Those of you who follow me on Strava may have noticed I’m riding a very old bike all of the time, I’m even racing on it much to the delight of my fellow athletes. I thought I’d better let you know why I’d handicap myself in this way when I have a shed full of perfectly good carbon…
In 1905, my Great Grandad, Harry Maslen (on the left) set a 12 hour long distance cycling record of 148 miles whilst a member of Bath Cycling Club.
With a lack races to go for this year I decided in a moment of madness (gin may have been involved!) I’d try to equal his record and to do right by Harry, I’d do it on the oldest bike I have, my 3 speed Raleigh Superbe. Stripped down, this former Policemen’s bike from Rutland Constabulary weighs a measly 16KG, 1KG of which is rust and I’m keeping the bell as it will give me something to do.
I’ve done time trial’s, a duathlon, triathlons and lots of training rides on this bike but I’m still some way off 148 miles and I’m starting to realise Harry Maslen was more than a bit handy on a bike and definitely BAD ASS ..He did this 115 years ago on a fixie in tweed! Our lives overlapped by one year and we did meet. I can’t actually remember this but whilst trying to get me to burp over his shoulder he must have passed me the family bicycle pump, a metaphorical baton for the love of bike riding because it’s definitely in the blood.
Weather permitting (the rod brakes are purely decorative in the wet!) I’m going for the 1905 12 hour record on the 19th or 20th of June (next weekend).
To honour the heritage of the record I will riding in a Bath CC jersey (kindly loaned to me by David Stoyle of Bath CC). My shorts (the business end!!) will be Derby Triathlon Club livery to honour my amazing club and my many awesome friends. It’ll all clash terribly but I’ll ride happy!!

I know as triathletes we regularly accomplish feats of endurance but to me this is a bit special, it’s definitely a one off. So in doing this I’d like to try to make a little money in aid of Rainbows Hospice, the only hospice in the East Midlands for children and young people. (
Rainbows.co.uk)
I’ll try to post an idea of my route and the timings nearer the time so if anyone wants to join at any point on the ride that would be awesome. The finish line will definitely be at a pub!