Heritage cycle collecting grandfather, 63, hopes Le Tour will spark historic interest

A grandfather with a passion for cycling history is hoping his collection of almost 100 heritage cycles will inspire others ahead of the Tour de France.
By The Newsroom
Published 11th Jun 2014, 06:00 BST
Collector Graham Reed with an 1868 French Velocipede bike. Picture by James HardistyCollector Graham Reed with an 1868 French Velocipede bike. Picture by James Hardisty
Collector Graham Reed with an 1868 French Velocipede bike. Picture by James Hardisty

Retired Leeds council officer Graham Reed has spent nearly 50 years amassing a two-wheeled archive spanning over a century, and hopes his collection can inspire an appreciation of the history of cycling as Le Tour visits on July 5 and 6.

The 63-year-old, who displayed bikes in Leeds during the Grand Depart bidding process, has everything from an 1886 High Wheeler – better known as the Penny Farthing – to a Boneshaker – French Velocipede – which dates back to around 1868.

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He said: “It’s important for people to see them because they are nice pieces of history. It’s no good having machines that can’t be seen by the public.”

Mr Reed currently has a handful of bicycles on display at Horsforth Museum, in Leeds, but is hoping more of his collection will be displayed around the county ahead of the Grand Depart.

The YP wants to champion communities that have gone the extra mile to transform their neighbourhoods for Le Tour.

To nominate your area as Best Dressed village, town or city/community email [email protected] with a 500 word statement and up to three pictures by June 26 to win six Team Presentation tickets.

Related topics:Leeds