ORGANISERS of a popular charity bike ride in Coventry will pedal back in time to raise funds for good causes in the area.
The Starley Sportive, which usually attracts around 300 riders and is now in its 12th year, will raise funds for Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice Coventry, University Hospital Coventry, and Warwickshire and Nuneaton BMX Club.
Riders will be encouraged to dress in retro attire to match their bike’s year of manufacture, in homage to cycling heritage and the part Coventry inventors James Starley and his nephew John Kemp Starley played in the development of bicycles.
James was one of the world’s most innovative and successful builders of bicycles and tricycles. His inventions included the differential gear, the perfection of the bicycle chain drive and the world-famous penny-farthing.
John, who moved from London to Coventry to work for his uncle building Ariel cycles, is widely considered the inventor of the modern safety bicycle and made history when he produced the Rover Safety Bicycle – a rear-wheel-drive, chain-driven cycle with two similar-sized wheels, making it more stable than the previous high wheeler designs.
A retro category has been launched for this year’s Starley Sportive, which has raised more than £70,000 for charity since its inception, and is open to riders across all the three routes staged on the day.
Each of the routes will start and finish at George House in Canley, headquarters of the Deeley Group, which organises the event alongside Coventry Road Club.
Ian Court, General Secretary of Coventry Road Club, said: “The Starley Sportive takes its name from a Coventry family that was instrumental in the early evolution of bicycle design and cycling more widely.
“What better way to honour these pioneers – and the period in which their inventions were made – than to open up a retro category and invite our participants to don appropriate period attire for the bikes they are riding.
“It’s a bit of a break from the norm, but promises to be a really nice, eye-catching way to recognise the Starley family, to whom the cycling family owes so much.”
Edward Hudson, Business Development Manager at Deeley Group, added: “If there’s an opportunity to try something a bit different, we’ll take it. And what better way to branch out than by paying homage to the cycling pioneers from whom our event takes its name.
“We can’t wait to see some of the colourful kit worn by riders in the retro category. These will offer a quirky departure from the modern lycra designs, which weren’t really around until very recent times.
“We hope for another great turnout at the event, which promotes health, fitness and community spirit, all while raising funds for great local causes.”
The ride takes place on Sunday September 21.
Fully signed and GPS routes, automatic chip timing and mechanical recovery service will be available to all riders taking part. Food and water stations will be set up on the two longest routes and tea, coffee and cake will be available to all participants after the ride.
Visit www.starleysportive.co.uk for more information and to book a place.
