Cycling legend's record may go (From Crewe Guardian)

Cycling legend's record may go

5:45pm Thursday 31st May 2007

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THIS summer could see the breaking of a record held by Crewe cycling legend, Albert Crimes, and his tandem trike partner, John Arnold, for over half a century.

It was back in 1954 when Crimes and Arnold rode the 840 miles from Land's End to John O'Groats in two days, four hours and twenty-six minutes.

They knocked 18 hours off any previous time.

It was the best end to end' time by any type of cycle.

Now Ralph Dadswell, who rides with Antelope RT, and David Johnson, of High Wycombe CC, are to take up the challenge.

They are considered likely contenders - they hold the tandem trike competition record for the 12 hour and in 2005 knocked 38 miles off the previous record for the 24 hour.

Dadswell is the competition record holder for the solo 12-hour trike and was a trike team member helping break records, which still stand, for 10, 35 and 50 miles between 1989 and 1992.

They consider the Crimes/Arnold ride extraordinary' but are feeling confident.

With a need to raise £2,000 to pay for petrol and accommodation they are asking anyone interested in helping their effort in any way to contact Dadswell on 07808 974782 or e-mail ralph@dadswell.com.

Ken Bennion of Waterloo Road, Haslington spoke to the Guardian about his memories of Albert Crimes who was an inspector in Crewe Works.

"He bought a tandem trike when he was only in his teens but was 28 when he joined Crewe Wheelers. He did solo runs and rode in the first ever Mountain Time Trials, which I think was in 1946. John Arnold was from Middleton and had been looking for an ideal tandem trike partner but didn't find one until he met Albert."

Ken was a Clarion man but remembers combined runs with the Wheelers and says of Albert's pacesetting, "He used to hammer' everyone to death!"

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