Sunday 20 April 2014
Ready, Steady ...............
Less than two weeks to go before the tour takes to the road. Nearly thirty dates all around the country. The 16th April was an opportunity to put all systems to to the test. The bikes, the trailer, the load and our bodies in addition to Richard giving a short concert at the Giant Bike Shop in Shoreham at the press launch of the tour and the new CD Cycling Music.
The day was bright and sunny and no rain forecast. Riding in the wind and the rain was something we were not going to get. After some general fiddling about along with Richard practicing for the show we set off at 12.30 from the Giant. A swift ride along the windy front to Brighton where a delightful lunch was taken in Duke Street. Then Richard broke it to me that we would be turning left and leaving Brighton by way of a rather large hill, to the top of the Devil's Dyke but not before Richard had bought a box of chocolate cookies. He told me they were for his family! Did they ever get them? I must check!
The hill climb went well. It was good to have Richard behind me with his rather heavy trailer. Slightly different to last year on the LEJOG when he was well ahead of me most of the three days we rode together.
Approaching Devil's Dyke and I lost a brake block and pin. Managed to reclaim the break block but not the pin. I caught sight of a man with what looked like a cinema usherette ice cream tray. I approached, I think, hoping for an ice cream. You would never have guessed, the man, Robert, was selling books of his own poetry. In the middle of nowhere. There was no queue I might add. Having finished the repair of the brakes, with a pin made from a piece of rusty wire, I purchased a book of poetry on the bridges of London. Robert Edwards is the name. If you see him buy a book! People like this need our support.
Up and up we went to the top of the Devils Dyke where Richard took a comfort break and we continued over the top and down back in the direction of Shoreham along the river Adur cycle path. Time was on our side. We were not setting a speed record but the day was giving us a good feel for what lies ahead. I got a feeling for what lies ahead too. Having already purchased the cookies Richard stopped at the smoked fish shop, again in the middle of nowhere, to purchase one or two delicacies. Was this a training ride or a shopping trip?
Without incident but a very pleasant run downhill we arrived back at the Giant Bike Shop in good time to set up the show. This is where I came on to a sharp learning curve. In my role of roadie and general factotum it was my job to rig lights and sort out staging. I was nervous as I was not sure how the artiste would react to my complete lack of knowledge on the technical side. I am not really up on woofers and tweeters, sliders and faders. I have to report that Richard was very patient with me and answered my enquiries of what to do next with great kindness. Hope it lasts!
We were allowed to rearrange the bike shop to make way for the show and by the time we were finished the whole thing looked remarkably professional even with my interference. One or two things had been left behind but this was covered by a dash back to base, not on the bike but in the car. Thank the Lord this was a trial run.
The bikes were holding the lighting rig and the stage was the shop's cycle stands. The speakers worked out just fine and Richard was delighted with the sound quality.
By 19.00 the invited guests, made up of the great and good of Shoreham, were turning up and by show time we had a good crowd. One or two introductions and a short briefing from yours truly on the Big C charity to which 20% of proceeds from the tour are being donated and Richard was on stage and in good form. I was unable to detect any bum notes so all was good.A great atmosphere and real interest from the guests.
The feedback on the new album was very positive and everybody went home in good spirits. What a great effort from Rod, Maria and their team at Giant and to cap it all they had a collection for Big C and raised £180
I got in the car and drove back to Norfolk. Got home at 12.30 after a smooth run.
I think we can call that a success. Just a few little tweaks to be made before the off!!
Wednesday 16 April 2014
The Cycling Music Tour.
The dates are out there and the tour starts 1st May at Ropetackle Arts Centre in Shoreham. Hope to see you on the tour.
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