www.dlpvcc.co.uk

Welcome to the ~

** D E S F O R D ** L A N E ** P E D A L L E R S **

. . . . . Veteran Cycle Club . . . . .

President: Mrs Susan Busby
Secretary: Mrs Madeleine Pickering

Leicesterhire based, the DLPVCC originated in 1976 when Five neighbours all living on Desford Lane, Ratby were introduced to the pleasure of riding early cycles when they participated in the 1976 Ratby Village 'Crow Pie' carnival.
The Bicycles ridden that day, on loan from a local collector were :- 1875 Starley & Hillman 48" Ordinary / Penny Farthing, 1885 Mazzeppa Dwarf Ordinary, 1890 Hillman Herbert & Cooper Premier Solid Tyred Safety, 1891 Quadrant Bicycle and a 1900c Dursley Pederson.
Three of the neighbours, Sue Busby, Brian March and Tony Pickering are still very much involved with the Club today.

In 1980 the group affiliated to the National Association of UK Veteran Cycle clubs and became The Desford Lane Pedallers Veteran Cycle Club.
Since then members have participated in events throughout the UK, Europe and around the World. They participated in the First of the current series of International Rallies ( I.V.C.A. ) held at Grantham, England in 1981, all riding machines manufactured before 1880 and most of the Annual IVCA rallies since.
Countries around the world in which Veteran Cycle enthusiasts/Clubs etc have hosted the IVCA events were Austria, Australia, Belgium, Czech Rep, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Holland, Scotland, Switzerland and the USA.

The UK's most prestigious Veteran Cycle event ~ The annual NAVCC National Rally was hosted by The Club in 1983, 1992 and 2002, each time in different area's of Leicestershire and to date had the highest total entry of two hundred and fifty entrants in 1992.
We proudly host this event again this September from The Odd House, Snarestone, yet again in a different part of Leicestershire.

The DLPVCC ~ 'Pedallers' in particular have become well known for their enthusiasm for riding the 'Ordinary' Bicycle . . . . ( Penny Farthing ) and in 1996 created and established the first Guinness World Record for a 'Penny Stack' when a free standing line of Fifty-Eight members sat stationary upon their machines for the required time. In 2000 the Velocipede Society of Tasmania increased the line to 69 and became the new GWR holders, then the following year the U.S.A. Wheelmen took the record to 85 machines and riders.
In 2003, before the UK Enthusiasts record attempt, the 'Wheelmen' established a circle ( line ? ) of 103 machines and riders at their Golden Colorado Meet, which was not ratified.
Two weeks later the current world record, which stands at One Hundred and Thirty One riders and machines, was established by U.K.Ordinary Enthusiasts at the Abbey Park, Leicester, the DLPVCC being the event co-ordinators and organisers.

During 1984, the Pedallers twinned with a similar minded French group of veteran cycle enthusiasts ~ the Union Velocipedique Belle Epoque, based in the beautiful Loire Valley region of France. As guests of the UVBE, Pedallers have ridden and displayed their cycles at many events throughout Europe including a number of times at Tour de France stages
Members also are regular attendee's of the ORE Club of Belgium, July Retro event which has become in the last few years, a mini International meet with entrants from various European Countries.

In 2007 members featured strongly in the highly acclaimed BBC4 TV programme Thoroughly Modern ~ The Bicycle, which has been broadcast many times since.

DLPVCC Club monthly rides start with the New Year ride held normally on the first or second Sunday after New Years Day. The first of which was in 1979 from Ratby to the village of Peckleton and has been held every year since no matter what the weather, from and to various Leicestershire venues.

Cyclists are welcome on any DLPVCC event . . . we would ask that you ride as early a bicycle as possible, as it is by maintaining, using and riding these early machines that we primarily enjoy our hobby and at the same time provide further enjoyment for the public who when ever we are out riding are able to see a mobile pagent of early transport.

* * * Happy riding and we look forward to seeing you during the year

MEMBERS PLEASE NOTE . . . Entry forms for the NAVCC National Rally and Affiliated Clubs Open Rallies, are normally available in April. For these and for any further Club details, please contact Madeleine Pickering ( Secretary )
E-mail :- pickeringmad@aol.com
S.A.E. for entry forms please...

* * * * E V E N T S ** 2 0 1 1 * * * *

NEW YEAR Ride on January 9th from the COUNTRYMAN, Sharnford, Leicestershire enjoyed glorious sunshine although in places where the sun had not reached the road surface it was a little slippery. Nevertheless twenty members, two riding Ordinaries, first took coffee at 11:00 before leaving on a circular route calling enroute at the Pig in Muck, then returning to the Countryman for a splendid afternoon lunch.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING held on Sunday February 6th at The Bulls Head, Ratby . . saw a good turn out of members which resulted in a enjoyable meeting. Previous years Officers and Committee were re-elected en-bloc.
Club Funds were healthy, membership subscription therefore remained the same . . (No VAT increase here) Date for the April event was moved to the 10th in order NOT to clash with the Boston VBC rally. Our Hosting of this year's National Rally was the main topic of open discussion.

April 17th Boston VBC Open Rally saw a group of Pedaller's making the journey to Skegness where they enjoyed a splendid ride in and around the town, returning eventually to the start venue for lunch.
After lunch four Pedallers received awards for their machines and costume's.

