Vehicles of Malcolm Archbald SMITH
[Ref. S.1]
Index
Racing bicycle
Vehicles of Malcolm Archbald SMITH
[Ref. S.1]
Racing bicycle
He continued his journeys to and from London on many days. Sometimes, on his way homw, he would call at the shop where his fianceé was a hairdresser then would accompany her home. She was ery slow on her bike and Malcolm had to keep stopping or doubling back to stay with her. Malcolm frequently visited his fianceé on a Wednesday evening but one snowy winters day the roads were deep in frozen slush and driving was rather dangerous. For some bizarre reason, Malcolm decoided to cycle and he managed the journeys thetre and back without incident, much to the amazement of Brenda's father.
Once married and living in Verwood, Malcolm continued to cycle to work occasionally, firstly in Southampton then later in Salisbury. When he started work in Verwood itself,he would often go out up to two evening per week for a ride around the countryside. Some of his work colleagues commented to him how they were jealous as they had a dive home taking up their time. On Saturdays when his wife Brenda was at work, he would cycle down to Bournemouth, along the coast to Christchurch or Mudeford then back home via Ringwood.
Once the children had grown up to a suitable age, especially James would cycle out with Malcolm around the Dorset lanes, often for quite a good distance.
Malcolm was spending plenty of time on his bicycle both in time trials and also riding around generally so he decided to have a better machine. He used a cycle shop in Chobham owned by former professional rider Ted Pritchard. He ordered a new frame to be made to his own specification and finished in a copper coloured metallic paint. He then bought the remaining individual parts required and assembled them himself.
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