Yet Another Cycling Forum
General Category => Audax => Topic started by: Aidan on 22 January, 2016, 08:09:29 am
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This answers the questions about the last day or two. A shame but not totally unexpected.
Much respect for Steve
With great sadness, Steve Abraham has made the decision to end his second attempt on the Highest Annual Mileage World Record.
Steve's aim has always been to break the record (he didn’t want to come second, or third). After careful consideration of his current performance - and after lengthy discussions with the support team - Steve decided on Thursday 21 January 2016 that he will officially withdraw from his ongoing attempt on the Highest Annual Mileage Record.
As you can imagine, the decision to end this attempt has not been an easy one. Steve would like to thank you all for your incredible support. For now he will undertake a well earned period of rest and recovery, before deciding on any plans for the future.
Videos from Steve
Short video announcing withdrawal https://youtu.be/OHSjqrpDNhE
Longer video with extended Q&A https://youtu.be/x9agB46ENa8
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He's still a legend.
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Rest well Steve, Recuperate, reflect on your superb acheivement and take time to decide where to go from here.
I for one think you have made a more courageous and correct decision at this point.
Massive respect, Well Done!
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Yes, a shame, but I've no doubt it was the right decision made with careful thought.
I imagine that, mentally, this is the hardest part of such a challenge. Much respect to Steve for a brave attempt.
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Steve has nothing to reproach himself for.
An awe inspiring effort against fearsome odds.
Well done Steve and best wishes for the future whatever it may bring.
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Steve, you are indeed a legend. Commiserations, mate. You deserve a rest.
PS I'm organising a bike ride with tea room & pub tomorrow. Start at Kelvedon Station at 9.30. Just saying. :P
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Respect, Steve. The bike will always be there.
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Steve has my great respect for everything he's done.
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Steve, my enormous respect for you is hugely amplified by everything you have achieved over the past year and a bit.
You have inspired countless others to try and find their own personal limits. You have inspired me and kept me riding in some fecking awful weather ("well if Steve can't give up and he's got twice as far to ride as me today, then I can't give up"), thanks for that, I think! ;)
You've kick-started a real resurgence of interest in long-distance competition, and whatever happens, that will always remain true.
Take care of yourself, recuperate (do some touring somewhere warm in few weeks?), and whatever you think about doing next, I wish you the very best in it and, if I can support you in that, then I will always try my best to do so.
More than ever, if you need my/our support, reach out and ask for it. You will have a lot to work through and decompress from. If you need anything, then do not be afraid to ask for it.
See you out on the road sometime soon I hope.
Chapeau is not a big enough compliment, but for the moment it will have to do until I see you next and get a chance to shake your hand and congratulate you in person my friend.
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Superb effort and bravery :thumbsup: by Steve and in a way sad to hear this but there almost seemed to be an inevitability to this over last few weeks even months as mileage was dropping repeatedly below `required`. So all praise and kudos to Steve for an amazing effort and I wish him the very best for a recovery time and whatever else comes his way.
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However I am very disappointed at the way the whole attempt has been overshadowed / marred by what seems to be some poor team members with complete lack it appears on their part to recognise value of positive publicity, keeping donors informed and meaningful updates. Compare how Alicia kept FB going with informative and amusing updates to what didn`t get communicated by the team, even up to the last FB of `Steve`s OK ` a couple of days ago. Whilst this is a private individuals attempt on the HAMR it also draws upon public donations to support it and for that very reason the team should have recognised a duty of care to donors to maintain a high publicity information stream. Enough said,
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Much respect Steve. It was a helluva challenge and you gave it your all. Chapeau.
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Well done Steve. Cracking effort.
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All the best Steve as you rest up; big congrats for everything you've done.
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Steve you have captured the imagination of many a rider over the last year or so. Thanks for giving us a vicarious insight into ultra cycling. All the very best for the future. Don't let anyone tell you that you just didn't do enough. You've succeeded and achieved an awful lot this year.
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Indeed sad.
A heroic effort through some very challenging weather conditions.
All the best for future endeavours Steve.
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Congratulations to Steve for the massive achievement of riding further in a year than anyone but three others ever, for the astonishing determination of both continuing following a broken ankle, and of restarting with the concurrent attempt, and of course for actually getting validation options in place that have triggered this resurgence in interest in the year records.
Chapeau, truly.
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Massive respect and glad you ended it safe and well.
Still a staggering modern times Year mileage record for UK riding that will last for many years.
Enjoy the rest and more relaxed meals.
Still time to talk to the Transcontinental organisers and go after something else you've shown interest in.
Sure they'd love to have you
Now that would be fun watching.
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Well done Steve, I hope you don't beat yourself up about having to call it a day - it was a monumental effort on your part, deserving of nothing but respect.
