Imagine six cycling enthusiasts their faces flushed with the thrill of a recent ride. They gathered at the Downs Hotel in Hackney Downs, East London. This was June 22nd 1870. Right here stands a plaque commemorating their decision that day. They formed the Pickwick Bicycle Club.
Why Pickwick? Charles Dickens had just died on June 9th. The name honored the great novelist. The Pickwick Bicycle Club isn’t just old. It’s the oldest cycling club still around. It is also the oldest Dickensian Association. This makes the Pickwick Bicycle Club unique.
Early cycling was an adventure. Members rode bone-shakers or high wheelers. These were also called Ordinarys. After rides the group wanted to socialize. They also wanted to discuss their pastime. So they formed the club.
Records show Mr Johnson was the first chairman. The club even had a uniform. It was a white straw hat with a black and amber ribbon. Mr Kossuth Yeoman became Captain. Mr Lamartine Yeoman was Honorary Secretary.
At the next meeting they formally named the club. It became the Pickwick Bicycle Club. Each member got a nickname. These came from characters in Dickens’ Pickwick Papers. Mr KM Yeoman became Mr Samuel Pickwick. Mr JA Johnson became Mr Alfred Jingle. Mr J Bryant became Tracy Tupman. Mr WE Maverley became Sam Weller. Mr LCB Yeoman became Serjeant Buzfuz. Mr DS Medcalf became Mr Wardle. Today the club committee assigns nicknames. They bestow them on new members at luncheons.
In the early years membership grew slowly. By October 1872 there were only sixteen members. But they enjoyed many outings. The Field newspaper supported cyclists. They reported Pickwick Bicycle Club members rode to Ongar in Essex and back. They did this in about three hours. They used tension bicycles. These were Ordinarys with adjusted spokes. Mr Pickwick and Tracy Tupman rode to Penzance. That was remarkable. The roads were not good for bicycles then.
In 1875 the club made a uniform rule. Members had to wear a black cap with amber piping. This was more practical than straw boaters. The club initiated the Hampton Court Ride. Other cycle clubs participated. The Pickwick Bicycle Club contributed 60-70 riders most years. The event stopped in 1883. It was revived in 2010.
Joseph Atto an early President died in 1918. He left money to fund an annual toast. It was called Past President Joseph Atto’s Toast of Prosperity. They drink the toast in punch. The punch is made from a special recipe. It is served from a silver Punch Bowl. Chelsea Pensioners march the punch bowl to the President’s table. Until 2007 they lit Churchwarden Clay pipes. The Captain commanded Gentlemen you must smoke.
Membership has changed over the years. Since the mid-1970s interest has grown. The club is popular. It offers good fellowship. Members come from cycling backgrounds. William Morris/Viscount Nuffield was a member. He was a motor manufacturer.
In 2020 the club celebrated its 150th anniversary. The Pickwick Bicycle Club has about 200 members. There is a waiting list. The club continues its cycling traditions. It provides an atmosphere of conviviality. It offers good fellowship. As you stand here consider the rich history. The Pickwick Bicycle Club plaque marks a unique legacy.