Thanks for your kind comments.
I will be keeping a low profile. It is a terrible thing that happened to Jason and his family but I must say that I wanted to be at the service, which I was. It cast me back into the media circus, though, and I must say in order to waylay any offence to other poeple that I really will not be going anywhere that will force me to have media coverage.
I also want to thank everyone who has sent nice things. Thanks to Matt and Ace for the monkey, you left no forward address. Cool gift!
If I get on with the book writting I will post that it is available. In the mean time RIDE SAFE and have a good Spring and Summer.
G
46 comments:
I am the french translator of your movie "The Flying Scotsman". As I am looking up internet and discovering your history, I am puzzled by your value and just wanted to say BRAVO and thank you.
A french copy of your book would be very useful for my translation, especially to take again the technical translations that already exist "position de l'oeuf", and so on... Do you know where I can buy it ? No book stores on internet seem to have it. For your information, I have to finish on 21th february. Yes, I know.
Just saw the Flying Scotsman DVD and was inspired by it very much. In fact, I was riding on a road bike on a trainer while I was watching it, so it helped me to go faster!
It's sad that organizations such as the UCI have to feel threatened by innovation and pioneers.
Keep inspiring free thinkers, Mr. Obree!
Ernie Medina, Jr.
Loma Linda, CA
Graeme,
you are an inspiration to all,and a true hero in my view, for your accomplishments and the adversities you have overcome.
Even when the medals and trophies are gone, you will always be a courageous champion and a real Scottish Braveheart!
All the best.
Jai
Graeme,
Do you do any public speaking for a fee?
I am program chair for the 2009 meeting of MDRT that will be held in the USA June 2009.
(www.mdrt.org)
Your story would be a wonderful addition to our program. We are an International group of Insurance & Financial Planners and will have between 7-8,000 people from over 80 Counties in attendance.
Our theme is what one person can do.
Jim Pittman
Graeme,
Good luck with the new book. I for one will be very interested to have a read of it. I'm mad keen on cycling but I've got jobs and children and stuff to look after. You know how it goes. I hope the writing is going well. If you're ever in need of some feedback on the work, some fresh eyes, I'd be delighted to help out in any way. Email stuart at cancernursing dot org . All the very best,
Stuart
A few months ago, whilst recovering from a major depressive episode that set in late summer, I was given a copy of The Flying Scotsman. While I am an avid cyclist and was awed by your achievements on the bike, I found even greater solace in the exposition of your struggles to sustain your life living with bipolar disorder (assuming the account in the movie is a fair representation of your reality). It takes great courage to publicly acknowledge mental health issues that still suffer from social stigma, but the more of us that are willing to share publicly, the sooner we might relieve a great deal of suffering for many people in this world. Godspeed.
Hi Greame,
I raced against you in 1993 at the Nat Champs in Leicester. You did 4.36 for the 4k pursuit and i finished with a short 5 - you were quick that year though hahahaha. You were always a true genius, my hero and an inspiration to all testers. You are still considered a god in the uk cycling world - so check out http://www.timetriallingforum.co.uk/index.php? , your name is mentioned daily alongside the word genius most of the time.Good luck with the book and if you are ever down North London way id be honoured to buy you a beer.Tim
Hi Graeme Obree. You have seen me once in your live.. that's 16 years past. You have been once in belgium and i dont know if you remember my dad Roger Janssens? You where in belgium to ride with/against Roger Devlaminck and you slept in my bed 16 years ago. My father had a cycle shop 'rogeri bike shop bocholt'... Now i am 20 I still have my t shirt what you had signed and the most stupid thing is.. I can't find the movie 'the flying scotsman' in belgium. It shoud be nice to sand me a reaction.. if you remember..
Greetz, Bart Janssens
Loved the movie Flying Scotsman. You are an inspiration to all not just cyclists. My children loved the movie as well.
Graham,
Just finished your book after watching the DVD, kindred spirits you and I. Love of the family is paramount. Enjoy what anonymity you can find. Thanks for reaching and inspiring so many.
Nige
Hi Graeme. What an inpsiration you were to all the cyclists and triathletes in Ayrshire. I used to see you cycling along the Mauchline to Ayr road back in the early 90's as I was just starting out cycling as I took up triathlons. You inspired my team mates and myself. I now live on the Isle of Wight but just having finished reading your book, the memories of Ayrshire came flooding back - I remember a few of the cycling names and all the places. You are still an inspiration to all young scot cyclists. I really hope you do get some success 2nd or 3rd time around, AW RA BEST from a fellow Scot
Liz Dunlop
Hi.....are there any posters left?