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Well done Steve — you put yourself and long-distance cycling firmly on the map and you did yourself proud! Chapeau! :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
And hats off to the team — a huge effort over the past 13 months to keep Steve on the road — especially the unsung heroes and heroines who looked after him week in, week out on the home front, you especially deserve huge respect! :thumbsup: :-*
See you on a ride out soon, mate.
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Sleep well Steve, you have inspired lots of people to push themselves that little bit further. You have also achieved something that I still cannot truly comprehend :thumbsup:
Get some R&R - nobody deserves it more
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Congratulations on everything you've achieved, and for having the bravery to make the decision to call it a day. Much respect.
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Very well done for what you achieved. I have never met you in person but can Really feel for you having to draw the attempt to a close. It must have been an extremely hard decision in the end; you've let no one down at all.
As far as This Thread goes; Please, Please don't let it deteriorate into another 'it could have been done so much better this way' mess!
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Well done Steve. You're a bloody hero.
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Sad decision, but the right one I think Steve. Wishing you the best for rest, recovery and whatever the future may hold for you.
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Well done Steve - well done for attempting something so unfathomably difficult, and well done for having the courage to make this decision when you have, it can't have been easy for you. Certainly got my respect, that's for sure.
Wishing you extremely good health in recovery.
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Very well done indeed, Steve, your achievement is truly inspiring.
And of course the biggest problem was the interface with the moped that broke Steve's legend.
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A sad decision but a correct one. I, like many others on this forum, have been worried about Steve's health/performance over recent weeks.
Unfortunately, Steve, the fates have conspired against you. If it hadn't been for the scooter rider, I'm sure you could have fought your way through all the other problems to Tommy's total. But to restart when you weren't in peak condition was just too much. But maximum chapeau to you! As an ex-mileater, I know perfectly well that even at my peak I wouldn't even have got close to what you achieved.
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A difficult choice but the right one.
You still have a PB for the year which was pretty awesome considering you broke a few bones on the way.
looking forward to catching up on a sunny ride somewhere.
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60-odd thousand miles in a year, inspired a whole new generation of record attempts, as well of many of us in more mundance endeavours, whatever you decide to do next, wish you good fortune. And +1 to so many of the comments above.
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I feel immensely sad for Steve and to bring the attempt to an end must be an immensely difficult time. No-one can have any doubt that Steve pushed himself extremely hard, even more so than usual in recent days, in order to base his decision on what is achievable.
Have a good rest Steve.
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Rest up Steve ready for Jan 1st 2017 :thumbsup:
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British Cycling Legend... as simple as that.
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Congratulations Steve on everything you've achieved, an amazing effort. It might seem awful giving up but hopefully in reflection you'll see it was the right decision. Take some time to recuperate, think about what you've done and be proud.
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Great achievement Steve. Like many I was proud of the way you took on a challenge many of us could only read about. A truly great achievement in this day and age to cycle that distance day after day in all weathers.
Like so many who supported you both financially and in spirit take care, sleep well and do not be afraid to ask for our help.
Thank you.
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Well done Steve, astonishing effort and you should be very proud of everything you achieved.
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To have come this far is inspirational and audacious, so +1 on the "well done Steve". I'm sure it must have been a decision that took time to reach. Enjoy the rest.
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You have a UCMA record Steve, and what's more, one achieved with the hindrance of a broken ankle received during it. Bloody amazing and one that will probably never be broken!
Really sorry to hear it's over for now, but I'll certainly support you in future attempts.
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Well done Steve.
You've shown all of us you're amazing and made us proud with your stoic dedication riding through the English seasons.
Plenty of time for another attempt and, more importantly, plenty of time to rest, recupurate and leave the entire thing behind to ride something far more interesting that A roads. That TCR really does look outstanding this year!
Freedom from the shackles of HAMR. Don't regret it, enjoy it :)
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The determination you've shown throughout has been an inspiration. Now take care of yourself.
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Sad decision, but the right one I think Steve. Wishing you the best for rest, recovery and whatever the future may hold for you.
+1
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I can't even imagine how hard it must have been to agree to ending the challenge, Steve. Like every other aspect of the last year you tackled it with immense bravery and courage. Truly inspirational. The very best of luck with whatever else you decide to do (cycling and otherwise) in the coming months and years.
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A wise and tough decision to make that will only enhance the respect given to you for making it.
I know that one of your aims has long been to encourage others to get on their bikes and enjoy what long distance cycling has to offer. Your contribution in rejuvenating the year record, in bringing attention to long distance cycling in mainstream cycling culture and to others who like to ride is unsurpassed. Whatever you decide to do in the future, that legacy will stay with you.
