I'll write a bit more later, but suffice to say it was worth the ticket price, really entertaining (lots of laughs, a really positive atmosphere), educational and above all, Graeme's morals and his character shines through. It's harder to think of a more honest, down-to-earth sporting hero.
For a man who came up against so many obstacles and difficulties in his life and career, he really has no axe to grind (well, a few tiny axes!). He said the final stage of his 5-stages-of-grief "rehabilitation" back to mental wellbeing was beyond the 5th (acceptance) and was actually a 6th stage - not caring; it no longer bothers him.
There was a really nice bit when asked about his childhood heroes, he talked of staring out the classroom window at the sky, thinking of explorers like Livingston, Scott and Amundsen. Cycling wasn't about sport, it was about "getting over the next hill" and into the unknown. For a child who couldn't afford bus-fares, cycling increased his range to roam 4-fold, and therefore the area he could explore 16-fold. He talked of Amundsens adventures over the poles in his airship and that his bike became his landship, and for a child it was the first time they would be master of their own vessel. He said his psychologist had told him his emotional age is probably that of an 11-year old, and that childish enthusiasm and naivety is bursting out of him when he talks.
And no, he can't remember what brand that washing machine was, but if a washing machine manufacturer will pay for some therapy to help him remember then he will gladly take their money, have the treatment and be a washing machine ambassador!
Don't train to Patsy Kline, train to African folk music with a good rhythm.
He doesn't like bike shops.
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