British racing history

[BigAl68]

Well where do I start. It turns out my house mates grandfather was very heavily involved in the British racing scene being involved in the BLRC from day one. I have been loaded a small part of his mum's collection that her father collected from the 1930s through to the 1960s. His name is WC Rains and he was so involved with the developing professional scene that he got her a job working as Tom Simpson au pair in the late 60s up to his death. Here is a picture of a few of he things she has loaned me. Going to be a lot of reading, can't wait.

 

[dan_bo]

Yowser. Jammy get.

 

[Dayvo]

Yes, there's something about nostalgia in cycling that you don't find in many other sports.

Enjoy your reading.

 

[BigAl68]

We all know they liked a steak, cigar and some amphetamine...

 

[BigAl68]

And then my mate brings this down from his bedroom.

The peace race trophy from 1952... What the actual.....

 

[biggs682]

View attachment 92148 And then my mate brings this down from his bedroom.

The peace race trophy from 1952... What the actual.....

wow what a find

 

[Dayvo]

Once you've finished that lot, you might be interested in this book, http://www.amazon.co.uk/In-Pursuit-Stardom-Nomades-Anglais/dp/1874739412, which deals with the day-to-day existence of three young English cyclists trying to earn a living in the competitive world of European cycling.

 

[RedRider]

What a fascinating haul. Great stuff.
One of my work colleagues is related to a British racing pioneer from the very early days and I posted about it here if you're interested...

https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/cycling-in-the-year-1887.177477/#post-3622879

 

[BigAl68]

wow what a find

It was this win that the BLRC then used to persuade the UCI to allow a British team to go and race in the tour etc.

 

[midlife]

Wow, just out if curiosity what's the date if the cycling mag in the picture?

Shaun

 

[Dogtrousers]

Wow, just out if curiosity what's the date if the cycling mag in the picture?

Shaun

Using my extensive historical knowledge of Belgian cycling, I'd guess at May 14 1966. Just a stab in the dark.

(It's printed at the top).

 

[BigAl68]

Found this signed picture of Frank Southall whilst looking through the old cuttings etc this morning. Lovely old hercules probably around 1930

 

[AndyRM]

Tres cool!