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Good call Steve. I hope you can direct the fortitude you have shown in your record attempt towards getting over any disappointment you feel and remember you have let no one down.
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You're still long distance cyclings' "favourite child".
Take a break.....have a KitKat.
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Impressive.
Tough call.
You hero, Steve, I'll buy you a beer sometime.
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Congratulations to Steve for the massive achievement of riding further in a year than anyone but three others ever, for the astonishing determination of both continuing following a broken ankle, and of restarting with the concurrent attempt, and of course for actually getting validation options in place that have triggered this resurgence in interest in the year records.
Chapeau, truly.
+1 Nothing further to add, but if you need anything just ask.
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Absolutely the right decision. The analysis can wait for another time, but the respect in which Steve is held can only be increased by this brave and difficult decision to stop. What Steve has achieved, against quite awesome difficulties, is incredible - and, through bringing the record to life again, inspired Tarzan, Miles and Bruce to give it a go themselves. It's been an amazing year which has invigorated so many people's interest in cycling (and YACF!), and, for that, we all have much to be grateful to Steve for. Now I hope Steve gets a bloody good rest, a holiday, and time to decide what the future holds.
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Steve, you have done immensely well, essentially going it alone out on the road, which has to be the hardest, most brutal approach.
But you gave it a bloody good go, with admiration and respect earned all-round.
If you want to give it another go, I'd be more than happy to help out with financial support again - you clearly have what it takes !
Have a good rest and be bloody proud chap!
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Heroic effort. Well done Steve, the right decision under the circumstances.
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That's a really nice q&a video too - great end to a brilliant effort
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Impressive.
Tough call.
You hero, Steve, I'll buy you a beer sometime.
Amen to that. I'll do the same.
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Well done on outstanding achievement :thumbsup:.
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Tough decision Steve,
have a well earned rest, you are still The Daddy on this side of the Pond this Millennium.
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*round of applause for all you've achieved, Steve*
Commiserations on having to make a really tough decision.
You know I'm here for you if ever you need anything.
Take care of yourself xx
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Well done on setting a new record and all the best with your future endeavours - be it the HAMR or something else.
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That first video is very moving indeed
:-(
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I like the long video, Steve's clearly happy at home with good friends. Steve's no more failed than Michael Broadwith failed at the Mersey Roads.
I wonder if we'll ever see such a competition again?
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Like every other part of the effort that must have been such a tough thing to do. Rest well Steve.
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Aw, that's a shame but the right decision I think.
TRULY AUDACIOUS, can't say anything else!
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Still a Hero !
He has put himself in the handful of greats in distance cycling.
Well done Steve, recouperate well.
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+1 to all above, fantastic effort Steve :thumbsup:
I look forward to riding with you again sometime/somewhere soon.
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Chapeau Steve, on a fine effort.
I have enjoyed watching your progress in awe over the last 385 days and you have certainly inspired me to ride further.
Thank you, and now rest up and stay healthy... and look forward to the spring!
Mike
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Difficult decision, and I have to say quite sensible to leave it a while to make it. You wouldn't want to quit and wonder what might have been if you'd carried on.
You set out to cycle for a year, got hit by a moped, got back on your trike and carried on, had to change your diet completely, got back on the bike and carried on, moved into the next year after you started, got back on the bike and carried on, and only after plenty of thought did you make the difficult (and probably correct) decision to stop. You still claimed a UMCA record and no doubt have some awesome memories. Might even have inspired a whole generation of new attempts on it. Enjoy a rest.
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I reckon making that video must have been as hard as some of the tough days on the road. Broadcasting your retirement this time from the challenge must have been truly heartbreaking and a really tough call, especially after just ending what was effectively a 235 mile day and a bit on the road.
I have immensely enjoyed following your journey, it's very easy to sit at a screen and watch rather than being out in all weathers every single day and it is not surprising Tommys record has stood for so long. In fact within these shores it effectively continues to stand. ( but kudos to Kurt and Alicia for taking on the challenge too).
The good thing is that you have come away from this with yourself intact and the respect of the world for reigniting the interest in The Year record.
You are a true hero.
I am sure recouperation will take time, but for now, cheers on being such a single minded mileater. The next few months will no doubt be difficult too, make sure you bolt the door at night to prevent your body wandering off on the bike for a spin round MK sleep cycling.
And don't forget the whole cycling community remain resolutely behind you, so even though some privacy will no doubt be nice, do not feel embarrassed to ask the cycling community for any help you need in months and years to come.
Now where's that book that Dave Barter is ghost writing for you about the attempt. 😜
.....order No. 1, ready and waiting.
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Sad news but I expect it was the right decision.
Chapeau to Steve and the Team for what must have been a challenging 12+ months.
