ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Although I have adored finding, researching and publishing my previous books, I felt more closely connected to Charles as an author as we share a common passion, cycling. Whether Charles began cycling as a means to escape his experiences and memories of the Great War or it was the allure of adventure on the open roads we will never know. However, I am extremely grateful that Charles recorded his cycling exploits in such well observed detail that it transports you back to the ‘Golden Age of Cycling’.
I am indebted to Michael Pope for entrusting me with publishing his father’s diaries. Michael has been extremely supportive and helpful throughout the publishing process and I know that he is very proud to see his father’s treasured diaries in print.
I cannot praise Blink Publishing, 535 and Joel Simons enough for having the insight and passion to transform the diaries into this wonderful book. They have made the publishing process such an enjoyable experience – from the design of the cover to the format of the contents – everything is what I dearly hoped it would be.
Although a creature rarely seen outside the world of publishing, an agent is the unsung catalyst that makes the whole book process work. I am extremely fortunate to have the best of agents, Gordon Wise of Curtis Brown and without Gordon neither I nor Charles would be in this privileged position.
There is a cast of supportive persons who have greatly assisted me with this project. I would like to thank John Brownfield Pope and Shayne Brownfield Pope for their help in providing the background to the Pope family and businesses; Liz Wood and the staff of Modern Records Centre, University of Warwick for allowing me to explore the Cyclist’s Touring Club archive; Niall Harman of Curtis Brown for all his valuable assistance and expertise; Nathan Joyce for his editing prowess; Amanda Robb for her timely roadside assistance; Timothy Xu of the Oxfordshire History Centre and of course my most supportive partner Joan Bower who has lived through another publishing adventure with me.
I hope Charles’ cycling adventures have inspired you to take to the roads and cycle paths and discover the hidden gems this wonderful country has to offer, not forgetting to have the odd Bass along the way. Cheers and happy cycling!
Shaun Sewell
Northumberland