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, loaned by a local collector were :- 1875 Starley & Hillman 48" Ordinary / Penny Farthing, an 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 became The Desford Lane Pedallers Veteran Cycle Club and have since participated in events throughout the UK, Europe and around the World.
Members participated in the First of the current series of International Rallies ( IVCA ) held at Grantham, England in 1981, all riding machines manufactured before 1880 and have attended many since.
Countries around the world in which Veteran Cycle enthusiasts/Clubs etc have hosted the IVCA events were Austria, Australia, Belgium, Czech Rep, England, France, Germany, Holland, Scotland, Switzerland and the USA.
This years IVCA Rally, for the first time is being held in Denmark.

'Pedallers' in particular have become well known for their enthusiasm for riding the 'Ordinary' Bicycle . . . . ( Penny Farthing ) The DLPVCC created and established in 1996, 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 improved the record to 85 machines and riders.
In 2003, two weeks 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 Pedallers 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 and at Tour de France stages.
Members also are regular attendee's of the ORE Club of Belgium, July Retro event.

DLPVCC Club monthly rides start with the New Year ride, the first of which was in 1979 to nearby Peckleton.

Cyclists are welcome on any DLPVCC event . . . but 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 * * R E P O R T S * * * 2 0 0 9 * * * *

Always the first Sunday in September . . The UK National Rally ~ The 53rd Annual rally was from an excellent venue, the Buckinghamshire Railway Centre at Quainton. One hundred and twenty riders and machines enjoyed a full weekend with Pedallers taking three of the ten trophies on offer. A third of the riders rode machines made before the turn of the century, four riding the earliest of bicycles ~ Velocipedes ( Boneshakers )
Hosted for their first time by the Veteran - Historic Cycle & Racing Club, the event was a big success

October 18th the End of Season ride was dedicated to Peter Parker, a founder member who passed away recently.
Starting from the home of Janet & Malcolm in Cossington, Leics, entants enjoyed a fifteen mile ride on a sunny day along typical undulating lanes, visiting Hoby and Thrussington, where stops were taken before returning to Janet & Malcolm's for an excellent buffet lunch.
The Busby Junior Shield was presented jointly to Stephen & Shaneece Franklin prior to their departure with their parents to their home in Suffolk.

November 22nd. Club Luncheon & 'optional' Ride from The Royal Hotel, Ashby de la Zouch, was a huge sucess with members travelling from North Yorkshire, Peterborough and of course from all over Leicestershire to attend. Weather forcast for the morning cycle ride was wet and windy but by delaying the start and shortening the route, riders enjoyed a dry ride and experienced only a head wind on the return from the refreshment stop, taken at the Bull & Lion, Packington.
Returning to The Royal Hotel, the full entourage of members enjoyed a variety of afternoon 'Fare' to the usual high standard.
Club trophies and awards were presented after the meal.


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

A planned repeat of last years successful NEW YEAR Ride when five members rode Ordinaries ( Penny Farthings ) was not possible this year due to Extreme weather conditions. The ride on January 10th from The Countryman Inn, Sharnford, Leics, looked seriously to be in doubt but members turned out in force, ONLY two prepared to ride the snow covered roads on their MTB cycles though . . the others drove and met them at the midway stop at the Pig in Muck, Claybooke Magna before riding or driving back to the Countryman for an excellent afternoon Lunch.

This year due to problems with the venue in 2009 the February 7th Annual General Meeting was held at The Bulls head, Ratby. As in previous years the Officers and Committee were re-elected enbloc, finances were sound and a couple of monthly rides on the calendar of events required organisers.
Main topic of discussion was our Hosting of the 2011 NAVCC National Rally.

April 11th saw this years 'Themed' Costumed Birthday Ride from Ann & Graham Garfield's ( Cops & Robbers ) being one of the most sucessful of all time with forty eight members and friends taking part.
Cops just about ruled the day numberwise being in excess of the Robbers. Period Police uniforms ~ originals from Belgium and the UK gave the event that added touch as against the humourous costumes worn by most.
Members travelled far to attend . . six came from Belgium and two from Holland to help celebrate Graham's seventy fifth and enjoy Ann's magnificent buffet.

May 1st UVBE Invitation Event from Contres, France ~ riders enjoyed a pleasant flat route in warm sunny weather, taking stops en-route. One was at a very modern wineyard where after the usual 'tasting' ~ stock of a particular white wine sold out very quickly.
You might ask how do cyclists carry several cases of wine, well we were being followed by an empty sagg wagon, which very quickly became full.
A lengthy lunch stop was taken in splendid surroundings at the Contres's town sports centre before cycles were loaded for the return to Blois.
Inside the centre the UVBE members had organised a display of cycles ranging from boneshakers to modern machines.

June 19th / 20th NAVCC / CTC York Rally Contact Jane & Cliff ( Waiting for report )

The SUMMER JAUNT on June 27th was again from The Globe, Snarestone, Leics. Host Jack and Ellis, grandson of Jack on a 1930's tandem led the riders away up through the village of Snarestone before the right turn to Shakerstone. Sonia, Jack's normal 'stoker' was on this occasion relegated to a solo machine.
In very hot weather the group rode pretty well the proposed route for our 2011 National Rally which upon completion received full approval from the riders. Brian, riding his 1884 Quadrant tricycle even managed to extended the ride a mile or so, when after finally finding his gloves at the last refreshment stop, he took the wrong turning back to Snarestone.

July 10th and 11th saw yet another wonderful weekend of cycling organised by Eric & Ria of the Belgium, ORE club.
The event known as the Velogebeuren Retro Rally takes place from Ettelgem, Belgium and comprised of two 30km rides on Saturday and Sunday with very welcome stops to taste the nectar of the region, known as trappist or Abbye beer . . some riders enjoyed a cup of coffee but then it was their choice.
Thanks again to all of the 'team' for making it yet again a wonderful weekend in Belgium with French, German, Dutch, English and home based riders. Now truly estabished as an annual euro international event.

July 25th ~ The now annual PICNIC RIDE from Market Bosworth Country Park enjoyed a warm but not too sunny day. Only one stop was made at the Hercules, Sutton Cheney before riding back to the Park for a leisurely picnic. During the afternoon a glass of Champagne was raised to toast Tony P. for reaching his seventieth, and a gift was presented to him, from the 'Pedallers' by Stuart W.
Madeleine and Tony as hosts would like to express their thanks to all who attended.

August 22nd AUTUMN LEAVES The Grainstore Brewery, Oakham, Rutland, 10:30for 11:00 start. Hosted by Cess & Stuart

September 5th NAVCC 54th National Rally Croston, Lancs
Hosted by the Northern Counties V&CCC

October 17th END of SEASON Cossington 10:30 for 11:00 am
Hosted by Janet & Malcolm

November 21st LUNCHEON & Optional Ride The Royal Hotel, Ashby de la Zouch Ride starts at 11:30 with coffee served from 11:00 am.
Lunch at 2:00 pm.

For full information / National Entry form etc . .
contact :- Madeleine Pickering
Hon Sec.
E-mail:- pickeringmad@aol.com
or 0116 2841881
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Links to DESFORD LANE PEDALLERS
http://homepages.tesco.net/~D.A.Y/desfordlane.html