April 30th & May 1st . . . Invitation Event ~ 30th Anniversary Celebration Rally of UVBE at La Chaussee St Victor ~ Blois, France.
The Saturday ride was along quiet roads on the south of the Loire river stopping after 20km's for a mid-day stop for lunch. Our return route was on a wonderful cycle track running along side the bank of the Loire.
Sunday involved no cycles but instead entrants enjoyed a splendid full afternoon barbeque at the UVBE President's country cottage.

June 1st to 5th . . . IVCA 31st Annual Rally . . La Ferte Imbault, France.
A full programme of rides, races and French fare made this event a marvellous experience. Even the tropical thunderstorm at the end of the costumed ride on the last day could not damped the ambience of the event.
The organisers, Alain & Martine Cuvier (UVBE) who took the event on after Slovakia pulled out of organising the event, should be congratulated for their committment in making this one of the best International rallies ever.

June 26th . . Sonia & Jack's Summer Jaunt . . The Globe, Snarestone, Leicestershire saw a climb out of Snarestone to the right turn along Derby Lane, thereafter the route was for Leicestershire quite flat.
Two restored/rebuilt cycles suffered teething problems but their riders swopped 'steeds' and continued the fourteen mile route with the other members, stopping twice for refreshments enroute.
Lunch after the ride was the usual 'Globe' fare and the weather was typically sunny and warm for a Pedallers ride.

July 9th & 10th . . ORE ~ Velogebeuren Retro Rally, Ettelgem, Belgium. Two thirty Km plus rides on both days saw a multi national group stop to enjoy several 'tasting's' along the routes.
The ORE organisers never fail in surprise us with the variety of stops and the attention of the motorcycle, cycle and scooter police escorting us around Oustende was brilliant.
Just like France the public in the towns and villages appreciated and accepted our presence giving us a warm welcome where ever we rode.
But then Belgium is a CYCLING country !!

July 24th . . Picnic Ride from Market Bosworth Country park was a 'SCORCHER' in every way.
Thanks for the entertainment Lads . . Ellis and Lawrence that is !!!

September 2nd to 4th ~ the 55th UK NAVCC NATIONAL Rally held from The ODD HOUSE, Snarestone, Leicestershire saw an entry of 162 riders participate over the weekend in a Free & Easy ride on the Saturday and the Costumed National Rally ride on the Sunday.
The event enjoyed good weather, excellent meals at the Odd House, evening entertainment, a perfect campsite and a fantastic refeshment stop in the village of Carlton, on the Sunday. Here riders and villagers spent an hour tasting Ann Garfield's array of cakes and cookies, Belgium beer, tea and coffeee served by our genial hosts, Mr & Mrs Peat whilst everyone, including two cycle mounted Policemen gathered in the extensive gounds for a welcome break.
Led by a 1901 pioneer motorcar, the cyclists experienced the undulating Leicestershire country lanes, most completing the eleven mile route after a second stop at Leicestershires Oldest Inn, the Belper Arms at Newton Burgoland.
After a very tasty Sunday carvery at the Odd House, entrants gathered in the campsite for the NAVCC awards, five of which were awarded to members of the DLPVCC.
In the words of our President, Sue Busby . . an Average Do !!

October 16th . . Trevor's Trail . . from The Royal Oak, Car Colston in a cycle perfect area of Nottinghamshire.
A very good route took us to two 'pubs' en-route where at both we were made very welcome, returning for a afternoon lunch from the extensive menu of the Royal Oak . . a MUST for a return visit next season.
Thanks Trev & Lynn.

November 20th . . Club Luncheon and 'optional' morning ride once again was from The Royal Hotel, Ashby de la Zouch. Over twenty gathered for coffee prior to the ride which due to the cold and inclement weather did not start until 11:45. A five mile circular route brought riders back to the Royal after taking one brief stop en-route to quench a few thirsty throats. Non-riding members and two special guests:- Stephen Downham ~ President Of the NAVCC, and Bridget Ellis who was presented with a 80th birthday cake from the DLPVCC and the Peterborough VCC (Bridget holds the distinction of attending every National Rally since the series began in 1957) joined the riders and swelled the attendance enjoying the excellent afternoon fare.
The 2011 awards, presented by Sue Busby and announced by Madeleine Pickering were awarded to :- Twycross Trophy ~ Tony Pickering. The Pneumatic Cup ~ Richard Lovell. Pam Keogh Rose Bowl ~ Ann Garfield. Square Wheel ~ Malcolm Collins and the Busby Junior Shield ~ Lawrance Remington which was actually presented at the End of Season Ride.


2012
NEW YEAR RIDE from the Countryman Inn, Sharnford. Meet at 11:00 for a pre-ride warm and coffee. After a seven mile ride riders will return to the Countryman for afternoon lunch.

Feb 5th A.G.M.

Further details for any event, please contact :- Madeleine Pickering, Hon Sec.
E-mail:- pickeringmad@aol.com
or 0116 2841881

updated 28/11/11 . . Ahcp
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Links to DESFORD LANE PEDALLERS
http://homepages.tesco.net/~D.A.Y/desfordlane.html