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Whilst riding to Paris there was discussion, some of it coherent, about the team and what it stood for. One of the few things we could agree on (there is vast disagreement/denial on almost every other conceivable topic - politics, religion, nicknames, sport etc.) was that the team didn't exist simply for a few days each July while cycling to Paris. It was in fact more than a team, it was a movement. The problem was, we didn't know (and still don't) what that movement actually was. This is bad, since a movement ought to have some direction.
So here's a start with some of our values, and rest assured that on the 2007 ride from London to Paris (team size now ten) we may well make further progress, some of which may be worth recording at a later date.
1) All animals are equal
2) None are more equal than others
3) Pain is just weakness leaving the body
4) If you're easily offended and/or of a delicate disposition, you shouldn't be in Redbourn Postal
5) There is no topic about which we need to be sensitive or careful of offending people i.e. we are tolerant. Everyone has the right to free speech, no limits
6) Ultimately, it's about friendship, camaraderie, having fun, and the gestalt of "all for one and one for all". Unless you're unfortunate enough to get a puncture on the first day
7) Any weakness will be exposed
8) It is inadvisable to charge your phone while naked
9) It is inadvisable to change gear while cycling up a giant hill in the baking heat, and any expression of fatigue or discomfort comes at a price that's not worth paying. At the foot of every new hill you should say things like "bring it on" and "race you to the top, loser boy" and sprint off quickly
10) It is inadvisable not to buy a round
11) Life is beautiful - let's live it!
So we are now global. Recognising this global presence, we embrace our global responsibilities:
1) To lower our collective carbon footprint
2) To raise money for charity
3) To boldly go where no movement has gone before ...
4) To talk about cycling endlessly
5) To enjoy ourselves
We passionately believe that this is a model for all societies, and that humanity is best served by underpinning the contract between the collective and the individual with the juxtaposition of love and happiness; and further that the world would be a better place if we all took ourselves less seriously, and treated those two impostors of triumph and disaster just the same.
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