On Saturday morning I had the genius idea that I’d do a knighthood attempt later in the day. I’m in ok shape, but did no real preparation. “How hard could it be?” I thought to myself. Turns out, pretty darn hard. After nine hours, 4 sets of bib shorts, 10 bottles of hydration mix, who knows haw many fig bars and bananas, I managed to get it done. Everything hurts. Here’s the list of workouts and links to the associated Strava activities:
Dont forget to submit your formal application to the ministry of things that must be formally applied for.
You’ll find it near the bottom of this page:
Have a glass of real pagne while resting on you bed of nails.
I’ve wondered if I could get away with an impromptu castle assault, but I rarely have more than 6 hours to myself and only in the middle of the night. I just better stay prepared for that one day I have the chance.
Congratulations! Unfortunately you didn’t declare your intention to ride beforehand, and so I think you probably need to do it again to become a knight (probably I’m joking, but I do believe that is in the old rules)! You also need to raise money for a good cause for something, which is a bit harder to do retroactively.
Begging your forgiveness Sir Peter but neither of those two things are strictly true afaik, fundraising has always been a “should” rather than a must, and I can find no record of the need for a declaration of intention in the dark and dusty archives (though I did find your shredded chamois ) . Personally, if ever someone suggests publicly that they’re thinking about Knighthood, I will often call them out with something akin to: As it is said and as it is written, so it shall be done
Hmmm. I wonder if that’s guidance from the old Knighthood planning committee Facebook? I did a quick search and saw Dame Kisi announcing her and her his husband’s attempt in advance. So perhaps this was more tradition than required.
I do think the fundraising aspect is important - for the nation and for the suffering of others.
I used the old MTP in 2017 and landed squarely on Knighthood as my Mt. Sufferlandria. The MTP def pushes you to make it known, tell everyone, post notes everywhere etc.
I did formally announce my intent on the FB planning committee page where I sought and received some AMAZING advice. I think you’re right that announcing was strongly recommended there.
Gentlemen and ladies I think all these things are highly recommended, but not absolutely required. It was also required that you post public data, although that isn’t as necessary either now that it’s automagically recorded in the app.
The rules state “You really should, although it’s not necessary, try to raise money for a good cause. It’ll do good for the world, make you even prouder of yourself and rightly earn the praise of your fellow Sufferlandrians.”
Raising money does require advance notice of some sort. But again, not required. And there’s definitely been more than a few other spur-of-the-moment attempts and they’re just as valid as any.
I agree the formal announcing has been more of a tradition than a requirement. Tho I haven’t been around as long as most so maybe it was more of a requirement in the ye old days before the app when data recording and individual honesty and honour was relied upon more heavily.
Regardless of all that, many congratulations to our newest knights and Sir Simon.