We had just completed Thursday’s ride and were back in The Fleur when we heard the dreadful news that our good friend and cycling buddy, John Tarrington, had died. John had suffered a stroke while on holiday in Spain and, sadly, did not recover. Our thoughts were with Bridget and his family.
Over lunch we reminisced and swapped John-stories. For one, he had a fine singing voice; something we only discovered last year when, over a beer after a Monday evening ride, the conversation somehow got around to Rogers & Hammerstein. John professed to being a big fan and, before we knew it, launched into Some Enchanted Evening. A few beers more and he’d done all the big numbers from South Pacific, Carousel and Oklahoma.
A very fit cyclist with a head-down-and-go-for-it style of riding, John was also known for falling off his bike more than most, to the extent of sometimes needing medical attention.
There were lots more John-tales: how he didn’t know how to put on a duvet cover; he was the scourge of countryside fly-tippers; too many to mention here.
We shall miss John – a much loved Windmiller and true friend – and the many happy times we shared.
The Windmill Cycle Club 