Rare gold bike on show at Swindon Cycle Fest

Visitors to this weekend’s Swindon Cycle Fest will be able to see some of the town’s most unusual bikes on display, including a gold-plated Raleigh and a recumbent bicycle. 

The Raleigh Centenary is a limited edition 24 carat gold-plated road bike, which has never been used.  Only 100 of these bikes were made in 1987 to celebrate the company’s centenary, which were only available to the top Raleigh dealers across the country.

In 1987 the business was run by Mr Mitchell Senior and was in the top three Raleigh suppliers in the country.  The business is now run by his son Andrew together with his wife Janice and son Steven.

Other quirky bikes on show will include a limited edition Kona Eighty-Eight.  Produced for Kona’s 20^th anniversary in 2008, this bike is a copy of the ‘Clunker’ bikes, which were the earliest form of mountain bike. 

Additionally, a recumbent bicycle, where the rider sits in a reclining position, a Beano Chopper, and beach cruiser bikes will be on show.

Janice Mitchell, of Mitchell Cycles who has organised the Swindon Cycle Fest alongside a team of specialist volunteers, said: “Mitchell Cycles has been in business for almost 50 years and over this time we’ve been lucky enough to get a great collection of interesting and unusual bikes.

“We’re looking forward to showing visitors to Swindon Cycle Fest these bikes on Sunday.  It should be a great day out for everyone of all ages.”

Swindon Cycle Fest takes place from 10am until 4pm on Sunday 17 July.  As well as a range of manufacturers showing their different bikes, there will be displays, a stunt rider and bike rides as well as family entertainment including circus skills from Les Theatre des Bicyclettes and Lapis Lizard face painting.  Food and drink will be available from Pothead and Panface, G Brothers Pizza and Ray’s Ice Cream.

For more information on Swindon Cycle Fest, visit www.swindoncyclefest.com or www.facebook.com/swindoncyclefest.