H
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I just read Steve's email and wanted to add my own message of support for him personally - what he undertook was massive and I have deep admiration for him and for his decision to stop.
I hope you recover soon Steve and I look forward to seeing you out there someday.
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marcusjb has captured everything there is to say.
I wish Steve well , whatever he chooses to do in the future. His legendary status within AUK has just reached a new level and will endure for a long time.
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"His legendary status within AUK has just reached a new level and will endure for a long time."
That.
And a nice guy too. :thumbsup:
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Steve, we all know how strong you are, physically and mentally but this record attempt also to a degree required Lady Luck to be on your side, sadly she wasn't always paying full attention.
Tommy Godwin would be giving you a huge round of applause and scratching his head wondering how the hell you managed to cycle 63,568.2 miles in a year when you'd suffered a broken ankle and ridden through one of the windiest years on record.
You've inspired so many people and boggled so many minds. It's.....er.......mind boggling.
Well done Steve.
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Steve, you are a hero.
To have ridden 63,565 miles in a year which included a broken leg, one legged recumbent riding and a PBP is absolutely amazing. If the moped had not stopped you in your tracks things would have panned out very differently.
If you ever decide to try again you will have our wholehearted support, but maybe you can just relax for a bit now?
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Steve, you've been outstanding.
Much respect.
J
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Wot everyone else has said in spades.
As yet I've only watched the first shorter video, and I've never met Steve in person, but at points he appears to be almost breaking down in tears. He certainly looks completely shattered. This video and Steve's appearance and demeanour increases my respect for everything he (and his team) have achieved.
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Massive congratulations on your amazing, inspiring achievement Steve!
Many, many thanks to the support team as well.
Best Wishes and Good Luck to all in adjusting to a quieter, but hopefully prouder 'normal' life.
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That was a great effort Steve. Sorry it didn't work out. Don't dwell on what might have been. Enjoy your rest & make sure you fully recover before doing anything else.
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Huge congratulations Steve! You've really done something amazing over the last year so you should feel proud of your truly awesome achievement. I wish you all the best of luck with whatever you choose to do next.
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Well done Steve, brilliant effort!
Now go out, have a couple of beers and get yourself laid. :thumbsup:
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A pox on moped-riding muppets.
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Well done Steve. I'm sure it's a hard decision to stop but it's better to have made an attempt than not known what you were capable of. I'm not sure what plans you might form now but I hope that you know that our support doesn't end the day you step off the bike. Don't hesitate to ask for the things you need, when you need them.
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Chapeau, Steve. Your real adventure has been a spellbinding armchair adventure for us. Thank you.
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thank you Steve for being an ispiration to push on when going gets tough. i don't know any other person possessing so much of physical and mental fortitude. a brave man, a hero, a legend!!
now rest well, look after yourself and recover properly
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Wonderful stuff - and he keeps his sense of humour! Totally indomitable.
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Wonderful stuff - and he keeps his sense of humour! Totally indomitable.
*Makes a note of today's new word* :thumbsup:
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Well done chap.
R & R and go again when the time is right.
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Steve - well done. You've earnt huge respect from around the world.
Recover and re-think what can be done should you decide to try this again.
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I'm sure this is the right decision.
I hope you recover well and we see healthy, fit and well in the future!
We all think you're great!
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Big respect Steve! :thumbsup: You've earned it!
Commiserations on what must be a huge disappointment for you. A very tough decision to have to make. However, if you're ever tempted to think that you've let anyone down, please don't! 8) I don't think that's how anyone sees it and as a minor supporter I certainly don't.
Don't take anyone's musings on here or elsewhere about strategy or anything else as criticisms - it's just something people do with any sporting endeavour, and almost all sports fans are "armchair experts!" ::-) I really don't think that anyone actually reckons they could have had a better stab at it than you have!
You've inspired a huge number of people to cycle more and further (and not just other HAMR contestants!) Lots of us have greatly enjoyed following your attempts too.
If, once you're fully recovered, you decide to make a 3rd attempt, I don't think there will be any shortage of support, and who knows - third time lucky?! It seems to me that you clearly have what it takes to break the record, you've just been really unfortunate. You'd have the benefit of a lot of knowledge and experience from your own and others' attempts. Edit: and likely no El Niño weather to contest with!
If you decide to move on to other challenges, you'll have left quite a legacy with the HAMR quite apart from your own record!
Enjoy the rest, and best wishes for the future!
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T'was very well done Steve. Chapeau!
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Sad to hear but it sounds like the right decision. Thanks to Steve for the inspiration and entertainment (good and bad) over the attempt.
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No commiserations from me I'm afraid, just huge congratulations for what you achieved.
