Knutsford boasts its own collection
of antique cycles which are housed in the Penny Farthing Museum
at the Courtyard Coffee House.
THE
KNUTSFORD GREAT RACE
The Knutsford Great Race is a unique event which takes place
in Knutsford once every decade and was inaugurated by the Cheshire
Wheel Men in 1980. The event is a three hour long race with competitors
on antique bicycles, Penny Farthings, riding solo and in relay
teams.
The third event of this kind took place on the
Moor in Knutsford on a rainy Sunday afternoon, the 24th of September
2000. Actor David Soul of Starsky & Hutch fame, standing in for
local MP Martin Bell started the Great Race at 2pm by firing a Blunderbuss,
an antique gun in keeping with the historic feel of the days events.
The proceedings ran from 1pm, when competitors began their warm
up, until 5.15pm when town mayor Jennifer Holbrook presided over
the giving out of prizes at the awards ceremony.
The full programme of events included two heats for the 'Boneshaker
World Championship Dash' followed by the 'Boneshaker Final'. Only
iron shod, wooden wheeled bikes made between 1869 and 1971 were
allowed to take part in this race.
Farthing Facts
The Penny Farthing is referred
to by purists as the 'High' or 'Ordinary' bicycle, and the first
of its kind was invented in 1871 by James Starley.
The Penny Farthing superceded the 'Hobbyhorse', and the 'Velocipede'
or 'Boneshaker' as the first really efficient bicycle, consisting
of a small rear wheel and large front wheel pivoting on a simple
spine like tubular frame with tyres of rubber.
Large distances at high speed could be covered in relevant comfort.
They were not totally safe however, and practice was required
to mount, ride and dismount.
The driving wheels varied in size up to 60" in diameter. The buyer
would choose the size in relation to his/her own height, so for
example, a man of 5' 10" would normally ride a 54" wheel. Very
tall men used the largest wheels.
The Penny Farthing was king of the road for over 20 years before
the 'Safety Bicycle' came along.
On
your marks...
get
set...
The main event of the day, the Great Race itself, came next.
This three hour test of skill for experienced Penny Farthing
riders was only open to high wheel models.
This year's race attracted 76 entrants, - 16 solo riders
and 14 four member relay teams. The two types of competitors
faced different problems - solo riders had to pace themselves
over the three hour period, while teams had to ensure that
no time was lost when changing riders.
Among those taking part in the races this
year were 9 year old Samantha Malseed from Colchester riding
a Boneshaker, women's world champion Nicky Armstrong from Australia,
who won the Great Race of the day riding solo, and Glynn Stockdale
of the Cheshire Wheel Men, who took part in both events. Other
attractions throughout the afternoon included hot air balloon
flights and a show of vintage cars, and money raised by the
event on this occasion, totalling more than £6,000, went to
the charity The Children's Society.
It was available in a wide range of finishes
and specifications and was popular with the wealthy until the
motor car took over.
Local Area
The main event of the day, the Great Race itself, came next.
