Monday, October 26, 2015
When I first met Charlie he was in his sixties, as I am now and I soon learned about his previous successes as an amateur racing cyclist. However, at that age, far from slowing down, for many years he continued to test himself in events against other riders and whenever I called at his house he'd usually just got back from one of his training rides. Good amateur riders don't enjoy the fame and fortune that professionals like Chris Hoy and Brad Wiggins do, but Charlie certainly earned the respect of his fellow cyclists. Whether I was visiting him for a repair or just socially, there would always be time for tea, biscuits and a chat. Although my interests leaned more towards cycle touring and distance events rather than racing, he would always listen with keen interest to my tales about what I'd been up to. In 1994, I climbed aboard a shiny new bike that Charlie had built for me and the following year, I used it to complete a ride that was to be the highlight of my modest cycling life, a well known long distance event that starts in Paris. Since then, that bike has become an old friend that has taken me to many places and given me many great experiences. It still holds pride of place in my shed. Some of us may have memorials in stone but in sheds and garages around Bristol and maybe much further afield, there are many bike frames with the words CHAS BLAND in bold script. His name will live on! I'm sorry I can't be there to say a final goodbye, so I'll just say farewell Charlie, ride on and may the wind be always at your back. Mike Atkins
