Despedidas para Jim

And so it is with sadness (tinged with perhaps more than a little relief) that we bid farewell to our esteemed riding buddy, training coach (or is that slavedriver) and faithful shepherd dog, the Aussie Battler himself, Jim Leggatt  is leaving us this weekend. 

Jim has been such a driving force behind getting us out in the mornings and we’ll be able to sleep in now Yes! miss you on those early mornings, when we could always rely on a favorite Tom Jones song to greet the dawn (and yet we still remained friends…it’s a mystery), while that unfailing good cheer did wonders to get us going in the morning (and I said that with a straight face…  excuse me a moment……hahahahaahah  that’s better).

Jim’s methods of riding could be said to leave something to be desired, since his main mode of stopping appeared to be

A) allowing an unsuspecting rider to use their front wheel as a novel braking system,

B) cause a major mechanical failure of the bicycle (how does he do that) or

C) The ever popular close encounter with a chapa. 

Still it’s a testament to Jim’s riding skills that there weren’t too many injuries…………..at least not of Jim.  Others  may differ and we’re sure that they’ll be out of the hospital very soon.

Most recently of course Jim has been setting new levels of sartorial splendour in the bicycling apparel department.  Fortunately for everyone’s state of mind there are no photos of Jim in his latest individual  style statement, but with his disregard for any criticism in his hunt for that elusive personal fashion statement, we can expect to see Jim any time in Bicycling Magazine’s Style man column…….

What else can be said about Jim that hasn’t already been presented in numerous court affidavits and summonses.  His relationship with the PRM is well known (as in known to the police….)  and his appreciation and praise for the force is legendary.  Well it’s a legend anyway, or was it a myth? In his dealings with the bast…….ions of the law Jim’s approach was exemplary – i.e.,  they kept making an example of him….. But don’t worry Jim, just think how envious people will be when you say how many millions you’ve paid off to the police (that was old meticais wasn’t it?)

Although I personally have only known Jim for a couple of years, it seems like forever.   Let me rephrase that.  When you meet Jim it always seems like it’s longer than it really is. No wait that’s not right…….

Warmhearted, always with a kind word, generous and encouraging, Jim’s one of those people you wish you had known years ago, because old friends are the best friends (and let’s face it Jim’s an old friend).

Anyway Jim, we do wish you all the best.  Without you it’s not going to be quite the same, and this time I mean it in the best possible sense, you have been an inspiration, and an example.  Continue to wear your Moçambique colors in Oz, and we hope to see you back riding with us some day again.  But let us know in advance. Well in advance, so we can make other plans…………

Muitos Obrigadissimos, Agredecimentos , e abraços from all at Ciclismo Moçambique. And a beijinho as well from those that way inclined.  You can start shaving your legs again now.

December 15th 2006

(I’ll take the money now thanks)(small notes)