Ian Cammish: Time Trialling 'Legend' / 'icon' / 'wannabe' / 'has-been' / whatever floats your boat.
The what, why and wherefore of British Time Trialling as seen through the eyes of me … Ian Cammish, holder of over 50 National Cycling Championships and Records. Or ... the aftermath of an extended college project, “how to create a web-site” by son Jack, aged 17, Hills Road College, Cambridge. (I think winning and breaking over 50 National Championships and records were easier!).
“I could write a book” I said. But Peter Whitfield, author of Twelve Champions, The Condor Years and more, told me “there’s no money in it” so for anyone who’s interested here’s a totally free, unexpurgated insight into time trialling through the ages from yours truly … Ian Cammish aged 55 ¼.
Over the forty-plus years I've been cycling, a lot of influential people have helped me achieve what I set out to do but inevitably, over the period of time, we have all each gone our own separate ways. This is just one way of expressing my gratitude to you all. If it also brings back fond memories of yesteryear to any time trialling enthusiasts who happen to stumble on the site, then so much the better :-)
Over the years there have been a lot of events that have given me a tremendous amount of satisfaction. Nine times out of ten, doing something for the first time takes some beating. It could be breaking the hour for a '25' ... a first win ... a course record ... beating an arch rival for the first time maybe?
I'm ancient so there's a long list, but for now here's my 'Top Five Firsts' ...
No 1 ... THE event that gave me most satisfaction and the biggest 'buzz' in 40 years or so of cycling ...
The Goodmayes Whls '100' in 1983 and competition record by over 8 minutes! Go HERE for the full story.
No 2 ... I'm not quite sure how this managed to creep into the 'Top 5 Firsts' page ...
but it's not often you beat two records in one attempt (unless you ride the track ... see No 4 below!), so for no other reason than because it was just great fun ... go HERE for a double RRA record attempt.
No 3 ... four days after Prince Charles married Diana Spencer I rode to my (the) first sub 3-40 '100'.
That was in July 1981. It was pretty fast then. Bearing in mind we were without tri-bars, discs and aero hats in those days (looking back) it wasn't too bad. I'd definitely consider it to be one of my Top 5 Firsts anyway. Go HERE for the full story.
No 4 ... a surprise to even me! 'Thick Tester Takes Track Records' could have been the headline.
In 1991, Mike Breckon of Raleigh suggested I should have a go at Graeme Obree's track records. With me being virtually a complete track novice I couldn't see how he was being serious ... but he was ... and I did. This ride really did give me a buzz. Go HERE for the full story.
No 5 ... my first (and only) National 12 hour win.
They say 'all things come to those who wait' ... well I only had to wait nearly forty years until I won my first (and only) National 12 hour championship. Go HERE for the full story.