The Olympics comes to Grey Fox country

Wednesday, 1 August 2012

Attending the Olympic Opening Ceremony, and watching the road races and time trials over the last few days, have been experiences I will never forget. The cycling has taken place in Grey Fox country on the edge of London - at the end of our road and through the local park. A great privilege and an unrepeatable experience.

The Opening Ceremony was stunning; an unforgettable mix of British humour, culture and history. The transformation from Britain's green and pleasant land to post-industrial revolutionary chaos, the forging of the Olympic rings and the Queen's excellently-acted piece with James Bond were highlights for me. It was also special for me as a national charity run by a close family member was particularly honoured.

The men's cycling road race was disappointing for Team GB who were marked men from the start. Nobody would help the favourites and, as a result, the gold medal was out of reach. Lizzy Armitstead's silver medal in the women's race and gold and bronze for Wiggins (see photo below) and Froome respectively in the time trial was an excellent consolation for GB cycling .

What has this got to do with this blog? Well, this is a record of influences and what could be more inspirational than a local Olympic Games? [All photos by Grey Fox]

The Flame is lit.

The breakaways start as Team GB tries to control the race on Box Hill.

Bradley Wiggins flies past the end of the road on his way to Gold in the Men's Time Trial.

3 comments

Anonymous1 August 2012 at 16:25
Congratulations on the (London) Times article, and well done on taking time to see something of the Olympics. I've been fortunate enough to catch Four Olympic events to date, not easy when living in Cheshire and getting tickets at (very) short notice, but well worth it.
Wiggins is a bit of a Mod, and if that brings back some Mod style, all the better.
I'm in my mid fifties, and being well dressed and stylish matters, I had thought I was alone in trying to maintain some style having reached middle age, therefore delighted to come across you blog.
Terence, Cheshire.
Grey Fox2 August 2012 at 02:10
Thank you Terence, it's always good to hear from other grey foxes. Enjoy the Games! GF
cheshire wife3 August 2012 at 12:58
The opening ceremony of the Olympics was amazing. I have been watching some of the cycling for the scenery, as I used to live and work in that part of Surrey. It has been good to see some familiar old landmarks and Bradley Wiggins winning gold.