Christine
Avery and family organised a surprise party for one of our
club members on Saturday 6th November. Kevin Avery, who's
official 60th birthday it was on Thursday 4th, was told
that he was going to the Dome in Doncaster to pick up a
rowing machine.
Family
and friends arrived before 7:30pm so not to spoil the surprise.
Chris
Green, who works at the Dome took Kevin, who told me later
that he was a bit suspicious when he was led up the stairs
instead of to the storeroom where he thought the rowing
machine was, let Kevin open the door to the darkened Sports
Bar.
The
lights went on, revealing a packed room and a shocked Kevin.
Kevin,
who is an inspiration to us all, has bounced back from ill
health by turning to cycling as a form of keeping fit. It
has paid off as he is now fitter and stronger than a lot
of people half his age.
For
me Kevin is probably the one person who epitomises a cycling
club member. I remember my first club ride on Sunday 18th
August 2002. I had just bought a bike off-the-shelve. I
had the bare minimum in equipment, and had only done a few
miles on it before this day. It was not my intention to
go out with the club, as I had only just joined. But I went
down to the Waterdale centre and there I saw a group of
Donaster Wheeler's riders. I chatted a few minutes with
them and decided to give it a go.
To
cut a long story short, after about 50 miles, my legs were
killing me, the sole of my right foot had gone to sleep,
I had poor circulation in my hands and I was ready to call
it a day. Referring to my diary for this day, I wrote: "A
bloke called Kevin dropped back and kept pushing me up behind
the wheel of a guy in front. He offered me something to
eat and drink. However, as much as I tried I couldn't keep
up........Kevin kept me going."
Again
on 16th February 2003, I wrote: "Did 51 miles. My
legs and back were aching. Kev kept with me and was a great
help."
On
reflection, if Kevin had not been there to support me, when
I was in difficulty, then I probably would have called it
a day and never got back on my bike again. In my short time
with the club Kevin has been an inspiration and friend to
me, and I am sure to all other club members, and the large
turn out of Doncaster Wheeler's members at his 60th, was
evidence of his popularity.
The
evening didn't go without one event to note. That was when
several people were called on to the dance floor to perform
to the Village People's YMCA. Perform is the right word
to use. Especially when referring to Chris Green, who instantly
pulled down his trousers, turned his back on the audience,
bent over and showed his bum off. Not a pretty sight. He
became worried when he realised I was stood there with the
camera. Is is still in the camera, have I deleted it, will
I put it on the web site if I have it. No one will ever
know, or will they! Keep smiling Chris.
Message from Kevin
Russ
could you please pass on my thanks to all the lads and their
wife's/girlfriends For my birthday surprise, also for all
the cards and gifts I received. I just can’t thank you Enough
for all the kindness and friendship you have all shown me.
Regards
Kevin.
