Some of the people taking part were clearly one patch short of a puncture repair kit.
I saw Homer Simpson, a man on roller-blades with a web-cam and a broadcast rig,
a rickshaw being pushed up Ditchling Beacon and these guys with their armchair.
I believe he'd not left it since the beginning of the World Cup. Full respect to them.
In March 2003 I received this e-mail:
Hi Paul,
You don't know me, however I'm on your web Site!!
I was looking around the web for stuff on the London to Brighton and I found
your page.
I was pleasantly surprised to find the armchair featured!!
Yep I'm the nutter who cycled it from London to brighton
I never learn as it is the fourth year I have done it!!
I'm pleased that you thought it was significantly nutty to get a mention.
What I have found over the last few years is that whenever I start talking
to someone about the ride they ember seeing the armchair.
Funny 27,000 cyclists and they remember me - how strange.!!
Anyway this year its all change, the armchair is staying at home in
preference to a 1930's 3 seater tandem!!
If you do it again I'm sure you'll spot us!!
Doddy
I replied:
Hello Doddy,
Cheers for the e-mail. I'm glad you don't mind being tarred as a loon on my L2B pages. I think I made the point it wasn't idiocy for idiocies sake, but rather 'all-in-a-good-cause'. I'm sure people remember the armchair because of the (perceived) amazing selfishness of the passenger. I hope you took turns at being the lazy one?
If you need someone with a beard to be the third Goodie on the 3-seater tandem, (a 3-seater sofa! Now, there would be a thing...)
I'd make a fine Bill Oddie if I don't have a shave for a couple of weeks. :-P
See you again, no doubt, and good luck with the 2003 run. Do you have a target you're aiming to raise this year?
Paul Smith
P.S. Do you mind if I use your e-mail on my site? I like to include the reactions I get from visitors.
He replied:
Paul,
No probs with using my email on your site, a little bit of info to add is that with the speakers,
amp, armchair and the rider & passenger the trike weighs in at just under 1/4 tonne. Its a scary thought
when your going down ditchlin beacon!!
See you on the ride - maybe??
Doddy
And finally I said:
Thanks again Doddy, and cheers for the info.
I own a microcar that doesn't weigh much more than your armchair-trike! No wonder you fancy a change of transport, lol!
Good luck with this years run. I'll be there if I can get rid of the two stone I've put on since last years...(gulp)
Paul
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