Cyclists shake, rattle and roll

BONESHAKERS, penny-farthings and tandems were among the bicycles that featured in a vintage cycle rally in Benson.

More than 100 cyclists took part in the 62nd annual rally organised by Benson Veteran Cycle Club.

The enthusiasts, who wore period attire, set off from the Sunnyside playing field next to the village hall before following a
12-mile route to Chalgrove and back.

They stopped in Ewelme for refreshments and had lunch at the Red Lion in Chalgrove before returning to Benson via Berrick Salome.

The oldest machine on the ride was an 1869 boneshaker, one of the first types of true bicycle. The name refers to the uncomfortable ride cyclists experience while sitting on a wrought-iron frame with wooden wheels.

The most “modern” bikes that were not replicas were from the mid-Thirties.

There were five “Ordinaries”, or penny-farthings, as well as the newer “Safeties” with both wheels being the same size.

Along the route, people stood in the road to watch the riders go by.

Dorothy Pinkerton, a member of the club committee, said: “There are a lot of members and they’ve got some wonderful bicycles.

“I think what people enjoy most about the rallies is the company. It’s the people that make the rides possible.”

Andrew Lawler, who rode a 1888 Coventry Machinists Swift with solid tyres, said: “They were experimenting so it has got strange suspension on the front forks, which is interesting when you’re riding.

“It’s a nice, comfortable bike to ride with various strange things like the chain adjustment being at the front. The frame is nearly what we recognise today.

“It’s fixed wheel and, of course, the tyres are solid because Dunlop had not invented the pneumatic tyre then.”

Committee member Stuart Gibbons was a route marshal and said: “We have to make sure that the cars keep away from the bikes. On modern bikes, the brakes are better and they’re more controllable but when you’re on a penny-farthing, it’s a long way to fall.

“Numbers are slightly down this year, whether that’s down to the weather or not I don’t know, but everyone seems to be enjoying themselves.

“There’s a very close-knit community among the cyclists. It’s good fun, very sociable and you can play with the bikes when you’re not riding.”

Gareth Wright, from Chalgrove, was riding a 1932 Raleigh Popular. He was introduced to the club by his son Matthew.

Mr Wright said: “He’s into old bikes and I borrowed a bike from him to do it last year and I got coerced into buying a bicycle for this year.

“It’s very enjoyable and they stop at the Red Lion in our village so we have always seen it come through.”

His niece Clare Hansford, from Wimbledon, rode a 1923 All-Black Royal Sunbeam.

She said: “It’s my first time here and I’ve loved it. It’s really sweet to see people waiting outside their houses and waving.”

Philip Harrison was on a 1892 New Howe Roadster Safety which he had found in a barn with his father Keith.

He said: “We had gone to see a classic car and found the bike hanging up in the rafters. It was a frame with the handlebars and the forks. My dad spent two years trying to find the parts to build it back up.”

Next year’s Benson Veteran Cycle Club rally will be held on Sunday, July 6.