Cycle History

Roger is our historian and professional Penny-Farthing rider. He often works with film and TV companies either as a consultant or through supplying bikes and riders in costume. A short documentary he made about cycling hero Bert Harris can be veiwed here uk.youtube.com/watch

He is also available to give talks on the history of cycling or to attend events giving demonstrations of riding his machine and has a cycling history blog cyclinghistory.blogspot.com/

Cycling History for Schools

We also offer a cycling history roadshow for schools to help bring Victorian history key stage 2 to life.   A short talk covers the invention of the bicycle and its impact on Victorian England including the emancipation of women and how the humble bicycle led directly to the invention of the car and aeroplane.
The children then see a demonstration of how to ride a full size Penny-Farthing before having the rare opportunity of sitting on a similar machine that is securely fitted to a stand. The final part of the visit gives them the thrill of riding a variety of vintage machines including tricycles, tandems and kids size penny-farthings!  

Local History

We are also researching Leicester’s rich cycling history dating back to the 1860’s and found by sheer coincidence that our home is on the site of an old cycle factory!

During the 1890’s The Leicester Cycle Co. was the town’s largest bicycle manufacturer producing over 500 machines a week and selling them through its own depots in London, Manchester, Paris and across Europe. The ‘Peregrine’ model was a particular favourite with racing men and was used on numerous successful record breaking rides including Lands End to John O’Groats and London to Edinburgh.