The WA Historical Cycle Club travelled to Collie with their collection of bicycles on the weekend to coincide with the Collie to Donnybrook and Return Cycling Classic.
The display showcased restored and partially restored bicycles of historical interest which formed part of the clubs extensive collection.
The club has bikes from as early as the eighteenth century, as well as a collection of the well-known Penny farthing cycle, a selection of which was displayed on Saturday in Collie.
The club’s collection is made up of bikes on loan from individual members and ones that are owned by the club as a collective, and some of their collection is housed at the Whiteman Park motor Museum in Perth.
Club member and keen bicycle restorer Phil Harris said the club operates on a shared passion for bicycle history and keeping that interest alive through restoring bikes.
“We are trying to preserve the history and show people what the restoration is about,” he said.
“It’s a hobby restring these cycles, and it’s a good cycle club to be part of.”
“A lot of people in the club have a lot of knowledge about cycles and their history, so it is good to be able to share this information.”
Mr Harris said the popularity of cycling and bikes has soared in the past 5 years and it has reignited many peoples passion of preserving this important part of history.
“It’s amazing how in the past 5 years the popularity of bikes has soared,” he said.
“Restoring these bikes is a good way to recycle as well; nowadays there are too many bikes that end up on landfill.”
“We often restore bikes and take them to auction to help raise funds for the club, or keep them for the collection.”
Founded in 1999 the WA Historical Cycle Club aims to bring together cyclists and collectors and fosters an interest in bicycles of historical interest.
Mr Harris said new members are always welcome to join.
“We welcome anyone who has a historical interest in bikes to get involved with the club,” he said.
Club members also collect and preserve cycling memorabilia such as; photographs, race programs, and workshop tools, anything that forms a part of the cycling history of WA.
The club also meet for social rides in both Perth and Albany, and host ride days, workshops, and exhibitions.
For more information head to historicalcycleclub.com.au
