 10,000 miles since the 1st of January, often stopping en route at Wetherspoons pubs for your excellent value lunches. He has given up his job and his life savings to make this attempt, so any support he receives is very gratefully received. With that in mind, would you be interested in sponsoring him? Steve has a following of thousands on social media - not just fellow cyclists - so it would be great publicity for you. More info at oneyeartimetrial.org. Yours etc." Also the stuff about releasing copyright of your pictures sounds a bit pompous.
In any case, it might be more effective to let Steve's official team handle PR. They seem to know what they're doing.
Looking at how Road.cc is going about it, it seems that they like the HAMR story as it's attracting comments on their page and facebook page. There was a story, then a story about the comments on this story.I think that depends on what sort of publicity you want, and why you want it.
To attract publicity we may have to look at black arts of social media manipulation, anyone puts a story on the web, everyone pile on and leave good comments, resulting in more coverage...
It's going to be based on stuff like sharing articles on facebook, retweeting and commenting.
Can only apologise...
Can only apologise...
Absolutely nothing to apologise for! My comments were meant constructively so I hope that's how they came across. In any case, if you've already had a positive response, job done. Good work!
I am not a member of Steve's support team, apart from a bit of financial support, so I am not aware of how much publicity is desired. But I suggest that support from the general cycling community would be a good thing, to this end has any consideration been given to producing posters/flyers to be distributed in local cycle shops. There is a big upsurge in cycling in this area, West Yorkshire, but I would imagine that the majority of these "new" cyclists are not aware of this historic effort.
Raleigh's PR agency should be delighted to have an opportunity like this to work on for example.
Raleigh's PR agency should be delighted to have an opportunity like this to work on for example.
And yet there's no mention of him on Raleigh's news page of their website. I don't follow Facebook or Twitter so can't comment if Raleigh's PR people are commenting there but I would have thought some comment on the website would be worthwhile.
That was mostly about having a good story to 'hang' a lesson on, rather than gaining publicity for Steve though!
My particular thought was that we could only do something that made no requirements whatsoever of Steve or his team. So I'd actually had the cards for a couple of weeks, and was watching the hosts calendar to see who he was going to be staying with that I could send them to where it wouldn't be an unreasonable expectation to open an envelope and stick them on the table so Steve could look at them if he had time while drinking a cuppa/eating his tea. Then it turned out that the CrinklyTable would do the job nicely :)
The kids were fascinated by the story - particularly when they realised that I'd actually met and gone for a bike ride with Steve.
"It captivated and almost scared me when I first heard about the record as a 15-year old," says Abraham, as he answers my questions between stolen mouthfuls of dinner after a typically long day spent in the saddle. "I didn't know who Tommy Godwin was, or who had done this incredible world record ride at the time, but I became fascinated by it and started to wonder if I could do it myself one day."
Publicity is best left till towards the end when the target is done/near done.
http://road.cc/content/news/147179-steve-abraham-decide-year-record-attempt-coming-days-after-yesterdays-crash
Warning re comments, features magic hat talk :facepalm:
Thank you Steve for reviving this challenge that was thought to be unreachable. You aren't there yet but have shownit can be doneyou can do it. Hoping for a speedy recover and at some point see you finish the job.
https://teammooseisloose.wordpress.com/ (https://teammooseisloose.wordpress.com/)
Thanks for the assist, thats what I was trying to say.Thank you Steve for reviving this challenge that was thought to be unreachable. You aren't there yet but have shownit can be doneyou can do it. Hoping for a speedy recover and at some point see you finish the job.
https://teammooseisloose.wordpress.com/ (https://teammooseisloose.wordpress.com/)
+1 :thumbsup:
Just a little editation to reflect Steve's ability - not a criticism or pick!
Yesterday evening I had a brief chat with Steve on the phone for The Bike Show:
http://thebikeshow.net/put-me-back-on-the-trike/
Daily Mirror. (http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/weird-news/meet-cyclist-bidding-ride-75000-5420065#ICID=sharebar_twitter)
Unfortunately for some reason they've misplaced it in the 'weird news' section.
Steve was interviewed last night on BeSpoke on BBC Radio Five Live:-
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b05sxm3r#auto
(58 minutes on)
Very easy to see the MK News won't win awards for the quality of its journalism; "he succumbed to the nearest hospital" and other examples of poor use of English.
