EPISODE 45: The Air Is My Ocean

Summary

Podcast Summary: Strangers on a Bench – EPISODE 45: The Air Is My Ocean

Host: Tom Rosenthal
Guest: Anonymous Kite Flyer
Release Date: July 21, 2025

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Introduction

In Episode 45 of Strangers on a Bench, host Tom Rosenthal engages in a profound and multifaceted conversation with an anonymous guest known simply as the Kite Flyer. Over the course of their dialogue, listeners are taken on a journey through the Kite Flyer's passions, personal struggles, relationships, and philosophies on life. This episode delves deep into what it means to find freedom and fulfillment through seemingly simple yet deeply meaningful activities like kite flying and cycling.

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The Passion for Kite Flying

Discovering the Love for Kites

The Kite Flyer’s passion for kite flying began unexpectedly thirty years ago, sparked by a birthday gift from a then-girlfriend. Initially dismissive of the gift as a "children's toy," his perspective changed as he engaged more deeply with kite flying.

Kite Flyer [00:53]: "It's something that has to bite you first. You don't see it, but you feel the invisible force of the wind."

This newfound interest quickly evolved into an obsession, leading him to join a group of kite enthusiasts who frequented Kite Hill. His dedication to the sport not only provided emotional revitalization but also served as a form of physical exercise.

A Memorable Flight

One of his most cherished memories involves a controlled lift where his kite propelled him approximately 24 feet off the ground, creating a magical moment under the hot summer sun.

Kite Flyer [04:03]: "It was magical."

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Personal Connections and Loss

Aunt Rosie: A Pillar of Support

A significant figure in the Kite Flyer’s life was his English aunt, Rosie Spitfire Williams, whose influence introduced him to Kite Hill. Their relationship was a blend of familial warmth and deep friendship, marked by shared moments of kite flying, picnics, and heartfelt conversations.

Kite Flyer [09:04]: "She was the most loveliest person ever... a mother to me, but a friend as well."

Rosie's passing was a profound loss, deeply affecting him and altering his romantic life.

Reflecting on His Mother

Similarly, the Kite Flyer reflects fondly on his late mother, who was his best friend and a source of unconditional support. Her passing ten years prior left a lasting impact, underscoring the importance of meaningful relationships in his life.

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Overcoming Adversity

Health Struggles and Rehabilitation

Two years ago, the Kite Flyer faced a severe health crisis that necessitated a three-week hospital stay. Determined to reclaim his health, he turned to activities he loved—cycling and kite flying—as means of physical and emotional rehabilitation.

Kite Flyer [07:09]: "It's another way of rehabilitation rather than just taking medicines and staying at home. So being active."

Cycling as a Lifeline

Cycling became more than a hobby; it was a testament to his resilience. Riding 35 miles into London and back daily during a recession exemplified his commitment to both fitness and financial prudence.

Kite Flyer [23:24]: "I'm gonna race the train into London."

His cycling endeavors extended beyond personal fitness, evolving into vigilant activism aimed at improving road safety for cyclists and pedestrians.

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Vigilantism and Advocacy

Championing Road Safety

After surviving a near-fatal cycling accident in Dunstable, the Kite Flyer became an active advocate for road safety. Equipped with a camera, he meticulously documents and reports dangerous driving behaviors to the Metropolitan Police.

Kite Flyer [27:14]: "If you don't follow those rules, you have chaos."

Over fifteen years, he has filed approximately 4,000 reports, making a tangible difference in road safety while navigating the challenges of public perception and personal safety.

Kite Flyer [27:19]: "But generally, they've been very good."

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Navigating Relationships

Romantic Endeavors and Lessons Learned

The Kite Flyer's romantic life is a tapestry of meaningful connections and challenging breakups. His relationships have often been tested by external factors such as financial disputes and incompatible family dynamics, particularly involving children from previous relationships.

Kite Flyer [19:46]: "I have to do it for safety, the good of people."

One poignant relationship involved a German woman and her daughter, which ultimately unraveled due to behavioral issues and fear for his personal safety.

Views on Fidelity and Trust

Raised in a tradition that emphasized loyalty and trust, the Kite Flyer has remained faithful in his relationships, valuing these principles above all else.

Kite Flyer [25:14]: "Freedom. But being faithful as well is very important."

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Entrepreneurial Spirit

Early Business Ventures

In the 1990s, the Kite Flyer demonstrated entrepreneurial ingenuity by starting a business with a mere £10 investment. By creatively advertising a Santa Monica Track Club tank top featuring Carl Lewis, he successfully built a profitable venture despite initial setbacks.

Kite Flyer [35:18]: "And my telephone number and I put it upside down because I would catch the eye with all the space."

This initiative not only showcased his business acumen but also laid the foundation for his future endeavors.

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Dreams and Legacy

A Vision for the Future

The Kite Flyer aspires to build a modern, minimalist house that serves as a serene space for creativity and reflection. This dream underscores his appreciation for simplicity, fresh air, and the beauty of nature.

Kite Flyer [36:50]: "I can see it already. It's going to be more or less modern style architecture."

Leaving a Lasting Impact

He emphasizes that true legacy lies in the experiences shared with others, rather than material accomplishments. Teaching younger generations the art of kite flying is one way he ensures that his passion and joy are perpetuated.

Kite Flyer [38:40]: "Spread the joy."