I got to ride with you for an hour on PBP2015 and I fully intend to put that in my "name-dropping bank" for future use. ("Steve Abraham? Yes I know him, , I actually rode part of the attempt with him you know?")
Legend.
1 year ago this week, Stockbridge, Hampshire.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-l4s5GveSsDU/VMgenDlePOI/AAAAAAAAElA/rnVPpfB1jJc/s1280-Ic42/a%252520Steve%252520Abraham%2525203.jpg)
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Very well done Steve and team! Not the result you wanted I know, but I hope when you've caught up on zzzzs that you remember your efforts well.
See you on the road...
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Everything's been said already, but I enjoy reading Steve's ride reports online (as blood and guts are never spared) I think there's a book in your exploits, so hopefully you'll put fingers to keyboard soon.
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Commiserations for having to stop Steve, but big congratulations too, both for all the riding you've done so far and also for making the call.
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Fantastic attempt Steve. You have been wonderfully inspiring, tenacious and audacious in your attempt.
You can look back with pride and forward with purpose.
Rest well, plan carefully.
Why not pop along to Long Itch in May for a couple of nights under canvas and mild crack with lots of admiring fans of yours? I seriously doubt that you'd have to buy a beer and the Long Itch Diner breakfast on the Saturday would be on me though I don't rate their sausages!
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Chapeau Steve! An amazing and inspiring ride. And you put Tommy Godwin and the Year Record back on the map.
A very tough decision to make, but probably the right one.
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What an amazing ride - now rest and enjoy being a legend.
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I agree it's sad that Steve had to abandon the second attempt but absolutely reject the notion that it's "a shame".
In my view, Steve's decision is brave, smart and just right. As others have argued much more convincingly in the "current thoughts" threads, the second attempt had turned into a lost cause a long time ago and carrying on had been pointless and potentially detrimental to his health. His decision was unavoidable given the daily averages required for months after months to come even close to Tommy's and Kurt's mileage.
I think there is a fine line between healthy and necessary tenacity every long-distance rider needs and reality-denying determination that can do more harm than good. I was starting to worry that Steve had started to drift towards the latter. Fortunately, his decision to stop shows the opposite.
As many others have already said, Steve deserves loads of credit for reviving the year-record and inspiring others to tackle mind-boggling distances. Well done Steve! Now it's time to rest and regroup.
Steve on PBP
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-n4NmF0DXdYk/VedKN67JjgI/AAAAAAAACKg/tHC0EcFlEOY/s912-Ic42/20150818-IMG_1484.jpg)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-2NkXLVKPNus/VedK-sRBWCI/AAAAAAAACOE/gt19IZauz3Y/s912-Ic42/20150819-IMG_1561.jpg)
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what an amazing year, so much for the guy to be proud off, well done Steve,
if anyone has 30 minutes, watch the full video :thumbsup:
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if anyone has 30 minutes, watch the full video :thumbsup:
OK. Hands up, who else spontaneously joined in with the applause at the end? :thumbsup:
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The fact that he carried on when many kept telling him to stop was exactly the right thing to do and taught Steve an awful lot about the demands of the challenge.
Steve now knows what it is like to ride for the year, ride through pain, illness, crap weather etc. day after day after day. If, or should that be when he goes again, and, he'll be better equipped to deal with the whole situation. Only Steve and Kurt can appreciate what a gruelling challenge this is first hand.
For me the moped moron ruined Steve's chances this time and you cannot rule out such random acts, ever. You cannot rule Steve out either.
Much respect Steve.
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Does that mean he can come to Clapham?
:D
It's a shame he's had some bad luck. But it's been one hell of a ride.
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The fact that he carried on when many kept telling him to stop was exactly the right thing to do
(Apologies- feel free to move to the More Current Thoughts thread if necessary to keep this thread free for justifiably slapping Steve on the back and congratulating him on an amazing 55 weeks.)
Many would disagree with you on this front, Michael. If (heaven forbid) carrying on this last few weeks were to turn out to have had a detrimental effect on Steve's long-term health, would you still maintain this viewpoint?
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The courage to start this whole thing in the first place, the courage to carry on in very difficult circumstances over the past 13 months and finally the courage to stop just boggles my mind. :o
F*cking well done. Seriously. F*CKING. WELL. DONE.
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I agree it's sad that Steve had to abandon the second attempt but absolutely reject the notion that it's "a shame".
In my view, Steve's decision is brave, smart and just right. As others have argued much more convincingly in the "current thoughts" threads, the second attempt had turned into a lost cause a long time ago...
I disagree. I think this month was make or break. I can completely understand why Steve had to push on until he was satisfied in himself that he had given it his all, and / or reached the point where the mileages required were probably unachievable.
