Page 15 - PBCSeptember2014

Pickwick Bicycle Club Magazine Volume 11 No.2 September 2014 !15

Mr Pickwick’s Harrogate Spectacular.

I was only too pleased to accept Mr Pickwick’s invitation to meet in Harrogate on 5th
July to witness the end of the first stage (Grand Depart) of the Tour de France. This
promised to be a memorable occasion so I was determined to enjoy every moment. My
early morning train ride to Harrogate from Knaresborough set the scene. Knaresborough
was ready to greet the riders on the second stage the following day, including a red polka
dot pub, yellow bikes everywhere, and miles of multi-coloured bunting. The train ride was
true Yorkshire fun with some Australian humour, and our own very friendly police
officers. A welcoming party awaited us at Harrogate station and pointed us all in the
right direction.

First stop, the finish line. French television crews were setting up with cables strewn
along the pavements, and many spectators had already claimed their spot for the day.
Then, a leisurely coffee before setting off to meet Mr Pickwick and our hostess for the
day, Judy, on the Ripon Road just over one kilometre from the finish. This was already
promising to be the perfect day with balmy warmth and a gentle breeze.

I think only Mr Pickwick could have persuaded Judy to cut the height of her hedge
down so that Pickwickians could see over the top and down onto the road. She even had
railway sleepers placed for us to stand on Judy’s family and friends were on hand all day
to ensure that we each enjoyed a thoroughly civilised
social occasion, and making sure that we were well-
watered and fed
throughout the day,
star tin g with
coffee, tea and
cakes.

For us Pickwickians
this was a wonderful
opportunity to chat in a way that is never possible at
our normal meetings. And our guests melted into the
ambience. A wonderful lunch of fish, meat and salads, and plenty of time to enjoy this
beautifully presented tasty selection. After lunch we had time to step outside to mingle
with the good-humoured crowds. We were even approached by a professional for a photo.
!

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