Cycling: Flying Scotsman causes a stir in Staveley (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Cycling: Flying Scotsman causes a stir in Staveley

3:45pm Wednesday 1st February 2012 in Sport By Patrick O'Kane, Senior News/Sport Reporter

Renowned cyclist Graeme Obree visited Wheelbase in Staveley, UK’s largest cycle store, as part of his nationwide launch of his new training manual for budding cyclists ‘The Obree Way’ on Saturday.

Obree, who set the world hour record in 1993 and 1994 after building his own racing bike, was greeted by avid fans, with some driving more than 200 miles for a signed copy of his book.

He said: “It is aimed at people who’ve got jobs and families and social circles, who want to keep those and who have limited time to use, and it will show them how to use that time more effectively, as opposed to lots of training manuals that assume you’ve the same time and resources as though you’re a professional.”

Wheelbase director Toby Dalton added: “There has been a lot written about Obree and his complex character.

“He is a really nice guy; super passionate about cycling and fastidious in his approach to training and bike set up. He spent time to talk to every cyclist and posed for loads of photos throughout the day.”

Obree also told enthusiasts of his plans to tackle the unassisted land speed record on a bike in the Nevada desert in September. The current record stands at 82mph.

Wheelbase have a limited number of signed copies of Graeme Obree’s ‘The Obree Way’ which are available priced £30.