Hindsight and all that, but to my mind the only other time when the ending the attempt earlier might have worked out better in the long run was straight after the moped incident.
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Well done Steve. A fantastic achievement. Yes there were hardships but you got out there and overcame. A hard decision at the end but understandable.
Now is the time to rest and reflect on what you HAVE achieved.
This isn't the end, just a moment in time on your overall end game. Maybe meet you on the road again if our future rides cross one day.
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The fact that he carried on when many kept telling him to stop was exactly the right thing to do
(Apologies- feel free to move to the More Current Thoughts thread if necessary to keep this thread free for justifiably slapping Steve on the back and congratulating him on an amazing 55 weeks.)
Many would disagree with you on this front, Michael. If (heaven forbid) carrying on this last few weeks were to turn out to have had a detrimental effect on Steve's long-term health, would you still maintain this viewpoint?
Naturally I don't with any ill on Steve but he knew that he had to push himself to, and possibly beyond his limits on a regular basis to complete the challenge. Steve will have learned an awful lot and it would have been his choice to continue. Sometimes you learn a negative too but you need to learn that lesson. THe fact that Steve continued after the moped incident shows that Steve is tenacious and highly motivated and will push until he can push no more.
So, on balance I'd have to say yes, I would still consider that he did the right thing even if he ended up not getting the right result this time. Next time, which I sincerely hope there is to be, Steve will be even better, even stronger and even wiser.
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Chapeau Sir
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I could have pushed on even more but I couldn't see how I could get the record because I was falling further behind when I needed to be getting ahead. I saw this week as my last chance to average at least 205 a day, but it wasn't going to happen. I needed to be building up to 225 for February and wasn't even getting 200. Getting furthe behind would have left a lot more to do later on.
The whole purpose was to get the record, not do as much as I can regardless of it being the record.
The combination of getting further behind and later into the year makes it much harder to regain losses. Losing 1000 miles in the first week amounts to a few extra miles a day for the rest of the year. Losing 1000 miles in the last week is impossible to regain.
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Steve, you do hold a UMCA record. The distance is not what you could probably have achieved without the intervention of the mopedist of fate, but you are the first on the list for 18-49yo.
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Congratulations, Steve. Outstanding work.
And truly inspirational. Not just inspirational to those others who've taken up the (mammoth) challenge of your re-boot of The Year record - but also inspirational at, let's say, the lower echelons of cycling. I know that many of my worst, grottiest, winter commutes only happened last year because I thought, "you know, that bloke's doing 10 - 20 times my commute every day and he's out in this".
Total respect.
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I could have pushed on even more but I couldn't see how I could get the record because I was falling further behind when I needed to be getting ahead. I saw this week as my last chance to average at least 205 a day, but it wasn't going to happen. I needed to be building up to 225 for February and wasn't even getting 200. Getting furthe behind would have left a lot more to do later on.
The whole purpose was to get the record, not do as much as I can regardless of it being the record.
The combination of getting further behind and later into the year makes it much harder to regain losses. Losing 1000 miles in the first week amounts to a few extra miles a day for the rest of the year. Losing 1000 miles in the last week is impossible to regain.
Steve,
I never could comprehend how you managed to get up every day and ride 200+ miles. I don't think there are many people capable of this. I can put together a run of about 3-4 days like that, then I'm done.
Chapeau.
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Congratulations, Steve. Outstanding work.
And truly inspirational. Not just inspirational to those others who've taken up the (mammoth) challenge of your re-boot of The Year record - but also inspirational at, let's say, the lower echelons of cycling. I know that many of my worst, grottiest, winter commutes only happened last year because I thought, "you know, that bloke's doing 10 - 20 times my commute every day and he's out in this".
Total respect.
Absolutely - I'm well within the lower echelons of cycling these days, and during grotty rides I've said to myself 'Steve's out in this I can't turn back now' and when I've laid in bed not wanting to get out on the bike I've thought 'but Steve got up this morning no matter how HE felt' - that's the legacy for me
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Chapeau, Steve!
May be consider moving to some windless flatland with eternal sunshine and ride in the same traffic-free course with perfect asphalt everyday next time ;)
p.s. I was the idiot who chased you up and shook your hand on the way back in PBP.
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Chapeau Steve! You gave it your all and nobody could expect more, Uncle Jack would be proud of you.
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Thanks Steve, you've done a great job, and you've inspired us all, and for that we're very grateful.
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I believe we have all learned from and through your experience. You have revived a historic challenge that seemed only legendary and impossible. You gave more than anyone will ever know. It was obvious to the world that this was in your heart and IS YOUR DREAM.
We applaud you and your valiant doggedness my friend!
