Hankering for days gone by

 

 

 

Whilst the latest trend in cycling is the uptake of e-bikes, there is also a growing number of people hankering for the ‘good ol days’ of real pedal power and a bit of timeless ‘class’.  It’s apparently a growing scene worldwide, as there’s even been a Retro Open World Championship in Belgium since 2023.

And so it was of no surprise to those in the know about cycling, that 51 intrepid cyclists (some might say “audacious” based on their dress sense) turned up on Sunday in Palmerston North’s George Street to participate in an organised ‘Retro Ride’.  However, unlike the Belgium event, this was not a race (although there were a couple of old racing bikes being ridden) but rather a family, fun day out to ride a short, leisurely 8km loop around the city, including a stint along the Riverbank shared pathway.

Organised by the Greasy Chain Charitable Trust, there was no criteria for the age nor type of bike, nor for the age or type of cyclist! There were bikes ranging from the 1930’s and 40’s with one bike being over 100 years old. And to mix the old classic design with the new e-technology, one rider had converted his 1950’s retro bike into an e-bike.

Age was no barrier, as participants ranged from as young as seven through to some riders who could add a ‘0’ to that seven, and then perhaps some more digits – all enjoying the ambience of ‘things gone by’ as they gathered in George Street along with a local Steam Punker’s group all decked out in their Victorian livery.

Music and entertainment as professional as one could get, was provided through Music Planet by the PNCC Placemaking team.  And there were great prizes for best dressed bike and best dressed rider provided by Palmy BID supporting local businesses, along with spot prizes from Central Bike Studio.

Councillor Brent Barrett, who participated commented, “It was wonderful to see bike culture, creativity and street life celebrated in the heart of the city and I’m stoked to see locals and visitors alike enjoying a social urban ride for all ages and stages; taking in the city’s great biking facilities in the city centre, along the river, and into new areas like Featherston Street”.

A group of vintage enthusiasts came over from Whanganui to participate, one of whom rode a modified penny-farthing bike and as he was also very tall, towered over others on smaller bikes, which made for great photo opportunities.

As Chair of the Greasy Chain Trust Bob Selden, said, “This was the first time that the Retro Ride has been a stand-alone event, as previously it’s been more of a ‘tag-on’ to the annual Gravel & Tar professional cycling races on Saturday of Wellington Anniversary weekend. So, it was a bit of an experiment, and it’s proven that we can have an event such as this in Palmy.”

He continued, “The Trust is keen to keep this an annual event and grow both the participation and supporter numbers exponentially, so that it becomes another ‘must attend’ Palmy event”.

These thoughts were echoed by participant Richard Ward, who said, “Thanks for a great day. The kids and I thoroughly enjoyed it’.  Emma Hoekstra, who won the prize for best dressed cyclist by dressing in the steam punk theme and converting her standard cycling helmet into a top hat, totally agreed, “I’ll be back next year – please make sure it’s on again”.

So, if you’re starting to feel a bit of “tech fatigue” with all those new-fangled electronic gadgets and widgets, then keep your eye out for a cheap old bike that someone may be throwing out.  Give it a bit of a spruce up and enjoy the simple experience of days gone by – for fun and enjoyment.  And as the famous world-champion Belgium professional race cycling icon Eddy Merckx is reported to have said, “Road riding is a ceremony when you’re not making it competitive”. Do it for fun, enjoyment and perhaps to get a bit fitter.

Be ready to enjoy the ceremony of the Retro Ride in 2026.