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Encounters with Nature

Unexpected Animal Friendships

The Kite Flyer shares delightful anecdotes of unexpected interactions with wildlife during his outdoor activities. From a friendly wild horse near St. Albans to a casually joining fox at a picnic, these moments highlight his deep connection with nature.

Kite Flyer [31:36]: "It was like Alice in Wonderland."

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Closing Thoughts

Embracing Freedom and Joy

Throughout the episode, the Kite Flyer embodies a spirit of freedom, resilience, and unwavering passion for the things he loves. His stories serve as a reminder of the importance of pursuing one's passions, maintaining meaningful relationships, and contributing positively to the community.

Singer [40:10]: "I don't wanna let go."

As the conversation wraps up, the Kite Flyer’s final thoughts reflect his continuous pursuit of joy and connection through kite flying and picnics with friends.

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Notable Quotes

• Kite Flyer [00:53]: "It's something that has to bite you first. You don't see it, but you feel the invisible force of the wind."
• Kite Flyer [04:03]: "It was magical."
• Kite Flyer [09:04]: "She was the most loveliest person ever... a mother to me, but a friend as well."
• Kite Flyer [07:09]: "It's another way of rehabilitation rather than just taking medicines and staying at home. So being active."
• Kite Flyer [27:14]: "If you don't follow those rules, you have chaos."
• Kite Flyer [25:14]: "Freedom. But being faithful as well is very important."
• Kite Flyer [35:18]: "And my telephone number and I put it upside down because I would catch the eye with all the space."
• Kite Flyer [38:40]: "Spread the joy."
• Singer [40:10]: "I don't wanna let go."

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Conclusion

EPISODE 45 of Strangers on a Bench offers a rich and intimate glimpse into the life of a man whose passions and experiences intertwine to create a narrative of resilience, love, and freedom. Through heartfelt storytelling and reflective insights, the Kite Flyer exemplifies how simple pursuits like kite flying and cycling can lead to profound personal growth and community impact.

Transcript

[Host]

Hello. Sorry to bother you. Can I ask you a slightly odd question? I'm making a podcast called Strangers on a Bench, where essentially I talk to people I don't know on benches for 10 or 15 minutes. Are you up for that? Do you want to give it a go? Is there a day of the week that you favor?

[Kite Flyer]

I prefer Saturdays.

[Host]

To every other day.

[Kite Flyer]

To every other day.

[Host]

Take me through your ideal Saturday.

[Kite Flyer]

Blue skies, winds of up to six to seven miles an hour.

[Host]

Do you say six or seven?

[Kite Flyer]

Six or seven is the sweet spot of flying.

[Host]

Flying what?

[Kite Flyer]

Kites.

[Host]

Okay.

[Kite Flyer]

So that's why I've come up to Kite Hill. And what I tend to do is the day before, I look at the weather forecasts to determine how much wind speed there is so I can be able to fly my kites to my heart's content.

[Host]

That's wonderful.

[Kite Flyer]

It's to refresh myself for the week ahead. Re energize emotionally. And also doing some physical exercise, which is flying kites, walking up that hill, riding up.

[Host]

Quite a workout.

[Kite Flyer]

It is so all in one. It's the pleasure of doing it that makes me do it.

[Host]

Can you tell me about your first kite flying experience? Who taught you how to fly a kite?

[Kite Flyer]

This started about 30 years ago. I met a new girlfriend and it was my birthday and I said, present. She bought me a two pound Tesco kite. And I looked at her, I said, what is that for? You know, what do I need a kite for? It's like a children's toy. I not realizing she was a kite flyer. She had been flying kites with her brother, you know, these power kites, sea kites. I didn't realize that. And then I started to play with the kite to try and make it fly while having a picnic. Wine, champagne, fruits, meat, you name it, everything. And it was this combination of relaxing, eating, but at the same time doing something I love, which is flying, but not through kites. But the moment I started to try and make the kite fly, it reminded me of flying an aircraft. You need to have certain conditions to create the best possible lift. And that's where it started 30 years ago.

[Host]

What happened to the girl?

[Kite Flyer]

Well, as with life, we broke up, but she left me with the last thing.

[Host]

Prezi, does she know that she gave you this?

[Kite Flyer]

She knows because I was very passionate after that, because in stages, I started to move up the scale of bigger kites. And we had a big group, we had about 30 different kite flyers. So we used to come up here almost daily after work to fly kites.

[Host]

Oh, amazing.

[Kite Flyer]

Yeah.

[Host]

So it became very quickly like an obsession.

[Kite Flyer]

It's still an obsession.

[Host]

This is the joy I love that.

[Kite Flyer]

I can't describe it. It's something that has to bite you first. You don't see it, but you feel the invisible force of the wind. It can either control you or you control the kite.

[Host]

Can you think of a time when your heart was the fullest? When flying a kite?

[Kite Flyer]

The one that stands out was at the brow of this hill. You have what you call the lift band with the easterly winds coming over from Europe, because we love to jump. And we used to call ourselves air monkeys.

[Host]

Yeah.

[Kite Flyer]

Because we used to hang in the air. We used to have air time and stuff like that. The one I remember very well was that very brow where those. That lady is sitting.

[Host]

Yes.

[Kite Flyer]

I raised the kite, captured the wind, and then it caught my kite. I probably went about 24 foot off the ground, but it was a controlled lift. It was beautiful on a hot summer day. You know, have the hot air and then you have the wind coming to make you levitate briefly. And then I came down. It was magical.

