The Eighty at Eighty Register
Seventy miles in a day at seventy years of age is hardly worth talking about, ninety at
ninety would be a big ask, but eighty at eighty is attainable, at least for the fortunate few who are not yet stricken by age.
How frequently 80/80 has been done in the past is unknown, but the first intentional 80/80 ride of which the Pedal Club is aware was done by Ron Richardson of the Hounslow and District Wheelers. Ron, as a sprightly new octogenarian, did his ride in August 2005. At the moment there are five other names to add to the list:
John Pound (De Laune),
Ron Jones (De Laune/Hounslow),
Jeff Marshall (Hounslow)
Rod Brooks (Warrington RC) and
Chris Lovibond (Hounslow).
We hope to add many more.
The Pedal Club is now keeping a register of riders who have achieved 80/80 and this is
published on the club’s website. Each entry includes a short account of the rider’s career, of the ride itself and photographs, It appears that the 80/80 concept originated with the Hounslow, but since the register is open to all, it seems appropriate that it should be curated by a more ‘general’ organisation than a local club, however the Hounslow can be proud that its idea has spread its wings and gone out into the world.
With the nation’s ageing population and the fact that the next batch of new eighty year olds will be baby boomers (famous for not admitting they are too old for anything) this project will have an interest for all cyclists and quite possibly for the general public. It should be good publicity for the health benefits of cycling and for any club associated with it. One important point which is in danger of being obscured by our current entries is that the possibility of achieving 80/80 is not restricted to elite athletes. Part of the purpose of the register is to show what can be done with a bike, and that its scope is not limited to the young, or even those in the prime of life. John Pound and Jeff Marshall could well be described as elite, since they both enjoyed successful racing careers, but fortunately we have Ron Richardson, a solid club rider who would have a go at any distance up to twelve hours, but was never likely to aspire to international honours. Chris Lovibond is another whose racing hopes and achievements were limited.
We hope and expect to add more names this year, and these will be people whose efforts will demonstrate the benefits and potential of the bike for ordinary mortals of all ages.
The Rules
There are as few rules as possible, but:
1. Proof
There is no financial reward for achieving 80/80, so since the whole enterprise is a matter of honour there seems no point in demanding elaborate proof. In general a rider’s word should be enough, but accounts from witnesses or photographs may well add interest. The Pedal Club’s registrar does, however, reserve the right to disallow any claim which does not seem credible.
2. ‘In a day’
This should be taken to mean ‘in a single session’ although this can include normal cafe stops. It would not be acceptable to spread a ride over two ‘sessions’ within 24 hours. That is to say, you can’t ride 40 miles one afternoon, go to bed and then ride another 40 miles the next morning.
3. ‘Eighty’
An applicant should have reached his or her eightieth birthday. It is not necessary to do the ride on the birthday or even to be in one’s eighty first year (that is, the first year of being an octogenarian). Any time after the eightieth birthday is acceptable.
4. Course
This is entirely up to the rider. Not many octogenarians would choose to do eighty miles which include three alpine passes, but if some one wants to try, good luck to them. On the other hand many laps of Regents Park would be acceptable, even though the major test would be to the rider’s sanity.
5. Pacing
Many will choose to do their ride in a group; following a wheel, even for the whole eighty miles is acceptable. Motor pacing is not permitted.
6. Machines
Typically a standard solo bike. Trikes may be used, but there is no discount for that extra wheel. Tandems must have both riders as octogenarians. Electrical assistance is not permitted.
The Eighty at Eighty Register
