Ladies, Bicycles, Cameras, and Anna the Lady's Maid

Anna the Lady's Maid was surprised to learn that respectable women actually ride bicycles and take photographs.

"It sounds fun, but I wonder what Mr. Bates would think," asked Anna. "He is rather traditional."

"I will have to ask him when I see him next in  ... in ... in ... *SOB* ... PRISON! Oh, God, shall we never be happy?"

Poor Anna. So much sorrow in her life. Perhaps if she spent more time out of doors she would be happier?

P.S. Ladies ... send your photographs to membership@davisbikeclub.org for the 2016 contest!

Well, That Settles That

Dear Readers:

It has come to my attention that the Royal Family rides bicycles. You may continue your cycling activities knowing that you are following in the footsteps (wheel steps?) of the King.

Sincerely,
Countess Violet Crawley

P.S. If you take photographs of your cycling, send them to membership@davisbikeclub.org for this year's contest.

Dapper Photos

Mr. Mason took time from pig farming to snap a photo of this dashing lad and his English bicycle. (Yes, that's famous racer Bradley Wiggins, looking resplendent from tip to toe.)

 

Where are your 2016 March Madness Photo Contest entries? Send your photos to membership@davisbikeclub.org to be considered for this year's special contest.

 

"Good Heavens! We Need Photos!"

Good Heavens, what is wrong with you? Halfway through this contest, and only a few photos have been mailed in!

Spratt (who is much better at writing than I) reminds me to use this address to send photos to the contest:

membership@davisbikeclub.org 

Now get to it!

--Sincerely yours, etc., etc.
Countess Violet Crawley

Let Not the Rain Deter Your Photography!

Mr. Carson here! As you know, I feel strongly about TRADITION, and I am exhorting all of the members of the great Cycling Club to continue with your bicycling and photographic activities, despite the recent inclement weather.

In my day, any man worth his salt--and with full knowledge of his place in the world--would not have hesitated even a moment to head out into the worst of weather if it was expected of him to do so. Such a shame in these days that many Englishmen and Colonists (sorry, Americans!) take flight at the first drop of rain!

Put on your rain gear! Mount your fenders! Keep calm, and Cycle On! King and country (sorry, President and country) expect no less.

P.S. Please disregard the color of the umbrellas that Dr. Clarkson and I are carrying. I blame that on the set dresser, of whom the less said the better ...

Downton Abbey Is Over, But ...

... The Downton Abbey edition of the March Madness Photo Contest continues!

So, even though Edith has finally found happiness and disappeared into the realm where all TV series characters eventually go, it's time to grab that waterproof camera, hop on your bike, and start riding and picture-taking!

Reminder to send your photos to membership@davisbikeclub.org

Remember, Shrimpie would want you to do this.

Rain? What Rain?

Rose hopes that everyone else had a smashing time in the rain yesterday! As a true Englishwoman, she is not deterred at all by a little precipitation--certainly a model for us all to follow. (Dashing Atticus also seems nonplussed by the weather, but perhaps that's just because he only has eyes for Rose?)

So ....

Did you take photos while you were out there in the hurricane-force winds ("A mere zephyr," said Rose)?

Did you email those photos to membership@davisbikeclub.org for the contest?

Did you review the photo categories?

You did? Wonderful!

The Downton Abbey Fitness Challenge

In case you're getting bored with cycling (or maybe you really don't want to get your Harris tweeds wet in the rain this weekend), there's always the Downton Abbey Fitness Challenge. Fire up the DVR, re-watch those episodes, and get fit!

If you do ride this weekend, take your (waterproof) camera and get some photos for the contest. Email them to membership@davisbikeclub.org for consideration in the contest.

Mr. Bates' Recommendation

For the coming bout of inclement weather, Mr. Bates suggests the wearing of Harris Tweed.

"Nothing better for wearing in the rain," says Mr. Bates, who added that a stout Harris Tweed suit is also useful for warding of the chill of a jail cell.

(Upon reading the above, the Dowager once again asked, "What is this 'weekend' everyone keeps talking about?")

Lady Mary Wonders ...

Thomas the valet reports overhearing the following conversation in the Library:

Lady Mary: "Did you see Edith on that ridiculous bicycle?"

Thomas: "Yes, I thought she looked fabulous!"

Lady Mary: "Really? Perhaps I should get a bicycle ..."

First Entry!

Thomas the valet took this first entry in the 2016 March Madness Photo Contest, which shows Lady Edith looking very stylish on her "wheel."

The Dowager reports being, "shocked, just shocked!" at the fact that Lady Edith wore trousers.

To send in your photos, email them to membership@davisbikeclub.org