I'm torn with this post - which is the better story?.
Story 1. Over tired from a poor nights sleep I nevertheless kept my promise to Keith that I would support him in his quest to win the the latest round of the Rollapaluza national championships being held at the Half Moon Pub in Herne Hill (fortuitously nearby from my side of things). Already feeling the affects of 'The Hell of the Ashdown' brave Keith stepped up to the plate for his first go - 21.58! fastest of the night so far. We watched, I drank Guiness, Keith drank energy gels (what a pro - SIS if you must know) as riders came and went in the qualifiers with only one rider topping the Vitsoe CC rider's time (and he had a coach with him adjusting his saddle!) Next round - no problem for Keith but a big one for me - a promise kept to the beloved meant that I had to be home by 10 for future star's feed. I had to leave our hero on his todd at the bar awaiting his destiny. And what a destiny - the finals. Up against one of the other 'coached' (is there something a bit sad about having a coach in the back room of a pub - I think yes) brave Henderson lost by .35 of a second but still posted his fasted time of the night at 21.08. The man is fast becoming a bit of an idol. Talking of idols........
Story 2. Whilst deep in the white heat of battle in the cauldron that is the Half Moon function room a slight frisson filled the air when in walked a little man inconspicuously dressed. Said man took a seat that had been reserved on the raised seating area and proceeded to enjoy the spectacle of the evening. I being the manchild that I am could not believe my eyes and gurgled like future star after a 2 hours suck session. Plucking up the courage I approached said man with pen and paper and asked him to sign his autograph for my now 2 sons (having texted the news to the Correspondent I was on word of honour to get his little star an autograph - I am now officially 'owed big time'). Said man obliged in the most courteous manner and we exchanged a few pleasantries about his teeth problems and his possibility of missing La Primevera due to lack of training. A shake of hands and the meeting was over - a minute of his time will be a lifetime of a memory. Said man??? Mark Cavendish. Yes, Mark Cavendish was the Half Moon Pub for the Rollapaluza (and I didn't have a camera!). Chapeau!
