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BLINNER'S SHORTS
Originally we were going to call this page Aussie Shorts, a sort of Cycle Shorts concentrating exclusively on the off-beat news and snippets from Down Under. Then, in an aspirational moment (if we say so ourselves), we decided to call it Blinner's Shorts in memory our our much missed buddy, Dave Blinston. Those with long memories of the 1985 tour will appreciate the title - and no doubt explain it to others! If in doubt ask Pete Barnes!
BLINNER'S SHORTS REVEAL ALL - Pete Dalley explains the story behind the headline
It was March 1985 and coming to the end of a very successful tour. The highlights were as follows - GB won all five tests matches, reigning British champ Jimmy Varnish won the World individual title - and our very own Mr Dave Blinston lost his shorts!
Dave had worn his little blue pair of shorts every day for nearly four weeks. To recognise this fact it was unanimously decided to have a special ceremony at our final late night beach barbeque. As myself and Rod Witham were sharing a caravan with Mr. Blinston, one of us had to secretly remove the said shorts from the van (not from Dave personally), as he had just got changed for the party.
It was late and the bonfire lit up the sky. After a few stubbies (beers), John Watchman danced around the fire with the now famous shorts on a long stick burning brightly - poor Dave chasing after him. The air was full of expletives and laughter. Dave did not see the funny side for quite a while but as the cricketers have an Ashes series, we thought it a good idea to have the cycle speedway Ashes too.
Dave Blinston was a real gem in the world of cycle speedway. Many who had the privilege of knowing him will never forget such a wonderful character. And every one that knew him could tell you a funny story. Long Live Dave's memory - Pete Dalley, Sandwell CSC.
DISASTER STRIKES ON FRIDAY 13TH - posted 14 February 2009
Great Britain international Jono Birks has had a string of disasters which has resulted in him virtually replacing his bike.
Riding for his country in the first test at Findon, Jono had two remarkable wins from grid four in his opening two rides from reserve. During the interval ride-round, Jono felt his new freewheel, bought only at Christmas, was begining to fail, so he decided to switch his back wheel with Sheffield team mate Jamie Brown. Jono continued with the interval team talk while the squad mechanics changed his wheel.
At the start of his next heat while on grid one he threw a chain and bent his new chain ring in the process. It appears that the back wheel may not have been in line causing the fault. He then came in for an extra ride and used Craig Marchant's bike without any real success finishing in last place.
A new crank set, freewheel and bottom bracket later, he returned to practice night at Findon. First push on grid one and his chain snapped, almost certainly as a result of the chain coming off the night before. A new chain was put on and he rode a couple of practice rides successfully and is now ready to take revenge on the Aussie's today.
Jono said "I have virtually replaced the whole bike now as I had already had a new paint job and put on new tyres and grips prior to the first match. I would like to say thanks to my GB and Sheffield team mates for the help in sorting out the spares."
MASTER CHEFS DOWN UNDER - posted 12 February 2009
Poole youngsters Jake Williams and Leyton Glover have been learning how to look after themselves while staying in their Adelaide Beachfront cabin. The pair were seen buying provisions from the local store (cereal, milk, bread and pizza's) and heading back to the campsite to prepare an evening meal.
After reading instructions and identifying they'd bought a 'deep pan' pizza. It was promptly dropped into the frying pan for cooking - but their problems had only just started, as they found they were unable to fit the frying pan inside their microwave oven! Eventually an SOS was sent to GB team manager Dave Murphy to solve the kitchen crisis.
ANDY'S ANGELS - posted 12 February 2009
Andy Angell has been at it again in the Adelaide night clubs. Only days after his escapades at a local gay bar (which he'd wandered into by mistake), he was seen on stage at a city centre night club, with a Village People tribute band, singing YMCA!
