The attached photo of my bike brought on lots of memories.
My three years racing in England & Belgium were all at the expense of the US tax payers. The US Air Force gave me three very exciting years in the UK.
It may have been my one and only REAL adventure.
Open the attachment below and you’ll find a photo of my Swiss made Allegro 10 speed road racing machine. Note that it is equipped with Rik Van Looy handlebar end gear shifters.
To race in Belgium I first had to find a way to cross the channel. I had already used the ferry and I was green the whole way.
I found a small commercial airport with flights to Ostende Belgium for something like $30. each way. I believe the airport was Southend On The Sea. ( the home of Iain and Sarah Banks of Md Sr Games fame)
These were four engine prop planes that could transport four cars and maybe 25 passengers.
No bike bags in those days. I found a seat and one of the ground crew jammed the bike ( like you see it in the photo) between some seats and we were off and running.
One of the locals directed me through Ostend and I was on my way to Gent !
As you can see I had all my worldly possessions.
Thanks to the generosity of fellow West Suffolk Wheeler the Late Ken Hoxley for the use of his touring bag and advice.
Notice the spare tire on top of the water bottle cage.
After arriving in Gent I stayed one night at the Hotel Helder .
The next day I was riding my first Belgian 100 K race.
On the starting line I was next to an Irish rider who very quickly told be to stay with Mrs Deene at her bike racers boarding house.
$15.00 a day with two meals included.
I had the honor of being the first American at her boarding house.
Mrs Deene was a wonderful woman who took good care of “her boys “.
Three years later on a racing trip to the UK and Belgium with John Dunker & John Sorensen we again stayed with Mrs Deene.
Her next American(1983) was Alexi Grewal who went on to win the 1984 Olympic Road Race.
Seven times Tour stage winner Barry Hoban and World Road Champ Tom Simpson also stayed with Mrs Deene early in their career.
The Chesapeake Wheelmen had lots of riders who raced in Belgium.
Tim Wirth
Dan Gosner – Best letter I ever received with details of his adventure.
Eric Winstead
John Dunker
John Sorensen
Tim Straw – Ya gotta hear his Belgian racing experience !
The adventure was just starting.
More down the road.
JC