Carine Ride, Sun May 26th 2013

The morning could scarcely have been better for our fourth May ride around the pathways of the Carine Regional Open Space; clear blue sky, not too hot, not too cold, just a gentle breeze. The venue at the car park by the Mary Ferguson Centre and the Riding for the Disabled Centre in Monyash Road, Carine had grass and shady trees adjacent for a possible good lunch site. Four club members were there for the start, and subsequently two separate circuits of the area were ridden around in this picturesque reserve, which was very well attended by family and sporting groups enjoying their recreation. Our easy riding was done on sealed pathways (apart from one optional short unsealed stretch) which had only a few gentle inclines. Plenty of others were on the pathways: family groups (some with small children on tiny trikes, bikes and scooters); dog walkers; a few other cyclists. It's a popular public venue, so our pace was not hurried, and much bell-ringing was essential. At least our lot did have bells!

Those attending were: Ann Northan (MS 'Family Star' compact); David Northan (MS 'Skidstar); Robert Hunt ('Record' road bicycle 1970s?); Tony Hall (Raleigh 'Stowaway').

David Northan

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The Spokesman

"I felt compelled to make this video after meeting James. He was a very enigmatic man who has taken it upon himself to collect a bicycle from each developmental epoch for future generations to enjoy" Dean Saffron

I simply had to make this video after meeting "James" a very enigmatic man who has taken it upon himself to collect one bicycle from each developmental epoch for future generations to enjoy , a kind of time capsule if you will !

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First outing for the WA Historical Cycle Club-Great Southern

First outing for the WA Historical Cycle Club-Great Southern was held at the Trac Mach Plough Day in Albany May 4th, 2013. It was a very successful event with a lot of people making contact and telling stories of their old bikes. The organisers have already invited us back next year for their 2 day 10th anniversary next year. We hope that some Perth members can book this in their bicycle diaries and join us next year at this event. Murray Gomm

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Bike in the Valley - Apr 28 2013

A fun family bicycle ride through the Swan Valley starting and finishing at Lilac Hill Park (North Pavilion), West Swan Road, Caversham.

This new event for us turned out to be an outstanding success, with some twenty three members and friends turning up, some in period costume, and with over thirty exhibits. The range of HPVs and children's trikes dated from the mid-1800s to the late 1900s had the huge crowd of interested onlookers enthralled. To my mind it was one of the best events that we have had for years.

There were over 600 entries in the ride, from some riders as young as six years of age to octogenarians, and they came in all shapes and sizes, but they all had a love of cycling. Now it is a given thing that some of our longstanding members always turn up to this sort of event with a big selection of machines and memorabilia, but the Bells, Thompsons, Perrys, Phil Harris, all brought more than their share. It was also very heartening to see some of our newer members coming along with their families. This augers well for the future of the Club.

It was a pleasant surprise also for our members to receive a complimentary ticket for the sausage sizzle. This is the first time I think that that has happened, but I believe when we go out of our way to support these events it makes one realise that they appreciate our efforts.

I had asked for members to support this event, but did not expect such a great effort. Thank you, one and all, it is results like this that makes the organisers day

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Tomato Lake small wheel ride Feb 24 2013

The weather was perfect, the venue magnificent, but as we drove to the parking it was a bit alarming to find we were the only ones there. It was at least 20 minutes before another car turned up with a couple of small wheeled bikes on the carrier. Then there was a rush of members turning up with every sort of bike imaginable until there were some 20 members with at least forty different machines.

At least an hour was spent inspecting the vast array of bikes with only a couple of 26" plus models present. Then it was time for several laps of the area around the park, the dual use path also having a great turnout of pedestrians and dogs - all well behaved . Those of our members who had not been to this venue before were staggered by the amount of facilities available for both young and old in such a magnificent setting.

Members present were Tony Hall, Harold and Judy Perry, Phil Harris, Merv and Dawn Thompson, Andrew Blackmore, David and Ann Northam, David Clark, Alan Hind, Rob Frith, Karen Phillips and son Orlando, Tim Eastwood, Walter and Helen Edom and Peter Wells. My apologies if I have missed anyone but I was present due to Simon and Angela Hughes and Douglas. Angela is the one responsible for typing and printing of our newsletters. It was suggested that this event become an annual one, and from the response from members I think that is more than likely.

There were too many varieties of bikes to list them all, a truly amazing array.

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Avon Valley Vintage Fair Mar 30 - Apr 1 2013

The three-day Northam Vintage Fair display was well worth it. The display — particularly Mal's collection of penny-farthings, drew a lot of attention from the steady stream of visitors during the three days — Easter Saturday, Sunday and Monday. A lot of people wanted their photograph taken sitting on a penny farthing or the two trikes, the Columbia or the 1881 trike.

Merv Thompson, Mal and Myrene Bell and Robert Hunt pulled out all the stops for a spectacular display. Mal and Myrene's collection of 19th century bikes, mostly Penny Farthings never fails to enthrall the public.

Robert Hunt's collection of 70's and 80's bikes includes a fascinating Malvern Star customised by his uncle for the specific purpose of speeding across the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Merv Thompson had some of his beautifully restored collection present. A highlight was the pidgeon pair of turn of the century Rovers, one in "as found" condition.

A lot of children were intrigued by Merv's toys and the doll, which was bigger than some of them. Unfortunately they could not try them because of the risk of marking the beautiful timber parquet flooring. Mery did an interview with the local radio station, which was broadcast from the Fair on Saturday. Unfortunately, none of us had a radio handy

Mery had a great time showing people how his four wind up gramophone players worked, including two of the Swing Zing Dance School troupe, who did an impromtu performance to a record.

The Club's area inside the Recreation Centre was about 12 metres by 10 metres square and there was plenty of room for our display.

Those who did the trip were Mal and Myrene Bell, Mery and Dawn Thompson, Harold and Judy Perry and Robert Hunt. Peter Wells visited with his daughters Angela and Ruth, son-in-law Simon and grandson Douglas. Tim Eastwood and Rob Frith brought their machines up by train on the special organised for the event, leaving Perth at 10am and returning from Northam at 4pm.

One comment from a visitor about Robert's 1975 Peugeot Record du Monde: "That's not historic, I had one like that." She looked as though she had worn better than the bike!

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