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Everything
about the British cycling museum is historic.
More
than 400 cycles are housed in a Victorian railway station in Camelford.
The museum is owned by John and Sue Middleton who have been passionate
about two, three and four wheel bikes for many years.
"We
opened the museum on 17th April 1992," says John. "Everything
on show is from our private collection. I am forever adding to it."
Not
only are there enough bikes to make every person yearn for their
childhood again, but more than 400 enamel advertising signs showing
nostalgic slogans like "Mummy I want a Raleigh for my birthday."
"All
my bikes have stories behind them," explains John. "People
could spend all day looking at the exhibits and many do!"
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| A frame
persil wheel bike that set pulses racing at an auction. |
One
of the popular exhibits in the museum is an example of a frame persil
wheel bike, not the most attractive item on show but one with a
fascinating story.
"A
similar example came up for auction recently," explains John.
"It has a wooden seat, unreliable wheels and no brakes, yet
it went for £90,000 in a London auction. It was unbelievable!"
John
has his favourites, all are special but when asked to pick out one
he walks towards the front of the museum.
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| One of
John's favourites - the 1870 quadracycle. |
"I
love this gentleman's bike," he says pointing to a four wheeled
bike. "This is a quadracycle from 1870. You can pedal both
back and forwards. The only problem with this bike is that it is
very heavy. It wouldn't be much use for cycling the hills of Cornwall."
New
people are discovering the joys behind the old railway station doors
in Camelford year on year. Many who came when it first opened a
decade ago have returned annually since. We have produced a gallery
of some of the many bikes on show at the museum.
Visit the gallery.
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