Fancy a tour of the former Soviet nations, turning a 76 inch gear and towing a laden Bob Yak? Dependant upon your persuasion, it’s either an amazing adventure forming the basis of a brilliant book, or a self indulgent, ego fuelled Gothic fantasy. Frankly, I think the former and all the more worthy if a charitable cause were to benefit (presumably a bonus could be negotiated for every border control you streak past…).
I'm no do-good er by any stretch of the imagination but feel we should all give to something, whether this by way of time or monetary donation. The sudden and totally unexpected death of my father last August prompted several months of soul searching, resulting in a planned ride to the summit of Mt Ventoux on behalf of Barnardo's the children's charity. Yes, I had intended the climb aboard a fixed (albeit using a 5 speed hub- is that the sound of sponsorship forms being torn to pieces?).
This doesn't merit further discussion here, primarily as the trip has been postponed for personal reasons and I’ve no time or respect for self indulgent bar room bravado.
The phrase "charity" conjures up images of massed start rides demanding months of administrative preparation. For many of us this is simply impractical. How about the members of your Tuesday night chain-gang chipping in a dollar for some worthy cause-it could be for a local hospice facing closure, granting a terminally ill child one special wish or simply treating a member of the group who's been going through the mill. Hell, why not build yourselves a collective hardship fund?
Components usually fail at the least opportune moment-often coinciding with an expiring washing machine/car/TV and/or tax demand. Sure, such schemes are open to abuse but managed properly, everyone benefits. Members of the group finding things tough could be gifted a new tyre/hub/chain etc to keep 'em rolling through the hard times. Come the end of the year, any surplus could be donated to a mutually agreed cause.
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