Page 4 - PBCMarch2021

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Pickwick Bicycle Club Magazine Volume 18 No.1 March 2021 4

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Mr Pickwick’s cycling adventures during the pandemic.

Whether it was just luck or good judgement, I
was delighted to take delivery of two new
bicycles in December 2019 which have both kept
a smile on my face during the ‘annus horribilis’ of
2020! Firstly, approaching my 70th year of life, I
felt it was time to get a little assistance to help
keep up with younger riders, especially on the
ascents. With the help of The Chancery Prisoner
(Peter Hargroves) I ordered my Specialized S-
Mr Pickwick’s Specialized S-Works Turbo Creo SL
Works Turbo Creo SL Founders Edition. It is a Founders Edi=on
beautiful machine, and I love it! At speeds above
15mph the power is all me, but below 15mph I get a little assistance from my friend with 3
power options to help when the going gets tough. During lockdown, with quiet roads, I smiled
all the way around the countryside riding 30-40 miles and never getting below 50% battery
life. The ride is brilliant, beautifully balanced, and certainly encouraged me to ride more as
the experience is so enjoyable.

My second new bicycle is the first ever folding
Penny Farthing in the World! Made in Australia by
Dan Bolwell, it is a true work of art with nickel
plated frame and copper plated hubs which all folds
into a suitcase for travel! I call my Penny Farthings
my ‘smile bikes’ because everyone I pass smiles, and
I do too! During the pandemic it achieves perfect
2m social distancing while riding around
Southampton and lifts the spirits of all who see me
– or perhaps they just laugh!

Tally Ho!

Stay safe and carry-on cycling!

Mr Pickwick Stuart Mason-Elliott