[Host]

If you could just fly off a hill and just keep going, would you do that?

[Kite Flyer]

Top secret. Not really secret, but I've done it before. But not with a kite. With a paraglider. I have a paraglider. I snuck a very quick flight.

[Host]

They don't see it.

[Kite Flyer]

No, people saw it. The crowd was building up because of this massive canopy. So it was almost like something you don't normally see every day. Sometimes you have some paraglider pilots come out here just to, you know, maneuver and stuff like that, but not usually fly. But in my case, I just hugged the profile of the hill and then land. And then, you know what was funny? They started clapping, you know, which was. Which was crazy.

[Host]

I think you probably deserve it.

[Kite Flyer]

Well, it's kind of. How should I put? It's a solitary type of sport. You know, flying is my passion. You know, the air is my ocean, and I shall fly in it.

[Host]

Do you think you were a bird in a previous life?

[Kite Flyer]

That's a bit extreme, but I've always had the dream of flying, and I do fly planes, light aircraft. And kite flying is something which came in between that because I didn't realize the exhilaration and thrill you had. And also, there's a bit of theater, because when you fly, people tend to stop and then look at the way you're flying the kite. Because I fly in a theatrical manner.

[Host]

Oh, that's interesting.

[Kite Flyer]

Yes.

[Host]

What is flying In a theatrical manner?

[Kite Flyer]

Well, flying to music, soundtracks and stuff, reenactments or maybe things like gladiator battles while you're fighting the winds with your kite. I used to perform at kite festivals some years ago.

[Host]

But you gave up. You gave up kite festivals.

[Kite Flyer]

Well, life took over and, you know, not enough time. But now the time is coming back to me.

[Host]

Time, full circle. This is nice.

[Kite Flyer]

Yes.

[Host]

What else are you doing with this time that's coming back to you?

[Kite Flyer]

Well, I am trying to get physically fit because I suffered ill health about two years ago. And one of the best ways of doing it is cycling, walking up the hill, kite flying, which is physical. And that for me is another way of rehabilitation rather than just taking medicines and staying at home. So being active.

[Host]

Yeah. Was it a sudden thing or is this slow descent into ill health?

[Kite Flyer]

It was sudden. In fact, they had to admit me into hospital for about three months.

[Host]

Three months?

[Kite Flyer]

Three months, sorry. Three weeks. That'll be too much.

[Host]

That's still a long time.

[Kite Flyer]

I said, you know, I'm not going to give up this activity because it affected me very badly, you know, and I thought I was going to lose my coordination and everything, but it's all back.

[Host]

Fantastic. Due to flying kites, do you feel like you kind of can appreciate your body more since that moment?

[Kite Flyer]

Yes, I think I took advantage of that years ago because I was so fit. And when you experience that period where you think you lost everything, that's when you say that was golden, where you had that golden nugget, you know. And I only discovered this hill because of my. I had what you call my late adopted English aunt. I used to work, you know, in the city with her, but we made good friends and she told me, why don't you come up to Parliament Hill? This is the home of kite flying. So I came up here.

[Host]

Another important person in your life in.

[Kite Flyer]

The kite story, and I call her Aunt Rosie Spitfire Williams, because her father was in the RAF. He was a squadron leader in World War II.

[Host]

Amazing.

[Kite Flyer]

So we used to come up here, especially on this particular bench, and she.

[Host]

Would fly with you.

[Kite Flyer]

We bought a small, like, single line kite because the power kite was just. She was in her 80s. That would take her off, but she was the most loveliest person ever.

[Host]

Wonderful.

[Kite Flyer]

I wish she was alive today.

[Host]

Oh, did you get a chance to tell her how much she meant to you?

[Kite Flyer]

Oh, she knew because she. We had this Zen, you know, close. It's almost like she was like a mother to me, but a friend as well. We used to have Picnics. We used to come up here as often as possible. Kite flying. We used to laugh our heads off, cracking jokes and talking about life. But she's been my confidante.

[Host]

Oh, that's magic.

[Kite Flyer]

Yes.

[Host]

Lovely.

[Kite Flyer]

Yeah, I miss her.

[Host]

Was it tough when she died?

[Kite Flyer]

Yes, I cried for many days because she was a special lady. Rosie was absolutely special. Do you remember your pure, pure, traditional English lady? You know, she used to cook delicious meals. Sunday roast. And she used to make one of the best minced pies.

[Host]

Fantastic.

[Kite Flyer]

Oh, I miss her.

[Host]

Do you remember your last meeting with her?

[Kite Flyer]

It was in December because I had a traffic accident. I was knocked down by a car hitting around vehicle.

[Host]

On your bike?

[Kite Flyer]

Yeah. And so she was also helping with my rehabilitation at the time when I broke my ribs. And that was the last time I saw her because I was living in Dunstable at the time with a new girlfriend. But that.

[Host]

That didn't work.

[Kite Flyer]

That didn't work in the end, in fact. Anyway, that's another story.

[Host]

Oh, okay. We want to hear about that. Okay, maybe let's do this one first and we'll come back to that.

[Kite Flyer]

So it was around February. I got a phone call telling me that Rosie had died. I couldn't believe it, you know, because this is somebody I thought I would grow old and maybe she'll meet my future wife. And I was going to name, if I have a girl daughter, I'll name her after Rosie. And my mother's name was Rose as well.

[Host]

Oh, amazing.

[Kite Flyer]

Yes.

[Host]

It's kind of a destiny there.

