Moulton Bicycle Club ride - May 2025
‘At which hour art hath met engine'ring through the Shakespearian countryside in May’
On the 10th of May, a fine group of chaps with their Moulton bicycles assembled outside the Pashley Factory on Mason’s Road, Stratford-upon-Avon. The birthplace of many a fine steel bicycle, until recently the home of the TSR and previously the APB- and of course, Stratford itself being the birthplace of Alex Moulton himself, back in April 1920.
A fitting departure point for a ride that would weave together beautiful countryside, beautiful bicycles, and embracing the beauty of like-minded company. A broad cross-section of bikes was present: derailleur builds, hub-geared, and even a few e-assist conversions. Are any two Moultons the same?
I journeyed aboard my old friend, a 2012 AM22 which has been used hard through autumn and winter, and is ready for a well earned strip down and service.
The route — a 30-mile meander through the Warwickshire countryside — took us through Lower Quinton, Ilmington, Armscote, Halford, Fulready, Pillerton Priors, Pillerton Hersey, Walton, and Wellesbourne. The roads were mostly quiet and gently rolling, the initial ex railway route provided good off road cycling, cutting through the local countryside.
The first pit stop came at The Barn in Long Marston, where coffee and pastries were enjoyed under the curious gaze of local road riders on their plastic bicycles. Glancing over at our curious machines— intrigued but unsure what they were looking at! Or maybe it’s in awe. Whatever the reason, they’re missing out.
The couple of XTBs present made light work of the terrain, one ridden by Fran from The Traditional Cycle Shop - a drop-barred yellow example - a configuration that really complements the frame’s constructional lines. An original steely grey ATB made a rare appearance, music to my classic eyes, and an interesting reference point to study the lineage between the original ‘Moulton Mountain Bike’ and today’s refined XTB.
A New Series Speed soared along effortlessly, and Francis was aboard his immaculate SST — fully Shimano Ultegra equipped, with polished Sun rims laced to gleaming Hope hubs. His hand-built wheels sparkled in the spring sunshine, polished precision!
We paused for a well-earned break at the Touchdown Café, perched beside Wellesbourne Airfield — a true old-school ‘caff’ with a proper brew, hearty snacks, and home to an Avro Vulcan bomber. As we chatted over coffees, cokes (sparkling beverage, just to avoid any confusion) and food, I wondered how many of the other patrons had any idea what these bicycles were — parked out the front, each with their own unique details and journeys.
We meandered our way back into the centre of Stratford, the small peloton of Moultons no doubt catching the attention of folk going about their business. High-end engineering and British design, set against the backdrop of Shakespeare’s town, was somewhat poetic!
Much humour was present throughout the ride, culminating in a most civilised stop at The Old Tramway public house in Stratford – whether it was the hot day or the aching legs, many jokes were shared over the bench – and a great end to a rather excellent day out!
A celebration of art meeting engineering, on two small wheels, through the heart of England in spring.
Thanks to Fran and the rest of the ‘Tiny Tyres’ team for a great day out.
Tom Esslemont, May 2025.