The 2009 ABCE was burdened with light winds, pleasant temperatures and clear skies. Some may scoff and brag about their ability to deal with difficult conditions but when you have several Nutters of the Realm from all across the land demanding an authentic English cycling event, the lack of rain, fog and sodden wool suddenly becomes quite serious. Indeed, with the ABCE we pride ourselves in authenticity but when the weather becomes uncooperative, we simply must resign ourselves and soldier on in relative comfort.
The Friday festivities were successful despite the warm summer evening; we had impromptu show-and-tell of a very impressive collection of flasks with single-malt energy drink readied for the longer Gentleman’s Tour in the morning. Pints were hoisted and soon we claimed Barley John’s “In the name of the Queen and for all the Riders of the Realm”.
Saturday dawned cool and clear; no improvement. The Nutters gathered for tea, scones, jam and clotted cream courtesy of the Queen Mary. Presented on fine linen and china, it was a lovely way to invigorate before the gravity race. Despite the somewhat amusing inability of the STO to locate the start, the Gravity Race and Pastry Joust was soon underway. The repeat (and overall) winner in the hub gear category was Tim McNamara. Scott Arbit was the champion in the non-hub gear category. The dust-up between Ian and Tom was solved by Tom; the advantage being just a few feet.
After all the pastries were consumed, we were off to the Minneapolis overlook then progressed through the U of M campus. The views were stunning along the Mississippi river and soon we arrived at the Minnesota version of Park Rash. Most walked the incline but all agreed it was an impressive bit of grade. With that, we were off and several mad dogs were spotted as we rode along in the mid-day sun.
Lunch on Grand Ave was simply grand and most enjoyed the Coffee News Café. We lingered at the sidewalk tables and enjoyed beverages while discussing the chances that we would receive a break in the weather.
Soon were off to High Tea at Marlis’ garden. A more elegant setting and service could not be imagined as we were regaled with 3 varieties of the finest loose leaf tea partnered with English cheddar, cranberry tarts, raspberry crème treats and a delightful chocolate cake. All was served on fine china and linen.
We hated to leave but leave we must; cycle touring requires one to move on to the next adventure. We traveled on through St Paul, through Harriet Island, across the impressive Mendota Bridge, past Fort Snelling and eventually the Falls of Minnehaha. The relentless sun continued its devious work as we built our mileage and deepened our thirst.
The Great Dragon buffet was a welcome respite and provided rest and revival to the Nutters who braved the difficult conditions of the day.
Sunday was no better; wind was conspicuous by its absence, the temps continued to moderate and the occasional clouds provided neither English fog nor rain. An unsuccessful vote was taken to cancel the Cycle Jumble but calmer heads prevailed in hopes of at least a drizzle in the offing.
A new movie; A Gentleman Never Sweats, was shown by the producer/director Alice Shindelar. A nation-wide success at several bicycle film festivals, it is now being translated into Japanese. Alice reveals the seamy underside of cycle collecting and what it means to be a Gentleman or Gentlewoman Cyclist. Funny at times and prophetic at others, it is a must-see for anyone interested in cycling. Needless to say, we presented Alice with our first ABCE Oscar; a modest framed print by Frank Patterson.
The new ABCE Brew-Up was a delight; lovely little stoves (one from 1904) were set up here and there. Tea was in abundance as scones, muffins and crisps were consumed. The Gentleman’s Tour was soon underway and the route through New Brighton was a delight. No mechanical issues were to be found; no punctures nor lost wingnuts and, alas, no rain either.
Upon our arrival back at Barley John’s, the taps were declared open by the Keeper of the Cask and final judging was underway. Conspicuous by his absence was Noel Robinson. No need to worry; he is doing well and will be back with us soon and he promised better than ever. We raised a glass in his absence and wished him well.
Stories both true and otherwise were then told; some technical, some romantic but all were delightful. Awards and door prizes were handed out and another first for the ABCE; a 3-way tie for the coveted People’s Choice award.
We know the ABCE is an obscure English cycling event that is sometimes cursed by adversarial and uncooperative non-English weather. Our adventure was saved simply because we Nutters are a hearty lot and we continue to prove our ability to weather the [non]storm, stay the course and use sunscreen.
Date(s): September 18, 19, 20 2009. Album by STO. Photos by STO. 1 - 135 of 135 Total. 7235 Visits.
103 Gents don't kiss & tell!Edit Ian with the Marys. Bike wife left, real wife right.Edit
104 Lovely Little StoveEdit 1904 I believeEdit "Oops, my fingers reaching to remove ..." View Comments...
105 Mike WarnsEdit With the Royal Scot he used for cyclo-cross competition.Edit "I have to get over to this guy's sho..." "I am buying a Royal Scot. What can ..." View Comments...
108 The (very useful) FoghornEdit We tried to use it to bring English fog. No luck.Edit
109 Dan and Alice ShindelarEdit Alice with the first ABCE Oscar for her film "A Gentleman Never Sweats".Edit "Great film! Loved it at the BFF thi..." View Comments...
110 Keeper of the CaskEdit This foghorn would have been carried on a sailing ship, most likely a fishing schooner or coastal fishing vessel. It is a Norweigan pattern, but made in England as inscribed on the side. A new duty for the Keeper of the Cask after the social ride on Sunday.Edit