[Kite Flyer]

Yes. We were meant to meet together because I wish I could show you a picture. Absolutely beautiful woman.

[Host]

Do you remember your first meeting with Rosie?

[Kite Flyer]

Yeah, it was strange.

[Host]

How quickly did you become your English aunt?

[Kite Flyer]

I remember seeing her because I was temping at the time. So I attended this bank and I needed somebody to show me the ropes. People working there were not really wanting to help me, but I remember her face. She was looking at me. Hello, how can I help you? But there was something about her gaze. You could tell she was a natural person and she wanted to help me. That moment we became friends.

[Host]

Oh, that's fantastic. That's amazing. How many years older would she be?

[Kite Flyer]

I think she was probably 30 years older than I am.

[Host]

Fantastic. Yeah, that's such a lovely. That's such a wonderful story.

[Kite Flyer]

Honestly, I wish she was here. You will love her.

[Host]

I love the sound of her.

[Kite Flyer]

Yeah, she's beautiful. Rosie Spitfire Williams. I must do a bench in a memory at some point.

[Host]

And your mother. Mother where is she, my real mother?

[Kite Flyer]

She's passed away 10 years ago. She was my best friend as well.

[Host]

Oh, lovely.

[Kite Flyer]

We used to laugh and joke all the time. Drink together, eat pizza sometime together. It was the same thing.

[Host]

When you think back to your mum, what are your core memories that stand out?

[Kite Flyer]

Being with her, always looking out for me. She had other children as well, so there were five of us all together. But the other kids were far more intelligent academically and they had other skills like cooking and stuff. And then when it came to cooking and eating, they never wanted to help me. So she helped me out. She taught me how to cook and.

[Host]

You know, you've got four other four siblings.

[Kite Flyer]

Yes, I have.

[Host]

Well, I'm trying to guess what number you might be. Can I guess?

[Kite Flyer]

Yes.

[Host]

Okay, let's have a think here. I feel it's definitely not one. You're not the first?

[Kite Flyer]

No, I'm the first.

[Host]

Oh, you are the first.

[Kite Flyer]

Yes. No. Yes, I'm the first.

[Host]

Really?

[Kite Flyer]

Yes.

[Host]

I just felt like you didn't have first child vibes to me.

[Kite Flyer]

Well, I don't know what first child vibes mean. I know we exist.

[Host]

Well, they're kind of heavier, serious ones. Well, not saying you're not a serious person. I mean, just like, you know, there's a lightness to you as well. I felt like it would be two or three.

[Kite Flyer]

The second was a more serious one.

[Host]

Okay.

[Kite Flyer]

And the last one as well, because those two were very, very successful.

[Host]

Okay. What is being successful, do you think?

[Kite Flyer]

I mean, career wise.

[Host]

Sounds like you're successful to me, though.

[Kite Flyer]

Well, successful in life.

[Host]

You can fly.

[Kite Flyer]

Yeah. That's a basic, you know, a basic passion fulfilled. But I have a degree in architecture. My father was a civil engineer. So I went my own way because I wanted to make my own success not follow Dad's.

[Host]

Was he okay with that?

[Kite Flyer]

No, he wasn't happy. He wasn't happy. In fact, he was not even going to pay for my flying lessons in America.

[Host]

Oh, dear. What did it feel like to kind of, you know, go against his wishes?

[Kite Flyer]

It was hard, very hard. But I know he loved us, loved me. But when I look back now, because I've been through all sorts of careers, currently I'm a data analyst. And that's a very exciting occupation. And I wish I knew what I know now then, because I would have helped him a lot more with the company.

[Host]

With the data.

[Kite Flyer]

Yeah, with the data. And, you know, making. Decision making.

[Host]

When you say. Quick question. When you say data analysis is very exciting.

[Kite Flyer]

Yes.

[Host]

Is it as exciting as kite flying.

[Kite Flyer]

Though, I think it's. Yeah. Because I spent many hours looking at data as well. Yeah. Because what I used to do, I used to analyze data, like from tfl. They had a bus safety report and one of my friends wanted me to help analyze the information they had. Why you're having so many incidents. There's slip trips and falls, I think, collisions, robberies, and, you know, all sorts of things. It's boring stuff, but exciting. But what I discovered, the highest incident was slips, trips and falls.

[Host]

Really?

[Kite Flyer]

Yes, because that data is to be attached to the way the driver pulls out and pulls in and overtakes and doesn't allow the passengers to settle before moving off. So that's the biggest issue. If they can reduce that, their safety records will be better. But it's getting worse and worse.

[Host]

So I suppose that is quite exciting.

[Kite Flyer]

It is.

[Host]

Maybe you've changed my mind because I didn't think it could be. Or it can and it can. You should be running a lot of things.

[Kite Flyer]

Well, that's the magic of data analysis, you know, that's what I love about it. Oh, you can count how many people are here wearing white T shirts or drinking beer, playing music. You can build a pattern over a period of time, like, say for one year.

[Host]

So you can see patterns ahead of other people, basically. Are you always seeing the world like this? As in if you wake up and walk out your house and think, you know, today I saw 23 people pass me by and yesterday was 18. Yes. Are you seeing the world like that?

[Kite Flyer]

I am. Almost like the Matrix.

[Host]

Yeah.

[Kite Flyer]

You know, they're hidden figures.

[Host]

How has the data analysis helped you in your romances? Has it been any. Has it been useful? For instance, like, you know, my partner likes, you know, this on this day. I'll do this on this day.

