Cyclists will be pedalling down Memory Lane at their centenary dinner next week.

The boneshakers and penny farthings which were on the roads when East Bradford Cycling Club was first founded have given way to aluminium frames and aerodynamic helmets.

And whereas the club's Victorian founders sported tweeds, flat caps and plus fours, today's cyclists wear figure-hugging lycra.

East Bradford was first formed in 1899, making it the oldest cycling club in the district - and one of the oldest in the country.

It is celebrating its anniversary with a grand centenary dinner at the Stakis Hotel on October 9.

It will be attended by Bradford's Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Peter Lancaster and Channel 4 Tour de France commentator Phil Liggett.

General secretary Mike Smith said many past and present members of the club had already snapped up tickets for the dinner.

"But there are still places left and I would urge anyone who has been involved in the club and is interested in going to get in touch," he said.

East Bradford Cycling Club was formed when a group of like-minded people met at the White Bear in Thornbury, Bradford.

"We are the first in the Bradford area to celebrate its centenary but clubs around the country have been celebrating theirs since the 1970s," said Mr Smith.

"It's amazing to think if the original members could be with us now what they would think of how things have changed.

"I'm now 56 and started cycling when I was 13. In those 43 years alone there have been tremendous changes, particularly in the huge volume of traffic on the roads. With the advent of the mountain bike a whole new industry has grown up with off-road riding as well."

The centrepiece of the dinner will be a display featuring an original bike from 1899 and a modern cycle, each complete with dummies dressed in authentic riding gear from their respective ages.

Tickets for the event are £22 and available by ringing Mr Smith on (01924) 463463.

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