Steve F
Graeme, I stumbled across the film about you and then found your book. I am truly inspired and overcome by your efforts and successes. Your story is one of self drive and ingenuity and it speaks volumes about what the human being is capable of. Dealing with depression etc. in life is more than most can handle, I am glad to know that you had cycling to help you.
Know that many people out here look up to you, and in your efforts have made it possible for some of us to keep out of that very black place. Thank You for sharing your remarkable story, and stay well. Tom
Graeme, as someone else mentioned do you do public speaking for a fee? I represent a large triathlon club and i know many of us would love it if you could do a talk on either your life or cycling in general.
If you're in London for the Herne Hill good friday meeting you could combine the two. Or we could meet to discuss terms. Andy
Hi Graham,
So much stuff I'd like to say, but don't know how.
You're an inspiration - an incredible athlete and a bike design genius
again MANY thanks to a TRUE GENT for the signed copies of a great story ... my girlfriend (the young lady with MS who is running the marathon) has found it an inspiring and motivating read
any items that you were 'moving on' would be an honour to purcahse
cain@gbfitness.com
Good evening Mr. Obree,
I've just seen The Flying Scotsman, right now, and it have took me to find more of you in internet.
I had a dream, when I was a young boy, that it was, one day I would be like Pedro Delgado, and would win a Tour,... but it couldn't be. Just a few achieve the glory, like you in your speciality. But I'm still enjoing of my bike, whenever I can.
Nevertheless, I'm right now a computer engineer, and for me would be an honor to improve your web, for free.
I let you my email, if you are interested : juanluiscc@gmail.com
I hope to hear from you soon, in the meanwhile enjoy your time & life
Juan
Graeme,
I don't ride a bike and I'm not a scotsman so why am I bothering to write to you? It's because the sporting, business and political world is corrupted by money, driven by self interest - so where can a man look to find true honest values.You Graeme stand out like a lighthouse. My humble message to you Graeme is this:- Know that people like you are needed to remind the rest of us that true honest endevour is more important than empty self publicity. You inspire a public beyond the cyclist, beyond the scots - and the best bit is, all you have to do to keep this going is to just be you. Nothing else required.
PS I LOVE your website, long may it be as raw as a cold day on the moors.
Graeme, Love to you and your family. I saw the movie "The Flying Scotsman" and will order your book. You are a true hero. I have BiPolar and lost a 36 yr.old wonderful son to that dreadful disease. I live in Upstate NY and you a welcome to say anytime. Good luck with your Web site. Thank you for being an inspiration to all. Wishing you the best, Cindy R
What an inspiration Graeme! You have put the scotts back in the spotlight were they belong.
Bula,
Watched The Flying Scotsman DVD last night (here in Fiji), and was greatly impressed with the story.
I'm a non-practicing cyclist, lol.
The first recommendation I've made (I run a DVD store called IMDVD, grin) is to a lady who was looking for DVD movies which cover bi-polar disorder - which the DVD doesn't describe, hence my recent discovery.
I am now recommending it to the local cyclists here, which I'm sure they'll appreciate.
Chris (Yumbo)
p.s. Your site is cool in its brevity.
Graeme,
I just wanted to let you know that your a great sportsman & person and have been a great inspiration to my own and racing. Your last book (Flying Scotsman) was a huge motivator and made me go even harder into the "pain cave"...:-)
Stefan, Austin, Texas, USA
"The Flying Scotsman" merhaba ben murat.filmi izledim ve mükemmel...tabiki bunu bu denli mükemmel yapan gerçek hayattaki -graeme obree- (bisiklete ve bu spora kattığın değerden ötürü sana teşekkür ediyorum,ı am not speak englısh sorry.
I have read about you and seen the film. When asked why I still ride a bike I tell people, "Because it's the closest thing to flying and still being on the ground." I think it's something similar to what you feel and what your riding position inspires. You have a friend in Los Angeles, you just don't know me yet. Ride safe brah.
John Thompson
LA, California
Graeme I hope you and your family are keeping well.
You are an inspiration to me and Itry when ever possible to inspire others with your example.