[Kite Flyer]

I tell you what, with romance, it's a complex. A complex thing. It's something that you allow nature to take care of so that I live to nature.

[Host]

Okay. Are you with someone at the moment?

[Kite Flyer]

No, not at the moment, which is good.

[Host]

How would you describe your romantic life thus far? What's it been like?

[Kite Flyer]

It was beautiful. It's been good, generally very good. I've only met about, I think, two people who are not all that compatible. It was always about money, money, money, money, and that's not real romance. I remember having a relationship for a while. We started living together and she changed. Yeah. Because she knew I had the money and she tried to.

[Host]

Oh, I see.

[Kite Flyer]

Use me to settle up debt problems and stuff like that. Yeah.

[Host]

That's only been twice.

[Kite Flyer]

You said twice.

[Host]

What happened in the one in Dunstable, by the way? Can we get back to that one?

[Kite Flyer]

That was the one that frightened the hell out of me in the end.

[Host]

Why?

[Kite Flyer]

What happened? We had real love. It was beautiful. We used to travel to Paris together. You know, we used to fly and we used to do everything together. But it was when I. When I moved in with her. Then things just changed. And the problem is with children of someone that's not yours.

[Host]

Right.

[Kite Flyer]

There can be issues, of course. I like to do things, take them out, buy them things and shopping. But the upbringing is not compatible with the way I used to. We were all brought up. Yes, well, these children were very ungrateful and rude.

[Host]

Oh, dear.

[Kite Flyer]

So what's the point of staying with someone?

[Host]

Oh, so it was the kids that were the problem?

[Kite Flyer]

That was one of the problems.

[Host]

You know, maybe we shouldn't live with people. Maybe it's not a great idea.

[Kite Flyer]

It might be a better idea to live separately because it's more exciting. But the moment you move in with somebody, then that changes.

[Host]

Yeah.

[Kite Flyer]

Because you don't really know the dynamics of the ins and outs of life in that family.

[Host]

So that didn't work for you?

[Kite Flyer]

No, it didn't work. But it was a beautiful relationship. I think we went out for about two years before I decided to move with her.

[Host]

Could you think of the one person, maybe romantic interest in your life, who got away?

[Kite Flyer]

The love of my life, maybe. I think it was a German I met. I was flying to Houston at the time.

[Host]

In your plane?

[Kite Flyer]

No, no, I was flying.

[Host]

Oh, in the plane. Just general plane. With other passengers?

[Kite Flyer]

Yeah, yeah. So I met her by chance, and then we're chatting all the way, and then let's exchange emails and all that stuff. And that was. It was lovely. And it turned out her daughter was learning how to fly as well. She's now an airline pilot.

[Host]

The daughter.

[Kite Flyer]

Yes. We used to go flying together.

[Host]

Amazing.

[Kite Flyer]

When she was learning, I used to pay for some of her fees and stuff like that. But that was. I think that was the only person I ever felt I would be able to say, yes, we'll get married. Cause we were even walking in the neighborhood holding hands together with a dog. And she said, will you marry me? I said, of course I'll marry you. I normally would not say that to anybody because, you know, there was a natural connection between us and how.

[Host]

How come he didn't work?

[Kite Flyer]

Again, the daughter, as much as I loved her as my own daughter, even though she was not my daughter. She was a bit erratic. A bit.

[Host]

I hope she's not taking the plane.

[Kite Flyer]

No, that's all I'm saying. You know, very feisty, very, very demanding. She wants this, she wants that. And what scared me was the fact that she wanted us to buy her a gun.

[Host]

Oh.

[Kite Flyer]

And with a temper, oh, she might turn that gun on me and kill me. And I believe she probably put something in one of my foods because I started going, yes, I saw it. She said, oh, I made this for you. And I thought, that's nice. I thought we were making up and stuff and then I started running to the toilet and then I started to think, you know, you better get out here, you know.

[Host]

Did she have a gun at that point?

[Kite Flyer]

No, she used to go shooting lessons.

[Host]

She asked you to buy her.

[Kite Flyer]

She asked us to buy her a gun because she was still a miner, like under 18.

[Host]

And I guess he said no, of.

[Kite Flyer]

Course no, no way. You get blown away, you know.

[Host]

That would be also quite unfortunate to buy the gun that you were killed with as well.

[Kite Flyer]

Exactly.

[Host]

Would be unfortunate.

[Kite Flyer]

But generally, I must say this, in America, I've had the best, one of the best times in my life because they're the most down to earth people in Texas. They are so friendly, you know, super cool. If not for that, I'd probably be married by now and probably seen in Houston.

[Host]

So do you think there's a kind of repeated pattern of these relationships? You know, other factors get in the way but you just, I mean, what's the thing?

[Kite Flyer]

I don't know, maybe it's me or maybe there's certain ideals that I've been brought up with that doesn't sit well with others. I think with life it's mostly about money, to be honest with you.

[Host]

So life is about money.

[Kite Flyer]

Do you say no, no, no, I'm fine with, I'm comfortable, I'm happy, you know.

[Host]

What do you spend money on, by the way?

[Kite Flyer]

Not much. I just come up here, you know, I don't have to buy Giorgio Armani and buy supercars and stuff like that, you know, it's the way you spend your money. I'll give you an example. With Dunstable. I used to, because I work in London, I used to cycle 35 miles into London, 35 miles back.

