I admit, this was my stupid idea. I wanted adventure, after being reminded
starkly that life is for living: see here.
I’ve assembled my team slowly and carefully to comprise an
elite squad of misfits, all with complementing skills, each bringing something
very important to the table to enable this to be delivered. This post outlines who’s who and what they
bring. Be aware that we are all very,
very funny. I’m very grateful to all of
those who are not only humouring me but offering to spend substantial amounts
of time and money joining and supporting this team.
David ‘Euro Plates’
Mould
I have to admit to starting this thing off. “It’s only 50 miles more than Lands End to
John o’ Groats”. Well, it might be, and
the weather should be fairer, but
it’s a blimin’ long way. I’m a
hydrologist by trade, so prone to being a bit wet. I only started road biking last Autumn, so
this transition has been reasonably dramatic.
Sinéad ‘Aunty Nobby’
Matthews
Sinéad is an old school friend of Claire (David’s better
half) and Jen. She’s an engineer and
inventor, but nobody outside of the Oxford Science Park can expand on this with
any certainty. Nobby’s jokes are pretty
horrific at times and often pass by unnoticed, but those that know her best get
used to it. She’s equally horrifically
clever and has got a photographic memory, so is a great addition to any team
that don’t take themselves too seriously.
Simon ‘Chicken Legs’
Mould
Simon is my brother.
He’s the senior rider, and renowned across Oxfordshire for the shape of
his legs. Professionally, Simon is
untouchable in terms of delivering management consultancy though Ujasiri, and has
added great depth to our commercial sponsorship and network of supporters. He’s determined, incredibly strong despite
his immense age and various horrific physical limitations.
Nick ‘Half-Wheel’
Antram
Never trust the quiet one.
Nick is a user-experience developer, and currently works for Anne
Summers. He’s a talented guy, and always
has something useful to say. Nick
couldn’t resist flying out to join in with the Epic Riders for Mont Ventoux,
and thought he’d hang on in the slipstream to Barça for a beer.
Barry ‘William’ Fix (it)
Barry is David and Simon’s uncle, and has agreed to drive
our support car all the way, in return for one of those Spanish dancing dolls
you buy at a market out there. He
doesn’t yet know what he’s in for. There’s
the laundry, massaging, cleaning, maintenance, verruca-rubbing, applying bottom
cream, first aid (if different from the cream...), being the target of endless
jokes...
Just mind those corners on the mountain pass, Bazo.
Filipe ‘Mr Bridger’
Salbany
An ex- cycling pro, Filipe is now a physiologist at Oxford
University (their secret weapon in the boat race), bee-keeper, mechanic, father
etc. etc. He’s just The Man, and our Sensei. He
exudes knowledge about looking after bikes, riding technique and trip
logistics. He’s modest, generous and
technically brilliant. We are indebted
to him for fixing the mistakes of dozens of bike shops, and for doing the job
properly. And we apologise and thank him
for not giving our machines the attention they deserve, and instead just
dropping them at his place.
If we make it, Filipe will be at home with a wry smile as he
walks down the metal steps to a celebratory dinner (perhaps with his daughters
banging pans in the background).
Claire Humphreys
David’s (much) better half for the last 15 years. She’s singularly the best Mum ever to have
existed, which includes being a great baker: welcome after a long training
ride. Claire epitomises down-to-Earth,
and is a darling of the village, getting involved in every fundraiser
possible. Her cross-cutting résumé of
skills is typified by recently netting a composed hat-trick against the
Bluebirds Under 8s in a Parents vs. Boys training game.
Claire has put up with me being absent for many weekend
hours over the last few months whilst I get my legs (what there is of them) ready
for this.
Phil ‘Aston Tirrold
461’ Hopkins
Phil is our media man, and is clearly talented as he’s made
us look like reasonable human beings in the photos. He makes moving images for a living, and by
all accounts does it rather well as Coo Yah (@philhop/www.cooyah.co.uk).
Phil is haunted by memories of 1920s films from his childhood, but we
keep an eye on him. He’s joining us on
Day 1, and I think he will enjoy wearing the team shirt once the memories of
coercion fade: ‘friends’, huh!
Rachel ‘Raquel’ Mould
Not to be confused with Tessa Peake-Jones, Rachel married
Simon. She’s coping, but does like a
huge logistical challenge to take her mind off things.
Jonathan ‘If it’s
Italian, I’ll buy it’ Day
Jon is a semi-regular training partner for the Epic Riders,
and always suspiciously strong despite the rarity of his rides. Jon loves the gear, but backs it up with the
ideas, and is a thoroughly lovely chap.
Rob ‘8 Bikes’ Arnold
The third graduate associated with the Epics from the NCT
class of 2007, Rob has more bikes than the rest of us put together. His garage is big enough though (no euphemism
intended), so fair play to the man.
Simon ‘V2’ Collinson
Simon climbs like Quintana and descends like
a V2. He’s put his money where his mouth
is for us with some corporate sponsorship.
He’s also helped train Simon up over the winter, and can often be seen
with a stopwatch at the top of Chinnor Hill. We’re very grateful, as we’ll be tucking in
not only in the Black Horse in Barnet, but behind Simon on the ride.
Matt Esrich
Matt is a comedian, often found gigging in Oxfordshire villages. He’s a serious rider though, with explosive stares. We’re grateful to have him as a reliable
training partner and Day 1 Epic Rider, and are deeply fond of him.
Pulling this off (or trying to) is no mean feat. I’m immensely proud of this bunch, and I’m
grateful for their commitment, their skills, their generosity and the fact that
they put up with my humour. Thank you
sincerely one and all. Epic is an
understatement in my opinion.
The length of Italy next year, guys?
David
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