HAIRY TIME FOR GB JUNIORS - posted 12 February 2009
GB junior stars Tom Reed and Ben Mould held up the tour convoy before a day-out to the Adelaide Hills, as they needed more time to prepare themselves for the trip. Ben's mum, Helen, asked for more time as the two red-headed pin-ups were busy using Helen's electric hair-straighteners to achieve the latest style in hair fashion. They'd clearly been taking tips from Andy Angell (the 'camp' hair stylist).
NEXT STOP BAROSSA VALLEY - posted 12 February 2009
The GB tourists are heading to the Barossa Valley tomorrow (Friday), with GB team manager acting as the tour guide. The wineries have all been stocking up on supplies, with the news that Lynne Wade (partner of Mike Burgess) is coming to the Barossa. Meanwhile sales of Australian white wine have plummeted at the Asda store in South Bristol.
HEY STEVE - CRASH! BANG! WALLOP! - posted 12 February 2009
Steve Copping suffered the first nasty spill of the season, when riding past Dave Murphy's cabin at Adelaide beachfront. Dave (seeng the opportunity to get a copy of the World Cup draw from Steve) opened the door and shouted "Hey Steve!", at which point the startled Copping brother turned to respond to Dave, while still pedaling.
"Watch out Steve!" cried Geoff Gamage......but it was too late, as Steve (now out of control) crashed into the side of a GB team cabin, with Gavin Wheeler and Dan Pike running for cover.
"What do you want Dave?" called out a bruised and dazed Steve Copping... "No Worries Mate - I'll catch you later" replied the equally startled GB team manager, as he staggered back into his cabin trying to compute the carnage that he'd just witnessed.
Steve has now taken delivery of a new set of stablisers, for future trips around the campsite.
GIVE US A THONG - posted 10 February 2009
The latest Australian fashion has engulfed the younger side of the tour party. On the advice of the Aussie riders, the younger members of the tour party have all bought a pair of thongs - even 12-year-old Richard Hudson from Sheffield has a pair. However these are not to be confused with the G-string variety - the name actually refers to the shoe we effectionatly call a flip flop.
ANGELL SCORES - posted 10 February 2009
The Birmingham boys, Mark and Carl Winwood and Marcus Wadhams, together with Hull's Andy Angell, were played a practical joke by one of the Aussie taxi drivers. New to town, they asked a driver to take them to a friendly bar so they could have a quite drink free from fear of trouble. On arrival they instantly fell in love with the club where everybody was extremely friendly and pleased to see a group of Pommie strangers. It was only after couple of hours of getting to know the locals and catching a couple of blokes kissing, did they realise that they had been dropped off at a gay club.
Andy Angell was particularly mortified, not to notice because a bloke had been whispering sweet nothings into his ear all evening, "I thought he was just been friendly and trying to have a conversation with me in the loud music" Andy told us all this afternoon. You won't be surprised to hear he has now been out in charge
of the cooker and washing machine in the Birmingham caravan!
SYDNEY VISIT - posted 10 February 2009
18 members of the tour party headed for Sydney on Monday for a short break prior to the action starting. Jamie Brown and Tom Reed couldn't say no to the street acts around the circular quay in Sydney harbour, much to the amusement of the rest. Events over the course of the two days included a trip to the Opera House, a walk along the Sydney bridge (although lack of time prevented the group from participating in a bridge climb) and a terror ride around the Sydney Harbour in a super fast speed boat. The visitors also visited Bondi Beach in the freezing cold winds and Darling Harbour's maritime museum to avoid Tuesday's rain showers.
DAY ON THE RIVER - posted 1Dave February 2009
Many of the British touring party took time out to relax by going water-sking on the River Murray. Everyone had a wonderful time. While some were happy to float close to the shore, others like Craig Marchant showed them how to do it.
Showing superb balance and amazing speed, characteristics that he rarely displays on the cycle speedway track, stylish Craig Marchant shows them all how to do it.
British champion Gavin Wheeler tries his hand on a water sledge
Birmingham duo Marcus Wadhams and Bob Prince relaxing in the shallows
Gavin Wheeler, Mike Burgess and Lee Aris finally get it together - after scores of attempts
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