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Vintages Cycles

 DESFORD LANE PEDALERS VETERAN CYCLE CLUB

A look Back 2001and 2002

The Desford Lane Pedallars came about after in June 1976 five people in Desford Lane in Rathy were loaned by a Mr Tony Twycross a local collector, 5 cycles to ride and display in the local village carnival, The Crow Pie. Then in the next year 1997 twenty riders took part in the Queens Jubilee Celebrations also mostly on cycles loaned by Mr Twycross. Then on the first Sunday in January 1978 the groups first event, a run which has been held ever year since. This group of like minded cyclists was still as yet unnamed. During 1978 this group went to fetes carnivals and charity events in Leicestershire.Then some of these riders rode in the Peterborough and in the Boston Vintage Cycles Clubs Rallies.

During this time the name Desford Lane Pedallers Veteran Cycle Club was invented. The group did not make it self an official Club till February 1980, after which it then applied to The National Association of Veteran Cycle Clubs for affiliation, which was granted. In 1983 the club hosted the the National rally this was a real honour for such a young club. The members have ridden in all the National rallies since.The club again hosting the National in 1993. The club has organised monthly events like the New Year ride and the July Jaunt and October End of Season. This together with fetes shows and all the other clubs rallies.The club has also ridden in The International Veteran Cycle Association rallies. In 1884 the Club Twined with the French Veteran Cycle club named The Union Velocipedique Belle Epoque. This Club is in the Loire valley part of France.This club holds a rally along the banks of the Loire river. The ride is about 40 miles in length. Their members have also ridden in the Desford events. The Desford Club also has a Classic 50 mile event for light weight sport cycles 1930 to 1960. The club goes to all sorts of events like the transport day on The Great Central Railway. The club has has it own magazine for members. Members also finding time to find and restore bikes of the own.

CYCLE RIDE AROUND OAKHAM in 2002

 These were the riders near Oakam railway station at the vistors centre just before the start of the ride

There were a few hills on the ride which was to the north of Oakham. It used the the quite back roads, I think some of the riders had wished that my cameras were not out to record them walking up this hills. With no gears these large wheeled pennies are not suited to hill climbing. This is why cycles today have gears. The hill was a little longer and steeper than it looks.

You are not taking a photo of me!

 The same hill as before but these riders are going for it!

I hope you have enjoyed this look at the Oakham ride. After all that riding a stop was made up the road for a pint. On returning to Oakham a meal was ready at the start. the weather was nice all day which in this summer is a bit of luck. There was only about two bad hills all the rest was very nice.

 Annual early season ride in 2002  

The annual early season ride in 2002 by The Desford lane Pedalars started like the year befor from West Deeping. The weather was fine and was far better than the year befor and was ideal for a cycle ride. Every one was raring to go.

 Two happy riders wait for the start.

 

 All ages can enjoy a nice cycle ride when the suns out. Desford encourage all ages to attend from the very young who travel in cycle side cars to 90 year old's. 

The main event of this year was that it was this clubs turn to hold and run the main rally of the year for vintage cycles, on the 1st of September 2002 The National Association of Vintage Cycles Clubs Rally was held at the Lutterworth Town AFC football ground which is at Bitteswell near Lutterworth in Leicestershire.

NAVCC rally in 2002

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This page updated 20-4-2020