The final word – A N Other cyclist: Dave Gostelow
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When
and where were you born?
At home, Solihull 1957, Lode Lane. When I used to work abroad quite a bit, I
used to get asked where I came from in England, but they had not
really heard of Birmingham, let alone Solihull. There was usually a Land Rover
around so I would point to one and say I was born in the same road as the Land
Rover
When
did you first ride a bike?
My
Father was in the CTC and toured the continent a bit straight after the war
before he got married , so it's in the family. I would guess about 7 and it was
my means of transport until I saved up for a motorbike at 17.
Any
famous wins?
Fat
chance until Andy Bason retires. A few at Chess , county champion twice.
What meal
would you cook for someone special?
I
am crap at cooking, so I would not want to put anyone off
Favourite
drink:
Mild
- the original low alcohol beer, but Banks don't like calling it Mild anymore so
have to call it Original. This can cause confusion for younger Bar staff when
you order Mild.
First
record ever bought:
Labi
Siffre, Followed by Focus 3 which was a double LP with a drum solo that got
faded out on one side and then faded back in on the next side. They don't make
stuff like that anymore Thank God.
What were
you like at school?
I
can't remember it was so long ago. Big and awkward I would guess
What kind
of books do you read?
I
am no good with Fiction. Mainly biographies, best ones are ordinary people in
extraordinary geographical places. Plus recently read the Hour by Michael Hutchinson
which is both funny and informative.
And
Newspaper:
I
am vain enough to see whether Fletch has mentioned me, but we must save up and
send him on a photographic course . Do I really look that bad.
Favourite
TV programme:
Not
a big TV watcher but do tend to watch the Apprentice on the BBC i-player.
Favourite
film:
The
Blues Brothers
Best
excuse ever heard or made for a poor performance:
Loads,
I did almost run over a baby squirrel on the recent SCCA 25 . I believe the
emotional suffering it caused me cost me exactly 25 seconds which meant I would
of taken the SCCA bronze medal instead of Andy Tamplin by 1 second . I
think there should be a space for excuses on the entry forms , so that all
excuses must be declared before the race, and you can't use undeclared excuses
post race.
Ideal
holiday destination:
I
do like the mix of cycling available in Majorca, with flat and Mountains, fast
roads and country lanes and I have always liked Islands where you have virtual
constant views of the sea. I do have a few travel ambitions but they will have
to wait till retirement . They are 1) To cycle coast to coast across the US, 2)
To get to Tristan De Cuna one of the worlds most remote Island settlements in
the South Atlantic . I worked on the next Island twice St Helena well over a
thousand miles away. Both Islands are currently only accessible by sea.
How do
you relax?
With
little difficulty, I am naturally lazy.
Do you
have any hobbies?
Who
would play you in a film about your life?
Not sure , it would have to be a very Dynamic actor to
try and make the role interesting. Lets say John Wayne if he were still alive .
I would like to of seen him on a bike instead of a horse "Get off your bike
and drink your milk"
Happiness
is?
Pottering
with a cycling group in South Shropshire on a warm summers day
Most
embarrassing moment:
There
are many ,usually documented with glee in the post Majorca Wrekinsport
Newsletter, thankfully the pictures are crap..
Which famous person would you like to throw a rotten
tomato at?
Could not be arsed to throw a Tomato at anyone. But whoever is responsible for
silly cycle lanes. Either build a decent one or don't bother, don't waste money
on the likes of 10 yard cycle lanes.
Who
is your hero?
Well
it was Tony Miles , Britain first chess Grandmaster , a fellow Brummy and only 2
years older than me. Sadly he died in his sleep of heart failure at the age of 46
as a side effect of diabetes.
Most
treasured possession:
Usually
my newest Bike, whichever one that is at the time.
When was
the last time you cried?