Mrs O and I were in central London yesterday for the end of the Tour of Britain bike race. When I started attending these bashes, about 15 years ago, it was club cyclists only who showed-up. Then as cycling's profile increase, so did the audience numbers. The last two or three years have been absolutely mobbed. Yesterday, however, it was eerily quiet again.
This was a bit of a shock, as the weather was pretty good and there were plenty of star riders present. I suppose it must be a result of having The Tour in England during the summer. Going to see The Tour is like going to see Led Zeppelin in the 70s - everything is bigger, better and louder than anything else you've seen in your life. All other bike races look like Brother Beyond in comparison. I imagine people took one look at the riders in British version, and thought "Sod it - I'll go to Ikea instead. I need a new splashback anyway."
I can sort of understand and empathise with this attitude. I have a similar distant relationship with football. I dislike watching football. At best it's boring and at worst it's torture. And yet every second Saturday, I delude myself into thinking I seriously intend going along to my local team if they're at home. Then about 2 o'clock I sober-up decide to waterproof the seams on my tent instead. And, if I'm honest, it's cheaper and more fun than watching Orient.
You can't choose your family...or your team.
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