12 Feb 2023

Raymond Charles Booty was a well-known British cyclist who was born in 1932. He made a significant contribution to the sport of cycling and was widely regarded as one of the best cyclists of his time.  Ray Booty also had a very interesting habit regarding his timepieces that we will get into later in this blog.

Booty began his cycling career at a young age and quickly established himself as a talented rider. He was known for his aggressive riding style and his ability to push himself to the limit on the bike. He was a versatile cyclist, capable of competing in a range of disciplines including road racing, time trials, and track racing.

One of Booty's most significant achievements in his cycling career was winning the British national road race championship. This was a huge accomplishment for him and cemented his place as one of the best cyclists in the country. He went on to represent his Britain at several international events, including the Tour de France and the Giro d'Italia.

Booty was also known for his unique approach to training and preparation for races. He was a firm believer in the importance of proper nutrition and hydration, and would always make sure he had a balanced diet and was adequately hydrated before a race. He was also a proponent of cross-training and would regularly incorporate strength training, running, and other sports into his training regimen.

One of the most interesting things about Booty was his habit of wearing two wristwatches while riding. This was a mystery to many people and there were many rumors and speculation as to why he did this. However, the truth was that Booty simply wanted to be able to keep track of his time and speed while riding. He found that having two watches allowed him to better monitor his performance and stay on track during races.

Booty's contribution to the sport of cycling cannot be overstated. He inspired many people to take up cycling and to pursue their passion for the sport. He also helped to raise the profile of cycling in the public consciousness and was a true ambassador for the sport.

Even after retiring from competitive cycling, Booty remained involved in the sport. He continued to participate in charity rides and other events and was always happy to share his knowledge and experience with other cyclists. He was a true enthusiast of the sport and his love for cycling was contagious. Sadly, Mr. Booty passed away on August 12th, 2012 at the age of 79.  He inspired many people to take up cycling and was a true ambassador for the sport. Booty's legacy will continue to live on and he will always be remembered as one of the greats of cycling.