RETURNING from holiday, I had the opportunity to read the Sage of Sussex Adam Trimingham’s tour de force about Brighton and Sussex cycling which made for refreshing reading.

Juxtaposed with “Debate Argus” and the “tunnel vision team” with so much closed-minded drivel, Adam as always is stimulating, sensible and resonant.

I share his love of cycling as environmentally right for these times, but above all, it is sheer fun as Adam writes.

He sums it up perfectly when he says: “The bike is a brilliant form of exercise with great views, it’s simple and popular. It is a virtuous cycle.”

Who would disagree, I wonder?

To be reminded of Adam’s eloquent reflections soon had me diving into Adam’s delightful little book Trimingham’s Brighton(1999).

In chapter four “Two Wheels Around Brighton” I am reminded that Elm Grove is three quarters of a mile long and steeper nearing the summit. Absolutely.

As a schoolboy my daily ride from Woodingdean to Hanover Terrace was easy.

The pain began on returning home when climbing Elm Grove then onward beside the racecourse.

It brings on a sweat just thinking of the effort.

I smile re-reading Adam’s book and his tales of tandem-riding with Mrs T to dinner parties and receptions and the truth that policemen tend not to stop cyclists “unless you fall off ”.

Cheap and fast – bicycles are non-polluting, too, which matters when faced with climate change staring mankind’s future in the face.

Unless mankind stops using fossil fuels now, the world our children’s children inherit will be seriously spoilt by our frivolous waste of Earth’s limited resources.

Squandered by self-indulgent gas-guzzlers, 4x4s, SUVs and those lazy people who even drive to and from home to the local shops and so forth.

Adam always set an example to strive fol.

With his commitment to two wheels he (and Mrs T) can certainly say they’ve done their bit for the environment while entertaining us splendidly.

Keith Jago
Uplands Road, Brighton