[Host]

What, daily?

[Kite Flyer]

Every day, five days a week.

[Host]

You'd used to ride 70 miles a day?

[Kite Flyer]

Yes, it was hard initially.

[Host]

Shrikey.

[Kite Flyer]

I woke up one Christmas morning, girlfriend's still in bed. I said, I'm going to get up and I'm going to try it.

[Host]

What? Riding Christmas morning?

[Kite Flyer]

Yes.

[Host]

That's fun.

[Kite Flyer]

That caused a lot of arguments.

[Host]

She didn't either. Well, because you were abandoning.

[Kite Flyer]

How? Free will. I just said, you know what, let me try it out and see what it's like. Because I bought a bicycle to get on the train, but it told me I couldn't use the bicycle because it was a full size, not like a Brompton. And then I said, you know what? I'm gonna try this route. You can save yourself about £6,000 a year. I said, that's good money to save while you're getting fit.

[Host]

Wow.

[Kite Flyer]

So because of this inconvenience, don't come on my train with your bike? I said, right, okay, I'm gonna show you.

[Host]

I'll do it on my bike.

[Kite Flyer]

I'm gonna race the train into London.

[Host]

I'm interested in this Christmas Day bike ride, though.

[Kite Flyer]

Yes.

[Host]

Is that how you spend most Christmas days? Big bike ride?

[Kite Flyer]

Well, not most of them, but at a time when I used to cycle a lot, because cycling gave me this freedom to explore everywhere, you know, without paying too much for it.

[Host]

Beautiful. It seems like freedom is quite important to you.

[Kite Flyer]

I think that's the key. Freedom. But being faithful as well is very important.

[Host]

Faithful in relationship.

[Kite Flyer]

Faithful in a relationship. And trust, if you don't have that, then there's nothing.

[Host]

Have you ever been unfaithful?

[Kite Flyer]

No.

[Host]

Has anyone been unfaithful to you?

[Kite Flyer]

Yes.

[Host]

What was that like?

[Kite Flyer]

Well, you know, I just said, alright, so Lavi, that's happened. Don't beat yourself over that. You'll be okay.

[Host]

But you haven't done the other way around.

[Kite Flyer]

No, because we were brought up in a certain way by our parents. Our parents were together forever, you know.

[Host]

So is that what you're trying to replicate, what your parents had?

[Kite Flyer]

No. It comes naturally with the upbringing and the training. You know, if you misbehave, you're punished for that. If you're naughty, you get smacked.

[Host]

What was your punishment?

[Kite Flyer]

You get smacked for that.

[Host]

Oh, smacked, yeah.

[Kite Flyer]

Yeah. We're from the 70s and, you know, those are the days. Not now. If you smack someone, you go to jail for. You know. And that's why we're having a problem. You have too many reprobates about.

[Host]

Interesting. So you'd get smacking back in.

[Kite Flyer]

Yeah.

[Host]

You're a fan.

[Kite Flyer]

Yeah, but I wouldn't personally do it because there's a law about that I will scold the individual. If you had more people correcting people where they're wrong.

[Host]

Interesting.

[Kite Flyer]

Then there'll be less reprobates about it.

[Host]

So have you got a history of doing that? You go around. I mean, is that your thing, really?

[Kite Flyer]

Well, it's not my thing, but it's.

[Host]

One of it just comes to you. I'm glad I haven't done anything wrong.

[Kite Flyer]

No, no, no.

[Host]

Maybe I have.

[Kite Flyer]

You probably know who I am, but you're not sure.

[Host]

Oh, God. You famously told someone off.

[Kite Flyer]

No. Well, I used to cycle all the time from Dunstable until one. One fateful night I had a serious crash, hit and run. So I'm that cyclist that I think Channel 4 and BBC1 did Road Wars. Cyclists war on Brisbane roads.

[Host]

And so you're in that program.

[Kite Flyer]

That's me, the Complainers.

[Host]

So you've done a lot of notoriety, accosting people.

[Kite Flyer]

I only rebuked bad drivers because I was almost killed for dangerous driving and taking them to court and prosecuting them and then winning the case.

[Host]

So you got cameras on your bike and if someone does anything wrong, you can prosecute to me or other people.

[Kite Flyer]

I will report that. But I've been doing that for 15 years, probably 4,000. 4,000, I think, in 15 years.

[Host]

Ever since the Dunstable incident.

[Kite Flyer]

Yeah.

[Host]

Did you nearly die in the Dunstable incident?

[Kite Flyer]

I could have. I could have because I hit head on. My whole body was found on the car. The windscreen smashed. I went spinning like a rag doll. That cracked my ribs. Cuts on my back. I remember that night when I hit the ground, hard, bang. Luckily I was wearing a helmet because my helmet broke at the back. That could have been my skull. And it's this attitude on the roads. Look, it's everybody using the roads. Yeah. The road is like an open book. It's a bible for road users, pedestrian cyclists, drivers. If you don't follow those rules, you have chaos.

[Host]

Amazing. And you've, you've. Hang on, you see, you've. You've since 4000.

[Kite Flyer]

Roughly. Roughly. Reported about 400.

[Host]

How many is that every year? That's a decent.

[Kite Flyer]

Probably about 400 or so.

[Host]

400 a year?

[Kite Flyer]

3. 3 to 400.

[Host]

But then that means reports. That's like. That's over one a day. Are there that many people?

[Kite Flyer]

Approximately. Approximately, Yep.

