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 :-)
Cammish's Christmas Countdown ...
my top 10 stocking fillers for 2016.
No 1 ... full carbon PDQ 'PB' tt / triathlon frame, forks, handlebars, stem, headset AND TRP TTV brakes.
This is everything that's good in a time trial / triathlon frame. The full package includes frame, forks, handlebars, stem, headset AND a pair of TRP TTV brakes. If I was still racing I would DEFINITELY be using one of these. Why pay significantly more when you can get much the same for less?
Bloody brilliant (in my opinion). Go HERE for full details and to order.
No 2 ... Pepto Bismol ... after the PDQ PB tt frame, the most wanted stocking filler for Christmas 2016.
Don't let the cute pink colour lull you into a false sense of security. This stuff tastes vile ... BUT ... if you managed to polish off your Smirnoff, 24 cans of Guinness, 360 gm slab of Cadburys Dairy Milk as well as your Christmas Dinner with all the trimmings you're going to need some of this.
Highly recommended. (It really is very good stuff).
No 3 .... Vodka Smirnoff (It had to be in there somewhere didn't it?)
No day would be quite the same without a daily tipple.
When I used to work at the MoD they had a 'drink awareness day' and me being the highly tuned athlete that I am ;-) stunned the group by asking how long a 1 litre bottle should last without going over the daily Government guidelines for safe drinking. ... I was getting through at least a bottle a week at the time (and still winning races most weekends). Apparently ... if you can make it last 10 days you're ok! That's over 30 bottles a year :-)
Isn't it strange how you don't realise how much you drink until you have to take the empties to the bottle bank and wonder where they all came from ... so quickly too?
Highly recommended despite having just bought two bottles from Tescos at £16 a bottle only to come home to see them advertising them on the TV at £15 a time!
No 4 ... PDQ PB tri-spoke (because you're worth it).
Lobcocks to all that wind tunnel testing that takes naff-all notice of swirling winds, passing traffic, openings in hedgerows alongside the road allowing sudden crosswinds etc ... these have been 'real world' tested by me along the A428 in Cambridgeshire. They are really VERY good.
Without doubt the fastest front wheel in Waresley (if not the World).
Super light ... super fast.
Go HERE to see more.
No 5 ... Guinness (only because it's good for you) ;-)
Guinness Draught 8 X 440ml Cans. Tescos currently doing 3 for £20. That's ... urm ... 24 cans for £20. Good deal or what?
No 6 ... Cadburys Dairy Milk
Unless you're fortunate enough to have won one of this year's major Tours or maybe even an Olympic medal or two, it wouldn't be unreasonable for the organisers of this years Sports Personality Of The Year Awards evening to have quickly skipped over your name when it came to considering the short-listed 5-star celebreties earmarked for the win.
Don't ever let it be said that you don't deserve some sort of recognition for your efforts made over the past 12 months though. Whether it's doing the school-run ... the dishes ... the ironing ... or even having to begrudgingly go out on your bike in all types of weather to train and race to get the necessary results so that your friends and family are able to proudly say ... they know you ... 'I wish I could be as fit as he thinks he is' ... 'can you get me some cigarrettes when you pass the Spar?' ... etc ... you deserve a treat.
So, even if no-one else slips a bar in your Christmas stocking, award yourself the C.D.M. 'A glass and a half of full cream milk in every half pound'
The 360 gm slab straight from the fridge is highly recommended and should see you through to lunchtime on Boxing Day ... providing you can keep it out of sight of the rest of the family.
No 7 ... full carbon PDQ TT bars.
Super light and mega-adjustable tt triathlon bars.
The best tt bars I've EVER used (and I've used a lot!).
Go HERE to see more.
No 8 ... Team America - World Police DVD
Popular Broadway actor Gary Johnston is recruited by the elite counter-terrorism organization Team America: World Police. As the world begins to crumble around him, he must battle with terrorists, celebrities and falling in love.
Not quite sure why Johnston hasn't yet graced the red carpet at the Academy Awards but after his performance in this epic I'm pretty sure he'll be on the Oscar short-list soon! Very funny (IMO) and great for an hour and a half's worth of father / son bonding.
No 9 ... the fastest time trial tubular tyre known to man*
If you've never used a quality silk tub, it's like coming down from altitude. They virtually go themselves!
If you've already spent a fortune on power meters, coaches and all the latest carbon aero goodies and are still racing on hosepipes ... treat yourself to a pair of these.
A bit pricey but a good indication as to how much your other half thinks of you if she slips some in your Christmas stocking.
10 / 10 for bling / speed / an indication as to your financial status.
Go HERE to get yours.
Dugast Pista Diamond Silk Tubular Tyre