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I could have pushed on even more but I couldn't see how I could get the record because I was falling further behind when I needed to be getting ahead. I saw this week as my last chance to average at least 205 a day, but it wasn't going to happen. I needed to be building up to 225 for February and wasn't even getting 200. Getting furthe behind would have left a lot more to do later on.
The whole purpose was to get the record, not do as much as I can regardless of it being the record.
The combination of getting further behind and later into the year makes it much harder to regain losses. Losing 1000 miles in the first week amounts to a few extra miles a day for the rest of the year. Losing 1000 miles in the last week is impossible to regain.
Steve,
I never could comprehend how you managed to get up every day and ride 200+ miles. I don't think there are many people capable of this. I can put together a run of about 3-4 days like that, then I'm done.
Chapeau.
Exactly this.
I made this point before but "normal people" just think 200 miles is a long way to cycle... but they're just saying that the same way they'd say 80 miles is a long way to cycle.
It's actually only the people who have cycled 200 miles a day, especially on consecutive days (PBP for example) that REALLY know how amazing your achievement is.
My multiple 200 mile experiences are usually followed with mouth-ulcer experiences, feeling a bit shitty experiences and long lie-in experiences. That's after 4 of them.
It's highly unlikely I'll ever find out what 5 consecutive days feels like.
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Quote from Lee- It's highly unlikely I'll ever find out what 5 consecutive days feels like.
LEL 2017-you know you want to.
(http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t258/ptolemaic/tumblr_lrtsx6BZPA1r33rbuo1_500.gif) (http://s162.photobucket.com/user/ptolemaic/media/tumblr_lrtsx6BZPA1r33rbuo1_500.gif.html)
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Well done Steve, you have been, and will continue to be, an inspiration to countless randonneurs across the world. You have our respect and admiration. Now go and make a full recovery in the full knowledge that you have done yourself, and us, proud.
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Above the encouragement you have given me and countless others, above the absolutely amazing feat of riding 63k+ miles, your way of finishing this and immediately appearing on channels to make the announcement places you above mere mortals. You are a cycling God, and a gracious and complete gentleman to all those around you in the cycling world.
Mr Stephen Abraham......take a bow.
And thank you for providing the rest of us with a fabulous year long cycling and athletic spectacle, which has at times had us all on the edges of our respective saddles or chairs. More we could not have asked for, from a genuinely great and sincere bloke.
Bathe in the glory for a while......👏🏻😀
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Above the encouragement you have given me and countless others, above the absolutely amazing feat of riding 63k+ miles, your way of finishing this and immediately appearing on channels to make the announcement places you above mere mortals. You are a cycling God, and a gracious and complete gentleman to all those around you in the cycling world.
Mr Stephen Abraham......take a bow.
And thank you for providing the rest of us with a fabulous year long cycling and athletic spectacle, which has at times had us all on the edges of our respective saddles or chairs. More we could not have asked for, from a genuinely great and sincere bloke.
Bathe in the glory for a while......👏🏻😀
+1
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Steve, what you've achieved is incredible and throughout the past year, I've enjoyed following your progress :thumbsup: I rode with you from Cholsey to Hungerford about a year ago and was impressed at how controlled you were to ride as efficiently & smoothly as possible...I really look forward to seeing you on an Audax again soon...I have good memories of doing your DIY400 in 2012 & also going past you on the Flatlands in 2013 when we were like tortoise & hare - you kept talking to the banana in my jersey pocket each time I rode past you which was a laugh ;D
I also think you've inspired a lot of us to get out and ride & keep on going when we would normally decide not to...the WWSD factor :thumbsup:
Have a well deserved rest & thanks for posting the really raw and honest video - that must've been so hard to do, but it's added to the already massive respect that I have for you!
Cheers,
Peter.
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Well, that was so interesting, I've just had the chance to watch the longer video, and I must say, not sure if this has been mentioned today, but a big thanks goes out to the team for being very, very attentive to Steve's well being for some time, much more than some us here really understood [we had no way of knowing afterall], and it's pretty obvious they were instrumental in putting the option to Steve, much earlier than Steve would have done to himself who would may have ploughed on regardless for a while yet - especially Idai, who explained how he turned up at Steve's flat after Steve being out there for goodness how long, 3 hrs sleep and getting ready to go again, took one look....and got suitably concerned. They deserve a lot of credit for that IMO. To see him talking, surrounded by those that have supported him close to hand, arm in arm with Lesley, says so much.
They were always ready to step in when things became insurmountable. And they did. Respect to all.
And what's even nicer is that...Steve, obviously disappointed by it all, recognizes the truth of the whole thing as well.
That can only be good for him long term.
[Go easy on the hard stuff TG!]