I will bore everyone I know to my dieing day with the tale of meeting you in Ardgay YHA and the couple of races that I took part in that you won.
All the best and lang may yer lum reek
murat said (a couple comments earlier):
"Hello 'The Flying Scotsman', I am murat. I've seen your film, it is brilliant. But of course what makes it brilliant is the real Graeme Obree. Thank you for all your contributions to the bike and to the sport."
Hi Graeme
I'm sorry to say I havent seen the flying Scotsman or read your book but Drew Wilson from Raleigh suggested I ask for your help through this blog. I work with deafblind people - a really inspirational group of people for whom every day is a challenge, yet no challenge is too great. Between May 31st and June 17th My husband and I will support Bob Nolan our chairperson, who is himself deafblind, to cycle on a tandem with his wife from Lands End to John o Groats. His wife is deaf and two other deaf friends will accompany him on this epic journey. Bob will arrive Glasgow 10th June George Square to meet the provost at 1.00pm. The problem is nane o the papers will come oot jist fur Boab! They need a famous person to be there. And you're famous! Could you spare an hour? It would certainly make Bob's day, and mine if I can get him some publicity. Bob is raising funds to build a new centre for deafblind people and has £17,000 in sponsorship already. drena@deafblindscotland.org.uk will get me, and I can get Bob, if you can manage we would be most grateful. Many Thanks Drena O'Malley
Hi Graeme
I'm sorry to say I havent seen the flying Scotsman or read your book but Drew Wilson from Raleigh suggested I ask for your help through this blog. I work with deafblind people - a really inspirational group of people for whom every day is a challenge, yet no challenge is too great. Between May 31st and June 17th My husband and I will support Bob Nolan our chairperson, who is himself deafblind, to cycle on a tandem with his wife from Lands End to John o Groats. His wife is deaf and two other deaf friends will accompany him on this epic journey. Bob will arrive Glasgow 10th June George Square to meet the provost at 1.00pm. The problem is nane o the papers will come oot jist fur Boab! They need a famous person to be there. And you're famous! Could you spare an hour? It would certainly make Bob's day, and mine if I can get him some publicity. Bob is raising funds to build a new centre for deafblind people and has £17,000 in sponsorship already. drena@deafblindscotland.org.uk will get me, and I can get Bob, if you can manage we would be most grateful. Many Thanks Drena O'Malley
A' right Graeme, fit like? Just wanted to say hello from one bikie to another. We've met a few times around North East Scotland at time trials, I think you still have the course record for the Garlogie 10!
Don't know if you'll remember me but I sold you my old Orbit track bike some years, turns out my then girlfriend (now wife) rented a flat in Aberdeen from Sally Obree, small world eh?
Would love to hear from you even if it's just a quick hello via email.
You'll get me on dawes at mg-rover dot org
Greame,
You make me immensely proud to be Scottish, Wow!
Inspired Fan, Glasgow
I would like to say that I have just watched your film "The Flying Scotsman" and it touched me so much.
As a young athlete the film was both inspirational and instructive at the same time.
Thank you
I am trying to get a copy of The flying Scotsman DVD as a birthday present. I've been told that if I buy directly from Graeme more of the profits go to directly to him and I may be able to get it signed - is this true and if so, Greame how do I contact you?
Hi Graeme
I saw yur film last night and then today I looked for all the info about you on the internet. My goodness what an amazing person you are. An inspiration to us all
I am an old lady of 59 and not an athlete. I find your courage in overcoming all the problems, disappointments and demons in your life to be truly amazing.
God bless you and I hope you enjoy all the glory that is yours
Jayne
Just seen the movie, inspiring stuff,Im just Joe Blow who rides his bike to work (and back again). Blokes like you could save the planet. Here's power to your elbow, or knees.seriously, good on ya.
jon atkins new zealand
Dear Graeme,
I recently wrote an article in which you were placed in an Ayrshire Inventors Triumvirate. Dunlop gave us the Pneumatic Tyre. Macadam gave us Tar-Mac. You gave us the fastest bike on the planet.
It appeared in the Irvine Times a few months ago and was wondering if you had seen it and if not, could I send you a copy? I did try to make contact before it was published, but couldn't get further than the unofficial Obree site.
