Baaaasically, Robert Blatchford (Nunquam), the editor of the Clarion newspaper was an ex-army chap. It was the tradition in the army to tell stories after lights out, but the teller had no way of knowing if his audience were still awake. So, periodically, he would call out 'Boots!', to which all should reply 'Spurs!'.
Years later, after the formation of the cycling club, they decided to arrange a
pissup meet in Ashbourne. As the riders arrived, the local members could identify them from their badges, greet them, and guide them to the venue. But, as it got dark, it became more difficult to discern the members.
Putting their heads together, the stewards realised that anyone who was a Clarion CC member was also a reader of The Clarion, and therefore also familiar with Nunquam's tales. So, as the riders rolled in, they called out 'Boots!', and, if the cyclist responded, 'Spurs!', they were welcomed.
Thus, the traditional greeting for Clarion CC members is 'Boots!' 'Spurs!'. It is used to this day (well, it was when we met the Brighton & Hove section for a ride. I used it
)