[Host]

I suppose if you're on your bike riding 70 miles, you probably end up seeing lots of stuff.

[Kite Flyer]

Oh, every day. I mean, even here, just now, today I saw one just before the roundabout, the pinch point. Van man just comes. Aggression cuts in front of me probably about that much.

[Host]

Oh, God. So when that happens, your first thought Are you like, I'm going to talk to them now or are you thirsty? I'm going to look at that in the footage.

[Kite Flyer]

No, I'm going to report it. That's a close pass.

[Host]

Who do you report it to?

[Kite Flyer]

The police.

[Host]

The police?

[Kite Flyer]

Met police.

[Host]

Do they know you by now?

[Kite Flyer]

Basically, they know me.

[Host]

And when they get a message from you, how do you think they feel? Are they like. Well, they're like, oh, not this guy. Or they're like, oh, interesting, this guy.

[Kite Flyer]

Probably. They probably think like that. But generally they've been very good. The last last few years, just last two years or so, when I was very ill, I've hardly reported anything. And now that I've come back.

[Host]

You're back?

[Kite Flyer]

I'm back cycling.

[Host]

Back reporting.

[Kite Flyer]

But no, I'm back cycling. But I found out very quickly nothing has changed. But the thing is, I don't like to do it, but I have to do it.

[Host]

Yeah. Which one are you most proud of? Of your, you know, your interventions?

[Kite Flyer]

The one that really stands out. I had three cases in one day and I want all three of them, one after the other. That was the one I remember.

[Host]

Is there anything you can frame? Do you have a memento of that? No, no paperwork or something.

[Singer]

But.

[Kite Flyer]

But it comes in the form of email from the Med.

[Host]

Police should print it out, put it on the wall.

[Kite Flyer]

No, no, no, that. That's like you're doing it for narcissism or ego or stuff like that.

[Host]

But I'm doing it for safety, the good of people.

[Kite Flyer]

Good of me. Protect me so they don't do it to other people.

[Host]

Yeah. That's very good of you.

[Kite Flyer]

Yeah. Well, thank you very much.

[Host]

The people kind of. I imagine you must have made some people very cross. Does that happen?

[Kite Flyer]

A lot of people are unhappy with me, especially with the taxi drivers and bus drivers.

[Host]

And what do they. Are you worried about your safety ever? You worry these people gonna Kind of.

[Kite Flyer]

Because I know if they try anything.

[Host]

They'Re going down because they're being filmed, I suppose.

[Kite Flyer]

Yeah, absolutely. The camera is like garlic to a vampire.

[Host]

It's like you've got a bouncer with you at all times.

[Kite Flyer]

Yeah. You need something. If you don't have a witness, they get away with things.

[Host]

Is there anything you filmed that has been interesting to you that is not related to a complaint?

[Kite Flyer]

One of the most beautiful thing I've ever seen as a stage cyclist.

[Host]

Yeah.

[Kite Flyer]

Is cycling through a path from the main road.

[Host]

Yeah.

[Kite Flyer]

It was like a small greenery area. Then there was this, I think a Wild horse, he came to me like to say hello.

[Host]

Where were you?

[Kite Flyer]

This was I think somewhere near St. Albans.

[Host]

Wow.

[Kite Flyer]

So I'm passing through. I still have the footage on somewhere in my YouTube.

[Host]

Yeah.

[Kite Flyer]

Well, it was a beautiful moment to have an animal come to you.

[Host]

In fact, as you were riding, you saw the horse in the distance and you kind of rode towards the horse.

[Kite Flyer]

Yeah, I was going slowly and then the horse started coming to me.

[Host]

Amazing. And you kind of stopped to be with the horse.

[Kite Flyer]

I stopped, I stopped. I said, hello, horsey. And I was.

[Host]

Maybe it was trying to tell you something.

[Kite Flyer]

They are beings as well.

[Host]

Yeah.

[Kite Flyer]

Horses and dogs. Yesterday. I wish I'd filmed it.

[Host]

Yeah.

[Kite Flyer]

Just here because we're quite a few of us flying kites. You will not believe what happened. We were having a picnic and everything. A fox actually came to join us.

[Host]

What, the picnic?

[Kite Flyer]

Yeah.

[Host]

What do you mean?

[Kite Flyer]

It wasn't scared.

[Host]

It just was just with you, it.

[Kite Flyer]

Was chilled with us.

[Host]

Did you give it anything, any food from the picnic?

[Kite Flyer]

Some of them gave it something. But the fact that it could calm where we have a lot of us. This is one of the magic of this place, you know, it's like Alice in Wonderland.

[Host]

Yeah, I love that. Do you feel like you need it?

[Kite Flyer]

Oh, that's, that's. Those are my kite bodies.

[Host]

Oh, you got to see kite buddies.

[Kite Flyer]

I didn't realize you come there. Hello, Sherp Ahoy, kite buddies. I'll come and join you, don't worry. Yeah, we were flying yesterday.

[Host]

Oh, lovely.

[Kite Flyer]

Yeah, yeah.

[Host]

So there's a close knit group of you guys. Well, we just met by chance because you're kite flyers. Do you feel like kite flyers just instinctively get on well?

[Kite Flyer]

Oh yeah. All this solitary spot is also a social magnet.

[Host]

Yeah.

[Kite Flyer]

My kite, one of the kites I have is older than most of people on this heat. Right now. All the youngsters here, if anybody is younger than 30, 25 years old, I have a kite older than they are.

