The Flying Scotsman

[Tel]

Just finished reading Graeme Obree's biography ' The Flying Scotsman'. He was a hero of mine even before he attempted the hour record.

The book was superb such an awesome, unorthodox athlete that achieved so much yet never made the fame of Boardman for example. I like that about him...

Unfortunately it was his demons and socialism, or lack of it, that I was able to associate with. I personally feel as a social outcast and have inferiority problems, although not to his extent. It was very real and gave an insight to what was always just a name and time on paper, you just don't know do you?

Anyway excellent book I'm looking forward now to watching the film.

 

[MadoneRider1991]

the film is great!!!

 

[goo_mason]

Just finished reading Graeme Obree's biography ' The Flying Scotsman'. He was a hero of mine even before he attempted the hour record.

The book was superb such an awesome, unorthodox athlete that achieved so much yet never made the fame of Boardman for example. I like that about him...

Unfortunately it was his demons and socialism, or lack of it, that I was able to associate with. I personally feel as a social outcast and have inferiority problems, although not to his extent. It was very real and gave an insight to what was always just a name and time on paper, you just don't know do you?

Anyway excellent book I'm looking forward now to watching the film.

The film bears almost NO resemblance to the book - the film is 98% fictional and looks to have been based on another book entirely !!

 

[goo_mason]

If you're ever up in Edinburgh, go to the National Museum of Scotland as they have Obree's "Old Faithful" hung on a wall. It's not behind glass so you can actually touch it (which I felt I had to do !!).

 

[arranandy]

The film is pretty poor IMO. Book is great though and having met the man himself on a couple of occasions he's a very down-to-earth guy

 

[Tel]

Is this Graeme's only official site http://www.obree.com/ ? I would love to continue to follow his thoughts, feelings and progress.

 

[alecstilleyedye]

If you're ever up in Edinburgh, go to the National Museum of Scotland as they have Obree's "Old Faithful" hung on a wall. It's not behind glass so you can actually touch it (which I felt I had to do !!).

so did i

 

[papercorn2000]

The film is pretty poor IMO. Book is great though and having met the man himself on a couple of occasions he's a very down-to-earth guy

Agreed. I found it a bit embarrasing TBH!

 

[dan_bo]

I found it a tad strange that JLM didn't even get a sweat on during the riding sequences!

 

[PaulB]

I was as disappointed in the film as I was with the film, "The Naked Lunch". I mean, he didn't fly once.

 

[dellzeqq]

the book is very affecting, but it's no comedy. Don't read it if you're feeling ill at ease, or at odds with the world.