Page 5 - PBCOctober2012

Pickwick Bicycle Club Magazine. Volume 9 No.3 October 2012
5

Benson Veteran Cycle Club Annual Rally

nd
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The 52 running of the Benson Veteran Cycle Club Rally took place on Sunday 1 July.
Although rain was forecast and there were a few clouds overhead, the day was fine although a
little on the cool side with at times a stiff wind, but the temperature helped the ride generally.

The ride followed the usual route, including a morning pit-stop at a large, luxurious private house
where soft drinks and beer was served which all riders need after climbing the hills around Benson
RAF Base.

There then followed a ride through the local countryside, including one or two switchback hills
which are fine for those with pneumatic tyred bikes with gears, but somewhat of a struggle for
those on solid tyres, fixed wheels, no gears, etc.

Lunch was taken at the usual stop and then a gentle afternoon ride back on less undulating roads
back to Benson for prize giving, raffle, etc.

The Club was
represented by 5
members; Bailie Mac
riding a Raleigh from
1928, Bulman riding a
Dursley Pedersen of
1913, Alfred Jingle on a
Sunbeam safety of
1928, Mr Brookes riding
a Clincher wheeled
safety of 1893 and
Samuel Pickwick on a
French Chamaret
safety cycle of 1899.
Bailie Mac’s wife, Diane
joined us riding her
Raleigh of 1925.

It is a pity that more club
members do not join this most enjoyable day in the Oxfordshire countryside. Whilst to enter the
rally, all bikes must be before 1929; there are a number of other cyclists who join in and enjoy
the camaraderie.

Report by Samuel Pickwick, Esq., Photo by Di. Morris (aka Mrs.Bailley Mac Something).