Concorde Cyclists Club News Page

As reported previously,our President has had a Pace Maker fitted to overcome his irregular heatbeat ( normally this is 28 beats per minute but slows occasionally). So, just to put it to the test Bob decided he would celebrate his 80th birthday on 31st March to ride 80 miles, in memory of his late wife,Murial, without whose help and support he admits he would not have acheived so much. Further he invited anyone of his friends to join with him on this birthday ride and he organised a collection for the David Raynor fund, which provides finacial support for promising young riders when they move to the continent to improve their racing skills and hopefully gain a Pro licence. Several Concorde members( Dave Armfield,Wally Adkins,Denis Feasey, John Inman and former member, Arthur Ilsley) joined the ride along with 50 others who sang 'Happy Birthday' to Bob while cutting his birthday cake at Patsy's Cafe. This occasion was shown on Midlands Today and when interviewed before the ride Bob admitted that he was more nervous than when he rode the 'Tour' in '55 or the World Championships.
On the evening 26 of Bob's friends joined him for a meal at Chris Jordan's Horse and Jockey. Bob thanked all those who had joined him on the ride and those present at this meal ( including Dave Armfield and his wife, Eric Clifford and his wife,Alan Morgan and his ladyfriend, Denis Feasey and Wally Adkins) Bob was presented with a portrait of himself, riding a classic race, painted by an artist (who like many who had not even met Bob) had great respect for his outstanding performances. Those of us who suffered on this 80 mile ride dread when Bob celebrates his 90th birthday. The collection for the Dave Raynor fund raised over £500.