All that aside, I am proud to be a revisionist historian for North Ayrshire. I'm even prouder that you are an undeniable part of it. You have an assured place in history, Graeme. I would like to write about you again, but with your full knowledge and (hopefully) some input!
What is the shared virtue of Dunlop, Macadam and Obree?
Inventive Genius!
Meant to add my email in case you would like a copy of the article. Would love to hear from you.
aj_mk0rton@yahoo.com
Graeme,
I saw your film tonight and I was inspired by your great achievements. I used to try and ride an old single speed girls bike from Stirling to Balloch a long time ago late 60s I just tried a bit further every time until I made it then I realized it was a long way to go back home again but I did it one time. Jelly pieces and Irn bru a champions menu. I live in the USA now but I can remember facing those early years and what kids do to each other, funny thing is as in your case those kids grew up and never left or became anything.I now have started reading about you and will buy your book for my son who deals with some of the issues you coped with. I wish all the best for you and your loved ones and thank you for being you and being Scottish.
We are from a Brazilian school and we have several bike projects. We developed a project related to the urban mobility, environment and sport,using the bicycle as a main instrument (you can take on http://www.veritas-ressurreicao.com.br/admin/classic/view.php?type=news&id=18568315cb). We are going to have a bike festival and we would like to invite you to this uncredible opportunity where we would like you to share your life experiences with us. We wait anxiously for your answer. You can find us in edmundocaetano@uol.com.br / barbara@vesper.org.br. Since then, we would like to emphasize we are proud to know all you've got in you life and we appreciate all your attention. Edmundo Caetano and Barbara Munoz.
I just now saw the Flying Scotsman and well I've put it up there with my 3 favorite cycling movies. In fact IMHO it's first. Oh I'm legally blind and live in the states where the only real challenge cycling that I can get is riding and finishing century rides. Was wondering how I could do like track. Oh I ride a recumbent tricycle. I ride for fun mainly.
Cheers
dragnfly
You'll be able to understand that
Graeme,
I live in the U.S. but I'm now certain that I should have been a Scot. Just got back from a ride and put on the movie. Inspiring movie indeed, and thus you are inspiring. The opening scene is chilling. Watching you train and struggle was like watching myself at times--except you won races. Track racing is not popular here, but I remember reading about your exploits. They didn't mention the personal triumph or the WCF crap.
Now I need to get the book. All the best,
Dr. D.
Graeme, I have read your book twice. I would very much like to have a poster if one is still available. I live in the U.S. Please let me know price incl. postage. Contact me at gryncht@hotmail.com Do you have paypal setup? Thanks a lot.
-Gary
Hi, mr Obree.
Excuse-me, but I never heard of you before today. Right now I am wathing a movie about you.
I live in Brazil and we breath soccer, you must know. Some of us have bicycle. However, all of us have a soccer ball.
All I can say is that my wife and me are fan's of yours now. Keep riding. God bless you.
Rgs. Mauricio and Karina
Thanks G.O. I suffer from bipolar and used to race in the US back from 1991-94. I just watched your movie and remember the news coverage of your amazing rides. Please stay strong and I hope the wind is always at your back! --Brian in Seoul, Korea.
Graeme,
Learning of your story has made a difference in my life. Your accomplishments are truly an inspiration that transcends your sport.
You are a brilliant innovator!
It's a gross injustice that you have been denied the accolades you so richly deserve. Years from now, when the Union Cycliste Internationale finally embraces your designs, they'll wonder why they failed to immediately follow your lead.
History is on your side!
God bless you and your family.
Roderick Lopez
New York, NY
Like most people leaving comments here, I too decided to find out more about you after watching the movie just to see how far the film makers went from the truth. I was surprised after checking wikipedia how much you have achieved to date!
How did you feel about Jonny Lee Miller playing the part? I'd be pretty flattered personally and you could have done worse... it could have been Robbie Coltrane.
I first heard of an unorthodox cyclist who kept getting a hard time for his innovative style while sharing a pizza with my triathlon friends the night before we represented GB in the world duathlon champs last year. I don't know much about cycling and to be honest the champs in Rimini was only my second duathlon, still a great experience.
Anyway, if you are ever in Manchester and at a loose end one Sunday morning then get in contact and come out for a ride with us. The peaks are great and we have a great laugh and the coffee is good afterwards. You would have to go easy on us though.
Best regards for the future and setting your next record.
Chris Brobin
Manchester Tri Club
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