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Congratulations to you Steve, and to all your Team. Brilliant stuff indeed. The Videos are another achievement - loads of wisdom and straight talking (as ever!). All the best for getting through a good recovery period - as others have said, likely to be another tough thing in itself - glad you are well up to it.
The relief when we heard that you were not injured was immense! Thanks for the whole year plus, and for very much inspiration, wisdom and kindness for a long time before.
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Sad news indeed but was inevitable given the problems Steve has had.
Wish him well in his recovery and whatever he decides to do in the future.
Derek
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Hi Steve,
Congratulations on a year's ride that will forever be remembered in the annals of AUK.
Commiserations on not achieving your goals. Genuinely gutted for you. I really thought you would do it.
Allez.
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Sad to see this just now, but it's better than damaging his health, maybe permanently. In the meantime, admiration of what he achieved despite such horrid bad luck is permanent.
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Great respect Steve. Your doing this has been an inspiration - got others looking at it and has galvanised interest in longer distances and exploring the limits. Inspired me to get fit again and get back on the bike, and maybe back into audax this summer. Thanks.
I simply have no idea how you managed to get up and do it day after day in the ghastly wet and cold weather.
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Thank you very much, Steve Abraham!
Thank you for 385 mornings worth checking Strava!
Thank you for all the hoping, fearing, head shaking, applauding, despairing, cheering!
A beer, a tear and a whisky for me tonight!
Cheers from Germany, :)
Swampthing
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On the bright side, Steve, being emancipated from the tyranny of the record attempt means cycling can return to being for pleasure rather than for a purpose. Enjoy the freedom of simply riding towards the horizon.
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That year still makes Steve probably the touring cyclist with the highest annual mileage ever, all the others, including Tommy Godwin, having been racers (and that record will probably remain for all time, there not being too many potential candidates to beat it, unless Steve tries to do it himself).
Other positive - this shows just how far the randonneur concept can be taken in long distance/long duration cycling.
Steve still enters into the top five of all-time long distance cyclists (at number four).
CONGRATULATIONS STEVE
(Of course there is a little margin for improvement due to the mileage lost with the moped incident - but Kurt also has a margin for improvement with the mileage he lost driving his van or messing around in bike shops when he could have been riding or sleeping).
That is still over 100,000kms in the year- mind-boggling!!!!
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In general, it's right to see Steve's year as a sort of extended randonee. But Steve did ride the Mersey Roads 24 Hour Time Trial as part of his year.
That's always been a sort of endurance test for most of the participants. Only the top 3 or 4 have any realistic chance of victory, and it's eligible for up to 7 AUK points. Steve got 4 points, at an average of just below 16kph. it coincided with the low point in form that both Steve and Kurt had around that time.
I started editing a video about Steve at the 24, but got diverted by the footage of the other riders. Steve was mainly just very tired.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttdpL-Xr8Z4
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Out of curiosity - how many AUK points did Steve tally in 2015?
If all rides were converted into points, how does that compare with the WR for AUK points?
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You'd need to assess each ride for average speed. I'd expect most to be above 15kph.
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Out of curiosity - how many AUK points did Steve tally in 2015?
If all rides were converted into points, how does that compare with the WR for AUK points?
He got 33 points.
If all his rides were converted into points, he would have got 33 points. Because none of his non-AUK rides would have qualified for AUK points as they were not audax rides. And if they were to be registered as audax events, which requires passing through pre-agreed controls, he wouldn't have ridden as far. In other words, it's all a bit academic.
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The Sensible Answer;
very roughly 1000 points (assuming a point for each 100km he rode).
[I am confident this is accurate to at least 1sig fig]
Which (for those new to AUK history) makes an interesting comparison with his 400-odd points in a year achieved unsupported with a full-time job. (2007 ? )
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Who is behind the camera in the Sofa Videos?
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Sensible answer: he wasn't riding an audax.
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The Sensible Answer;
very roughly 1000 points (assuming a point for each 100km he rode).
[I am confident this is accurate to at least 1sig fig]
Which (for those new to AUK history) makes an interesting comparison with his 400-odd points in a year achieved unsupported with a full-time job. (2007 ? )
chalk and cheese / apples and oranges? :)
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I'm taking Steve's year to be the professional Audax record, as he was sponsored by a lump sum, and then optional payments of £1 per Audax entry.
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Who is behind the camera in the Sofa Videos?
Andrew
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Commiserations, Steve - it's hard to pack in when you're so far into something, but I'm very glad you had the support there to help you with your decision. That was a hell of a year, and you can look back with pride on what you've achieved. You'll have my support if you decide to try again.
I haven't replied before, as I've been out on my bike - I was riding home yesterday, and I was reeally tempted to take the train a couple of times, but I thought WWTGD? - and carried on. It was a good ride.