Having left the team -- i have tried not to post in any way that seems to be counter productive for Steve's efforts. I was and still am in complete awe of the person whose determination to attack the Tommy record led to him riding one legged round the MK bowl - and despite the accident when it was obvious that the 2015 record was unachievable ( other than his age group record) still got up every day , battled with some digestive problem and yet still clocked over 60,000 miles. STEVE YOU HAVE BEEN AN OUTSTANDING ATHLETE , EARNING THE RESPECT AND ADMIRATION OF ALL WHO KNOW YOU.
But the year is over now and I feel i can at least make some of my personal feelings known --i.e. .. you should not take significant sums of money including a lot on an ongoing basis from donors without feeling a responsibility to keep them informed .. not daily .. not necessarily weekly .. but at least monthly and maybe also when something interesting crops up.
Dislike of YACF .. comes from the approach of the team leader who perceived that any information about Steve and his plans , performance , problems -- in fact anything at all would potentially be helpful to Kurt -- with his 10 day time buffer. The team leader was deeply suspicious of the help offered by very senior Audax members -- such as HK , LW&B,( including comment that they were deliberately trying to scupper Steve and Hoppo's attempt when there was a bottle of wine in the back of a photo), Aidan H was seen as suspicious when he tried to sort some of Steves communication, computerisation , and lighting problems, because he was friendly with Hk etc. I was threatened on two separate occasions with immediate dismissal for a YACF post ( made me smile at the absurdity of the written CAPITALISED rant as all money was coming to me -- so it was not clear how I could be dismissed) . There were never any team discussions about how to help Steve -- the attitude was always ... it is Steves ride, he knows what he is doing .. do not even bother to think about making any suggestions. Even when it was obvious that Steve had made a mistake ie not sleeping before starting PBP -- the team was told to shut up .... Steve knows best. There was no team conversation about the best restart date .. and I still believe thta a pause with the 2nd attempt starting on 1.1 16 with a new approach and possibly a different team would have given Steve a decent chance at the record.
But on the other hand -- the MK support has been completely behind Steve all year -- and to the best of my knowledge have put 100% effort into looking after him , being in the right place at the right time .. and providing him with total support.
It has become obvious over time that this record requires something way beyond an amateur approach .. it needs very serious planning and colossal support ( not just financially -- which Steve has had ) but in more areas than I can separately list. This inclines me to believe that the second attempt is destined to fail.. BUT .. if a dedicated team could be found, put their heads together and plotted a serious attempt beginning 1.1.17 then the rider who might be able to take the record does exist in UK -- and that is Steve.
