SOLENT VETERAN BICYCLE & TRICYCLE CLUB OFFICIAL WEBSITE
A Brief History
The Solent Veteran Bicycle & Tricycle Club was formed in August 1987 and is one of the newer cycle clubs. It was started with the aim of encouraging the restoration and use of vintage cycles by organising regular local rides, and taking in a place of interest during the ride. Membership is open to anyone with a interest in early cycles.
The club tries to organise a cycle ride most months of the year. In the past few years events like The Victoria Day at Portsmouth Dockyard, The Traditional Boat Rally at Henley and The Great Dorset Steam Fair have all been attended. These and many other events, both large and small. We also get together with other vintage cycle clubs rallies.
39th National Rally was Hosted by The SVBTC
In 1993 the club hosted the 39th National Rally. This was held at The Royal Victoria County Park on the shore of Southampton Water. This rally was a two day event with cycle jumble, boat trips, barn dance and an auction. This together with a then record 40 penny stack.
For anyone reading this web page, thinking what’s a penny stack? This penny stack was made with forty ordinaries with their riders sat on the stationary cycles, They were then supported by the bike along side till the full 40 were able to support each other with no out-side help. These stacks have got bigger as the years have gone by.
The 1994 Tour de France
In 1994 the the Tour de France came to Portsmouth and the Solent Veteran Bicycle & Tricycle Club put on a “ride and display” of over 50 cycles, with the riders all in the appropriate costumes for the bikes they were riding. This was at the start and at the finish point of this great race.
We’re Still Growing
The Club has carried on with this flying start to its vintage cycle life and its members ride in all the main events of the other clubs. The SVBTC is still growing and we’re pleased to have already signed up some new members this year and look forward to welcoming them at future events. If you have an interest in early cycles then please do get in touch.