Six-Day Cycling Marathon Brighton - Glasgow 1946
Posted: Sunday 23rd August 2020
In 1946 Roger Watts along with two friends, Bertie White and Ron Moore (all members of Portsmouth North End CC), cycled to Brighton to see the start of the BLRC organised Brighton to Glasgow race. Roger, who was a keen amateur photographer, took several interesting shots at the start on the Marine Parade, Brighton. He has dismantled his album to allow a scan of the images in order to to reproduce some here. To judge by the images, 1946 must have been the year of the Osgear.
“At last a photo of Johnny Bowles, aged 23, with his bike at the start of the 1946 Brighton to Glasgow race. The initials on his jersey spell M V C – Medway Velo Club. He also participated in the 1948 Brighton to Glasgow race with fellow student Thomas R. Foord. His entry in the programme for that year states ” 57. A. P. C. F. A. BOWLES. Amateur. 2nd. King of the Mountains Brighton-Glasgow 1946. 4th Peak R.R., 1947. Age 24. Research Student. University of London. Studying for a Ph. D. degree. Bantam-weight Boxing Champion of Universities of Great Britain, 1948″.
Bowles was responsible for importing continental frames and equipment whilst a student and then starting up a business importing Fiorelli frames, Campagnolo gears, and Universal brakes from premises at 72 Elms Road, London S.W.4, then above Condor’s shop at 211A Balls Pond Road, N.1. and lastly at 107, Wood Street, Walthamstow, E.17. I believe he stopped trading at the end of 1962 or sometime in 1963.”
Posted: Sunday 23rd August 2020
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