Before I get into bonking, lets discuss leadership.
In 1972 Francis Coppola directed one of the best movies ever made, The Godfather, based on a fictional New York crime family. Not only a great movie but Marlon Brando won an Oscar for his portrayal of Vito Corleone, the head of the family (but refused to accept it on human rights grounds – true). So it got me thinking about great leaders and their nicknames. There are loads of examples out there but keeping it British I have gone for Winston Churchill, known by many as BULLDOG (also references to copper and parts of the male anatomy due to his hair colouring but I will let you Google that one!). So why is the head of the 1000ks 4 Kids ride is called the FAIRY KING!
Well here’s why: The ride was started by the Fairy King, but the idea came from a couple of mates in a pub having a laugh when predictably the alcohol kicks in and as we know, all ideas then become great ideas – sky diving is another alcohol-induced great idea. The ride is now in its 9th year with the largest number of riders and support crew getting behind the cause, and I’m pretty sure this great idea will bring hope to so many kids and their families. Anyhow, the ride drops into several schools along the route to spread the love, and on one occasion, a little girl told our leader that she had seen him in a dream as the Fairy King.
PRICELESS and the Fairy King was born.
An inspirational story and I can tell by the way this ride affects the kids that the nickname is fitting – SO can someone tell me (it’s rhetorical by the way!) how can the Fairy King, anointed in a kids dream come up with the Century Ride as the second qualifier. It’s special alright! character building, all that about what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger rubbish but its where I had my first BONK. Now you thought I was referring to
Editorial Censorship: Beer Goggles
But I’m not. I hit the wall and not in a Chris Froome style or in a Game of Thrones kind of way, but the pain barrier (refer to It’s not all-about-craig.blog…but if you are confused) and I think I had multiple bonks that day, but my support rider got me through it. Another tick in the box and another milestone achieved.
Finally a word from another one of my sponsors, Pekárna . The best coffee shop in Newy by a country mile. To my global audience, when your in town make sure you go to Pekárna, I guarantee you will not be disappointed – tell Petra the Stevenson’s sent you!
Before I forget, I have of course recorded the Century Ride for your visual pleasure – by the way, it’s only 99.07 km, so it’s not technically a century, just thought I would draw it to your attention before someone points out the obvious (it will happen!)
Badger & Batbottom 