Mind you, to be fair, there are thousands of examples every day just as bad so MK News is not on it's Todd!
Very easy to see the MK News won't win awards for the quality of its journalism; "he succumbed to the nearest hospital" and other examples of poor use of English.
Mind you, to be fair, there are thousands of examples every day just as bad so MK News is not on it's Todd!
Quite, not least those who do not know the difference between it's and its.
http://www.its-not-its.info/
Or those who do not know how to spell tod when using the colloquial meaning.
We need YOUR help...
Many of us have filmed Steve at various events - or just on the road - during his various rides this year. Due to popular demand, we have decided we will begin to collect and collate various video clips and interviews taken of Steve during his One Year Time Trial, so that they can potentially be used in a documentary film about this incredible challenge.
Details will be given shortly of what we are doing with the film, as we do not yet have a film maker officially commissioned to work on this project. However, if you know someone who might be interested in the making of such a film (and can demonstrate the capability to work commercially on a project like this) please ask them to contact Idai on media@oneyeartimetrial.org.uk with more details.
In the meantime, please feel free to film or interview Steve if you should happen meet him on the road - or at an event. As always, we ask that his timings and schedules be respected first and foremost (and if he's in a rush he should not be held up for interviews and video clips). But if you can catch him at an opportune time for a quick chat on camera we would love you to do so. If you do so, please feel free to ask him any questions you like (within the bounds of decency) when you interview him - and make sure the picture and sound quality is decent. Then get the footage across to us!
More information to follow shortly....
The bit in the new Arrivée was lifted from the previous announcement on Facebook. I felt it was important to put something in the mag, for the benefit of those members not on social media, but it was on my own initiative and I sourced the picture myself. I would have liked to do more but didn't have time.Good work!
Time and resources are always going to be a problem for a campaign run by volunteers.
The last week has again highlighted the patchy & frustrating nature of Team Steve's PR; but remind yourselves: does any of that stuff
actually help him ride the bike 205 miles-per-day?
And it would help reduce people bitching here, which is a negative (again, unquantifiable and small, but still ...).Nobody is making you bitch on here. Certainly not Steve.
Matt, you're right of course;Finally, a sensible post! :P
I just wish peeps would keep some perspective. I think my last post was sufficient in this perspective.
I think you under-estimate the number of posts with which I disagree!I just wish peeps would keep some perspective. I think my last post was sufficient in this perspective.
Modesty indeed! How about living with the fact that others have different opinions to yours for once.
I'm pretty sick of every time someone questions any aspect of Steve's campaign you have to escalate it into some kind of shit-storm.
And it would help reduce people bitching here, which is a negative (again, unquantifiable and small, but still ...).Nobody is making you bitch on here. Certainly not Steve.
Please do not castigate me for trying to give you a feel of the team dynamics -- after all I am just the bean counter.
Well good for you :)And it would help reduce people bitching here, which is a negative (again, unquantifiable and small, but still ...).Nobody is making you bitch on here. Certainly not Steve.
It might surprise you, Matt, but this is a thread (and a board, actually), where I manage to restrain my natural tendencies.
my bold
Please do not castigate me for trying to give you a feel of the team dynamics -- after all I am just the bean counter.
Don't under-estimate your importance to the bid.
Counting the beans in this situation requires the appropriate skills and hard work.
One of the reasons I was content to donate was I knew my money would be in safe hands and be spent where I wanted it to be.
Steve's September interview with Idai...Idai asked about the averages but Steve didn't know. I've got that info, up to 14 Sept;
https://youtu.be/LKIP0wWrrpo
Steve's September interview with Idai...Idai asked about the averages but Steve didn't know. I've got that info, up to 14 Sept;
https://youtu.be/LKIP0wWrrpo
Daily Avg.
289.73 kilometres 180.03 Miles 86.77 BPM
NB: only moving days, zero mile days not included.
GO STEVE!!! :thumbsup:
can't think where you got those numbers you are way out
Steve is averaging some 193 mls a day now since restart
and could well catch up lost mls of August during next few weeks
can't think where you got those numbers you are way outWhole year not just since reboot.
Steve is averaging some 193 mls a day now since restart
and could well catch up lost mls of August during next few weeks
Excellent update, but Idai, let the man eat his meal....I could hardly bear to watch that bit.
What a positive interview.Especially Steve's extraordinary statement that the accident may have helped him.
