BIKES of all shapes and sizes were on display and available to ride at the Discover Middlesbrough ‘Cycling through the Ages’ event at the Middlesbrough Cycle Circuit.
Following on from the huge success of the Tour de Yorkshire, Local History Month in conjunction Sporting Chance threw a spotlight on the long history of cycling in our region and also the use of cycles in wartime.
Vintage bikes were supplied by Bike Stop Darlington and Michael Stout, one of the ‘Button Hole bikers’, who showed his off his skills on a Penny Farthing.
Men from ‘Sporting Chance’ Middlesbrough joined in on the ride and were amazed at how hard it was to keep up with the old bikes!
Sporting Chance is a project for over-50 males in Middlesbrough to exercise their legs and their brains.
Talks and displays were given regarding the different bicycles and the use of cycles in both World Wars by Martin Bourne and Derrick Previll of Volunteering Matters.
Local History Month co-ordinator Robert Nichols said: “I was fascinated to hear that bikes were as important in wartime as peacetime.”
Sporting Chance Project Development Officer Gill Watson said she was delighted by the day: “It was great to see so many taking the opportunity to ride the old and new cycles as well as learn a little bit of history.”
For more information on the remaining Discover Middlesbrough local history events during May visit www.historymiddlesbrough.com or email discoverboro@gmail.com
To find out more about Sporting Chance – activities for men aged 50+ in Middlesbrough – call Gill on 01642 231560 or Brian 01642 515616