The 80/80 Rules
The Rules
There should be 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.
