Glory Days! Velo Vintage, No Lights No Lycra and the Next Handmade Arcade!

VELO-VINTAGE!

If you read my rather excitable previous post you should be well aware that Velo Vintage - the first Vintage Bike ride to take place in the South West happened just this past Sunday, A fine and splendid affair which attracted people from way across the country to join in a celebration of all things vintage with, of course, an emphasis on the magic and grace of bicycles from times gone past, their slim and beautiful frames could be seen and indeed heard as gears clicked and brakes squeaked along the Exe Estuary bike route from Exmouth to Topsham!

The lovely Ella Howard, who won best dressed female - even though she left her rollers in! Scrumptious...

Photograph by Matt Wilson 

Only the modern cameras and Iphones gave the game away!

The day was organised by lovely gents Alistair and Sebastian Cope who did a fine job of creating the perfect event! The sun shone (not sure how they managed to wangle that one) and the day was adorned with a wonderful trip to the most delightful of pubs - The Bridge Inn in Topsham - where pie and cheese awaited to replenish and real ale and cider was enjoyed by the banks of the River, before we hopped back on our trusty cycles and pedaled our way past crowds of rather bemused onlookers and fellow modern cyclists across the coastline with views of the sweeping Devon Countryside beyond..

Photograph by Hanson Leatherby

 Warm and cosy living room style fit for the queen herself at The Bridge Inn..

We also had the opportunity to pop into Bikelands - the most fabulous of bike shops whose shelves and walls are not only graced by a variety of beautiful bikes but also bicycle themed illustrated and graphic prints, cards and magazines, the most brilliant accessory's to personalise your fine steed with bells, stickers and fantastic books documenting some of the most amazing and drool worthy bicycles ever made! I picked up some fun colourful spoke beads and a pack of gorgeous bike shaped wire bookmarks... I will return for a ladybird shaped bell and to let my eyes take in the splendor of their fine collection of Velo's as soon as possible!

 The Ban Bicycle protest outside Bikelands..

Ooooooooh the treasures! A beautiful Guvnor Bicycle! - The Guvnor's Assembly joined us for the ride!

West Quarter Vintage Shops The Real McCoy, Hangar 124 and Relevant by Lady Lace proved invaluable in the search for our rather dapper outfits! 

 Nathan looking dapper! Photography by me.

Photograph by James Millar

We headed back to Exmouth Strand where after a few laps around the square we settled down for a traditional Devon Cream tea and listened to some good old fashioned vinyl! Perfect!

Here's a few snaps of a very jolly No Guts No Glory day out.. thanks to the photographers for capturing some lovely images and to everyone for turning up - donning their finest attire and getting involved in what will surely become a fantastic and welcome regular event!

Team No Guts No Glory!

Leisurely ride?! Pah! It was a race in my mind....

Got to love the dashing Polka dot and Brogue Combination!

Keep an eye on Velo Vintage for more details - perhaps even give them a "like" to stay up to date with future happenings!

Last week I also ventured to a little black box in the phoenix to participate in the highly enjoyable "No Lights No Lycra" a full hour of dancing in the dark for just £2! So much fun - I did at first think that there were people all around me - but as soon as I remembered that people are generally soft and not at all spiky I had a truly wonderful time! The next event can be found via their facebook page! 

Handmade Arcade organisation for 6th October is now in full swing - we've had heaps of applicants and would love some more! Already very excited about this month's affair! More to be announced soon!

Thanks for reading!

Hayley xxx

Photograph by Matt Wilson