[Host]

Do a lot of people approach you?

[Kite Flyer]

Oh, yes, over the years. A lot of them.

[Host]

And you're happy with it for them to do that?

[Kite Flyer]

I'm fine, you know, I'm cool.

[Host]

It never gets too much.

[Kite Flyer]

No, no, no. The funny thing is I used to be a very, very shy person.

[Host]

Really?

[Kite Flyer]

Yes, when I was younger. I don't know what stopped the shyness. I think it was after I finished my degree.

[Host]

I think.

[Kite Flyer]

Yeah, that's it. I remember trying to get a job. We couldn't get a job in the 90s. We had a recession at the Time. Then I decided to start a business. Went to the bank, asked for 200 pounds. Guess what they said no. I said, why? They said because you don't have any credit history. So I had to get a job very. They didn't pay much, but I used that money to start the business. And I started the business with, wait for it, 10 pounds. And how did that 10 pounds get to the point where I'm able to fly to America every single week for my train?

[Host]

How do you do it?

[Kite Flyer]

Well, that ten pounds was just an advert. A single column centimeter. And I think it was on Athletics magazine.

[Host]

Yeah.

[Kite Flyer]

And at that time, you know Carl Lewis.

[Host]

Yeah.

[Kite Flyer]

Long jumper, Santa Monica Track Club.

[Host]

Yeah.

[Kite Flyer]

Because he was really hot at the time. I drew a stick figure of Carl Lewis on styling blocks and I put a logo of the Santa Monica Track Club at the end of that and my telephone number and I put it upside down because I would catch the eye with all the space.

[Host]

Okay, that's interesting.

[Kite Flyer]

You know, it cost thousands to, you know.

[Host]

So you put an upside down Carl Lewis on the starting point.

[Kite Flyer]

I probably still have that little advert.

[Host]

And your number mobiles were new at the time.

[Kite Flyer]

I spoken to the Joe Douglas who was the manager of Car Lewis.

[Host]

Right.

[Kite Flyer]

But they had the merchandising at the time. So I agreed. I'll buy so much, but initially I'll buy them in one piece at a time, you know, and that's how I started. So I buy one product at this cost and then I sell at 100%, I get a profit back, recycle, make a working capital. Then if I get three orders then I can have a bigger advert and then people get to see that. Oh yeah, he sells the Santa Monica Track Club tank top, you know, and sweatshirts, the hat. People loved it. Amazing. The fans loved it. So I was selling that.

[Host]

That is very clever.

[Kite Flyer]

£10.

[Host]

That's the first upside down advert I've heard of. Sounds like you could have done a lot of things in your life, but just simple things.

[Kite Flyer]

Simple things.

[Host]

What is there still left to do?

[Kite Flyer]

I have a dream. I would like to build. I would like to build a house.

[Host]

What does this house look like?

[Kite Flyer]

I can see it already. It's going to be more or less modern style architecture. Probably not going to be here. It's the sort of space where you can think and not have your traditional home, where you have pictures and that. I'd rather live in an art gallery type space. And the real source is silence, fresh air, water. And that water is a swimming pool. I can live with that forever.

[Host]

And will you be happy in this house on your own? Or do you want to be with someone else?

[Kite Flyer]

Oh, I'll be with someone else. But it has to be someone with a minimalist mindset. But life, you never know what it has in store for you. But here, I've experienced so many things, so many beautiful things. So many. It will take me forever to tell you.

[Host]

What would you like to happen at your funeral?

[Kite Flyer]

Oh, no. What I would like to happen before I die. I would like a dog with me by my bedside. That's what I need. That's all I need. Because my love has been with dogs all my life. I love them. We interact. Every dog I see, I stop and I talk to.

[Host]

That's lovely. Must be stopping.

[Kite Flyer]

But for my funeral, I don't want any celebrations.

[Host]

No.

[Kite Flyer]

The only legacy you live is what experience people have had with you. Just like my father, like Rosie. That's a sort of legacy.

[Host]

It's already been done.

[Kite Flyer]

It's been done. And I've taught a lot of kids how to fly kites. They're probably all married now.

[Host]

And they're teaching their kids, they're passing on that skill.

[Kite Flyer]

Spread. Spread the joy.

[Host]

Joy.

[Kite Flyer]

Yeah.

[Host]

Well, last question for you.

[Kite Flyer]

Yes?

[Host]

You can either answer this in a big way or just a now way. What are you going to do next?

[Kite Flyer]

Well, I'm going to join them to fly the kites. Then I have a picnic to enjoy.

[Host]

Fantastic.

[Kite Flyer]

Yeah.

[Singer]

I am a kite Paper thin I am the hand that pulls the string that brings me in when the wind starts to change everything Everything starts to change and I tell myself I know which way it's gonna blow But I know, I know I know what you'd.

[Host]

Say.

[Singer]

But I don't wanna let go I don't wanna let go.

[Kite Flyer]

I don't.

[Singer]

Want to let go I don't want to let go I don't want to let go I learned to fly Learned how to get myself high above it all But I think never quite learned the right way to fall so I tell myself I know which way I'm gonna go and I know, I know I know what you say But I don't wanna let go I don't wanna let go I don't wanna let go I don't wanna let go I don't wanna let go I don't wanna let go I don't wan.

[Kite Flyer]

You.

[Singer]

I don't wanna let go I don't wanna let go I don't know.