BTW My wife commented that it's a shame Changing Rooms is no longer with us.
Steve coming home to find his cycling man cave had been made over would be great TV.
can't think where you got those numbers you are way outStrava!
Steve is averaging some 193 mls a day now since restart
and could well catch up lost mls of August during next few weeks
BTW My wife commented that it's a shame Changing Rooms is no longer with us.
Steve coming home to find his cycling man cave had been made over would be great TV.
Erm...that is the makeover. You obviously didn't see it before.
Jack's written up the year rather nicely for the Brooks blog (warning, may contain traces of product placement):
http://blog.brooksengland.com/wps/a-life-in-the-year
Way back in Greek mythology, Hercules was a bit of a hero. The son of Jupiter and Alcmena, he was not looked on favourably by Jupiter's regular wife. Hera sent some snakes to strangle the youngster, but he defeated them with his bare hands. After a night of madness, in which he killed his wife and children, Hercules paged the Oracle at Delphi, who told him to serve King Eurystheus of Tiryns for a dozen years. During that time, the king tried to get rid of Herc, setting him twelve seemingly impossible tasks. "We do not intend to rid ourselves of Hercules," said Eurystheus's Crime Minister, "we are piloting our Community Service project, by which criminals might gain redemption by their own hard work." After completing his time in Tiryns, Hercules remarried, was killed by a poisonous potion, and became a genuine minor deity.
Many thousands of years later, the Hercules myth remains potent. There have been televised dramas loosely (very loosely) based around the original myths, and a cartoon that has nothing at all to do with the Greek tales. Now a game show takes some note of the legends, but twists them to its own ends.
In concept, Hercules is - as it probably should be - an extreme form of Gladiators. The events don't need a "Don't try this at home" warning because no one is going to be so stupid as to try and run on a giant hamster wheel. In execution, though, it's not quite all there.
Loving the juxtaposition of images, where Steve and Kurt are chillin' after a ride, in the Brooks blog.
The Brit with Tea.
The Yank with Donut.
All that's missing are pictures of the Queen and Donald Trump in the background.
Loving the juxtaposition of images, where Steve and Kurt are chillin' after a ride, in the Brooks blog.Nasty slur on Kurt! :o
The Brit with Tea.
The Yank with Donut.
All that's missing are pictures of the Queen and Donald Trump in the background.
Loving the juxtaposition of images, where Steve and Kurt are chillin' after a ride, in the Brooks blog.Nasty slur on Kurt! :o
The Brit with Tea.
The Yank with Donut.
All that's missing are pictures of the Queen and Donald Trump in the background.
He doesn't seem half stupid enough to vote Trump. ;D
The amazing ‘heat map’ of Abraham’s rides shows that he rode in pretty much every corner of England and Wales, and how frequently he visited certain areas. From the tip of Cornwall, to Snowdonia, to the Lake District and countless times around the Midlands.
Read more at http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/latest-news/amazing-map-produced-of-where-steve-abraham-rode-on-his-year-record-attempt-209348#DgJcRQgbi4tqBsM8.99
It's great in the context of the discussion about the validity of Tommy Godwin's and Bruce Berkeley's rides.Jo's heatmaps tweeted to CW:
The magazine that validated Tommy prints a press release from the organisation that Bruce is relying on to validate his ride, and they include stuff of Steve's from three years ago. It does show the value of primary sources. Over to you Jo!
And contestants who spell Steve's surname correctly will get extra points. And what do points mean?
And contestants who spell Steve's surname correctly will get extra points. And what do points mean?Points mean hundreds of kms, sir. And Steve is a singular person.
And contestants who spell Steve's surname correctly will get extra points. And what do points mean?Points mean hundreds of kms, sir. And Steve is a singular person.
Belligerent Yorkshire vegetarian communist I can relate to! One-armed, less so.
My secret favourite is Menzies. Gets done over by Nicholson, goes straight back out there. Fails. Seethes for a few years. Goes back and finally does him over in his 60's. I have a long term project to find out a lot more about this man.
My secret favourite is Menzies. Gets done over by Nicholson, goes straight back out there. Fails. Seethes for a few years. Goes back and finally does him over in his 60's. I have a long term project to find out a lot more about this man.
RK was one of the sponsors of the ill-fated 800km Paris-Harrogate Audax in 1978, so there's probably very few degrees of separation between Greaves and a few on here. My closest link being through Nev Holgate.