Getting to know You       No.2 :BIll Lloyd Cub Treasurer ,coach, etc

When and where were you born?
On 4th January 1939 in Liverpool. A very good year – World War 2 started.
When did you start cycling and what was your first club?
I rode a bike from the age of 11. It was old black roadster that I used for going to school which was about half a mile away. The bike became my form of transport and I would ride round the city just mooching around.
When I was 14 I had saved £15 which was enough to buy a second hand Claud Butler. I joined Bootle St Christophers 1954.
What was your first bike?
The old 18” Black Roadster. It had been painted by its previous owner but it was probably a Hercules. My first roadbike was the Claud.
What was your first race?
A 10-mile time trial. I was never interested in racing but I used to go to most events to marshal. In those days all club members had to turn out to help or they would be disciplined. At one evening 10 at Lydiate I decided to ride and did a 27:33. This surprised me and I was hooked.
My first try at road racing was in 1958 at regular Tuesday evening races at Bickerstaffe and then at Aintree. These were really aggressive affairs with the top riders intent on smashing everyone. It was a struggle just to finish in the bunch.
When was your first win?
This was a 45 miler for 2nd and 3rd cats on the Halton circuit (near Runcorn). I decided to stir things up at about halfway but no one was interested so I popped off down the road. After I had been on my own for about 10 minutes I put the hammer down and kept going. At the finish I was about 8 minutes off the front. I didn’t know whether the bunch had been out the night before or whether I had BO but it was strange that no one seemed to chase.
I won plenty of events at Bootle track especially sprints. I still hold the record for stopping a track meeting. I had just returned from a touring holiday and was used to a bike loaded with saddlebags. In the first event of the evenings racing, a sprint heat, I was contesting the sprint with John Geddes We were both eyeballs out going for the line and I threw my bike to gain a few inches. Unfortunately it now had no saddlebag on and I threw it too far. It went from under me and I finished up sitting on the rear wheel. The bike stopped and I went over the top landing on my head with the ribbon type crash helmet in pieces. It took about 40 minutes for the ambulance to arrive and drive round the track to pick me up. I wasn’t very popular to the other competitors but the spectators though I was good entertainment.
When last your last win?
I take it you refer to road racing – The circuit of Halton. It’s the only one I won.
What was the first record you bought?
Can’t remember, Probably “Rock Around the Clock” by Bill Halley & the Comets
And the last?
“May it Be” - Enya
What is your favourite drink?
There isn’t enough space! I enjoy red wine and try as many varieties as I can. I’m not over-keen on the New World wines and keep coming back to Burgundies and Clarets. I don’t have a sense of smell and my taste buds are not keen so I like anything.
My normal beer is a cask bitter and I like to try unusual brews. Guinness is also high on the list but British Lagers are definitely out.
What is your favourite T.V. programme?
Don’t have one. I think TV is generally awful. About the only TV I look forward to is The Tour.
What is your favourite film?
Where Eagles Dare. It’s pure escapism and the action moves quickly.
Do you have any other hobbies?
I have lots of other interests but none that would be classed as a hobby.
What were you like at school?
About normal but I was always keen to play pranks such as placing the teachers desk right on the edge of the platform so even the slightest movement would cause it to fall. My mischief got me into trouble at times.
What kinds of books do you enjoy?
Many different kinds, it depends on what I’m doing. If I’m travelling I like a thriller or an action packed novel but if I have plenty of time I like a serious account of a factual subject.
Who or what would you despatch to Room 101
Some of the top racing veteran cyclists. They take things far too seriously and have forgotten how to enjoy themselves. If their performances aren’t up to scratch they moan and make some of the most outrageous excuses under the sun. They should realise that they haven’t got long and what life they have is for living not for trying to prove something trivial. No matter how good they are no one will remember them and their achievements are virtually meaningless.
Which paper do you read?
I get papers only at the week-end. Telegraph on Saturdays and Observer on Sundays
What is your favourite holiday?
One where I can explore places of interest, either cultural or natural. I like eastern European countries because they have yet to be spoilt by mass tourism.
How do you like to relax?
Answering Kevin Bladons questionnaires
Who would you like to play you in a film of your life?
Don’t know. A film of my life wouldn’t be a box office success.
What is your favourite training ride and why?
A 32 mile circuit from Tarleton through Parbold , Upholland, Appley Bridge and Croston. On this circuit there are 3 good climbs. Hunters Hill, Ashurst Beacon and Bank Top. After the hills there are 10 miles which can be used for speed training. The circuit takes me around 2 hours to complete so if I beat 2hours I know I’m going well.
What is your most unpleasant characteristic?
Probably my intolerance of people who won’t help, even when they can quite easily do so.
What is your most treasured possession?
Don’t have one. I’m not very materialistic and don’t get turned on by cars etc. so I don’t think of possessions
Who would you most like to meet and why?
Stephen Hawking. I would like to explore his views on Time and Space. Does time really exist or is it just a device to enable human beings to try to understand their world? We see time as a continuum but how is time measured before the big bang? If space and time are interdependent are past and future events occurring now but at different points in space? If this is a possibility is time a continuous process or just an expedient for humans?
When is the last time you cried?
Every time Everton win(not vey often then bill)
Who is your fantasy date?
Can’t tell you. She will read this and my cover will be blown.
Who is your hero?
Andy Capp
Four words to describe yourself?
Over age, Overweight, Underpowered, Realistic