Classic Cycle Group

Welcome to The Classic Cycle Group Bexhill-on-Sea, East Sussex)

The Classic Cycle Group is closely associated with The Bexhill Wheelers and The Bexhill Museum. We are a group of enthusiastic cyclists who are passionate about our rather ancient antique bicycles, enjoy slow, responsible cycling and occasionally wear vintage clothing for events in the spirit of Edwardian nostalgia.

For photos & videos of previous events, click here.

OUR AIMS:

To encourage a historical cycling activity group for Classic, Veteran and Vintage cycle owners interested in gentle slow-paced, responsible cycling.
To participate in local events and opening ceremonies, raising funds for Bexhill Museum when possible.
To source old bicycles to support the Bexhill Museum. (If you know of an unused old bicycle or old parts, please let us know).
To promote healthy exercise and the social benefits of cycling.
To organise cycle rides in the spirit of nostalgic Bygone Bexhill.
To have fun in an environmentally friendly manner.
“When the spirits are low, when the day appears dark, when work becomes monotonous, when hope hardly seems worth having, just mount a bicycle and go out for a spin down the road, without thought on anything but the ride you are taking” (Arthur Conan Doyle’s dictum).

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Do I have to wear costume at all rides? No, for most events just ordinary modern cycle wear is fine, but there are some events where historical clothing appropriate to the period of the bicycle or event is definitely encouraged to create the right spirit of the occasion. Just click on the events tab, and check the “Dress code” suggestions for each event.
Is there a membership fee? No, we are not a club however, there are a few costs such as CCT insurance, and regular participants are encouraged to contribute a modest donation to help with these costs but it is not mandatory.
Can I turn up to an event just in costume without a bicycle? Yes of course. In fact there are several in the group who turn up in magnificent historical attire but don’t even possess a bicycle! Just check the events tab to make sure that the event is based at a central location, or you may feel a bit awkward if the rest of the group cycles off in the distance leaving you alone all dressed up with nowhere to go!
Does my bicycle qualify as a classic bicycle? We really are not too purist or fanatical in The Classic Cycle Group. The whole idea is to enjoy the ride, however we do try to encourage pre-1980 Classic Bicycles, Tricycles, Tandems, Retro or classic reproductions. We have five categories of bicycle within the Classic Cycle Group:

Class 1: Pre-1918 (including transitional motorised bicycles)
Class 2: Pre-1944
Class 3: Pre-1980
Class 4: Retro or Reproduction (acceptable)
Class 5: After 1980 Contemporary

I am concerned that I may get left behind or may feel embarrassed if I am unfit? Most of us enjoy slow cycling and use heavy, old bicycles - hence the short mileage rides, and nobody will be left behind. Someone will always take the rear guard and stay with the slowest rider. Our oldest participant is over 80 years young, and of course children are welcome to participate too. Speedy, fit cyclists with lighter bicycles are encouraged to take a longer route to burn off energy and meet us later at the point of our social gathering.
I would like to participate, but I haven’t got a classic bicycle. If you don’t have a classic bicycle, don’t worry - it is amazing what a few ribbons and flags, an old tomato box or wicker basket and a little imagination can do to dress a bicycle to look oldy-worldy, and if you are looking for an old bicycle, we may be able to point you in the right direction.
I would like to participate but I don’t have any vintage clothes. One of the best sources is the Lanes in Brighton where there is plenty of choice. Also there are one or two excellent specialist vintage clothing shops in Bexhill, and of course the charity shops in Bexhill are a wonderful source too.
Do you distribute flyers and leaflets or attend weddings, commercial opening ceremonies, film sets or special occasions in costume? Yes, usually weekends only and provided we are not already booked.

OUR EVENTS:

Events are listed on the events tab of this website.
Join us the second Sunday of each month 2.00pm at the Bexhill Railway Station for a leisurely ‘Tweed & Tea Family Ride’ (please wear something “tweedy”) when we finish at one of many favorite seafront cafes, pubs or restaurants (see events). Bicycles class 1-5 (see chart below).
or the last Tuesday of each month 7.30pm at The Sackville, De La Warr Parade, Bexhill TN40 1LS where we join the Bexhill Wheelers for a social gathering (casual attire) and discuss how far we have progressed in our aims, plan events and rides, and also find out the latest news of cycling in Bexhill. (see events)
or for a short family ride (casual attire) every Tuesday meeting 6.30pm in the De La Warr Car Park (see events). Bicycles class 1-5 (see chart below)

To receive our occasional email updates of events, email us at info@classiccyclegroup.co.uk requesting to be subscribed.

* CATEGORIES OF BICYCLE:

Class 1: Pre-1918 (including transitional motorised bicycles)

Class 2: Pre-1944

Class 3: Pre-1980

Class 4: Retro or Reproduction (acceptable)

Class 5: After 1980 Contemporary
(May not be acceptable for some rides. Check “events”)