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@clubman
This was a competition to be won by the rider who completed the greatest number of 100 mile in a day rides during 1911. This was promoted by ‘Cycling’, as the magazine then styled itself, and a gold medal, value £5 (£500 – 1,000 today?) was offered to the winner.
And the winner was…..Marcel Planes, a penniless 21 year old Londoner, who completed 332 centuries on a clapped out roadster which was tied up with string for most of the year.
I think it’s a great story, and mainly for my own satisfaction, but also as a tribute, I intend to attempt to do at least two consecutive 100 mile days riding a bike similar to Planes’ (preferably without the string). I believe the original machine no longer exists, but I am hopeful that I can use Planes’ own BSA which he acquired soon after his heroic year. I’ll aim to do this in the next few weeks – I think I’ll need plenty of daylight.
Most of my knowledge here comes from an excellent article in 'The Boneshaker' written by Roger Bugg. This is published by the Veteran-Cycle Club, a worthy organisation which I recommend to forum users. There is a lot of information available about Marcel, the Competition and how things turned nasty in 1912. If there is a lot of interest I will try to find a way to make it available. Incidentally, I am aware of the Century Road Club thread, and this club is part of the story, but I felt the centenary of the competition went beyond the scope of the original thread.
The back to back rides I think I'd best do on my own. However, if others fancy the idea of a long ride on a basic light roadster then I'm prepared to organise something later in the summer - well that's on the assumption that my experience with the first two days doesn't put me off for ever. I have got one taker already, the writer of the Boneshaker article. Let me know what you think.