Unfortunately Dad passed a few years ago. He left a huge collection (3+ acres and a half dozen out buildings) similar to what you're going through. Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately) we ended up dealing with it over about 4 days and an auction. It was like a 3 ring circus.
Going through the stuff was pretty bitter sweet. I would have liked a a lot more time but 4 siblings and a thousand miles away...
I don't think Dad ever raced the bike, but he put a lot of miles on it delivering telegrams (which is how he earned the money to pay for it).
'64 Parisienne CS "barn find" - last on the road in '86 ... Owner Protection Plan booklet, original paint, original near-mint aqua interior, original aqua GM floor mats, original 283, factory posi, and original rust.
Never heard of Torchy Peden but you are right its well worth the read
1928 - Won numerous prestigious races on European cycling circuit 1929 - Five Canadian Amateur Indoor Titles and four records - Turned professional - Competed in first six-day bicycle race 1929-1948 - 148 six-day races, 38 victories 1931 - Rode mile at record speed of 73.5 mph
Throughout the 1930s, a flaming fluff of red hair was all that could be seen whenever William Peden flashed by, taking the lead on cycling tracks around the world. One journalist remarked that he looked like a torch, blazing ahead of the other cyclists towards the finish line. The name stuck, and "Torchy" Peden's racing career caught fire.
A native of Victoria, British Columbia, Peden began racing in 1925. While working for a B.C. logging company, he began to train intensely with hopes of reaching the next Olympic Games. After a full, physical day of work, he would pedal 25-30 miles, take a bath, go to bed, and start all over. Peden's hard work paid off when a successful run at the Olympic trials set him on his way to the 1928 Games in Amsterdam.
A string of bad luck, however, led to two punctured tires and a 27th place finish in the 103-mile time trial. Sorely disappointed by his mediocre performance, Peden decided to stay in Europe, tour the cycling circuit, and redeem himself. Over the next three months, he defeated the world's best cyclists at prestigious races in France, Poland, England, and Scotland, setting numerous records along the way.
In 1929, Peden returned to Canada and swept the indoor Canadian championships in Montreal, claiming five titles and setting four records. He turned professional later that year and quickly established himself as a leading Canadian cyclist.
Also in 1929, Peden discovered and developed a lasting passion for the six-day bicycle race, an event in which teams of two riders cycle in shifts around an indoor track for six days straight, covering a distance of more than 2,000 miles. At the peak of the depression years, the six-day race was one of the most popular forms of entertainment because tickets were cheap and patrons could stay all day (or night) if they wished. The cyclists would cater to the audience, picking up speed and trying to gain laps when the crowds were biggest. Torchy was known for his crowd-pleasing antics. He would appear on the track in an outrageous outfit, or he would steal spectators' hats and scarves and ride a few laps before giving them back.
Peden was one of the biggest stars on the six-day race circuit, not only for his showmanship but also for his incredible winning record. In his first four years on the professional circuit, the "Babe Ruth of Bicycle Racing" won 24 of the 48 races he entered. Between 1929 and 1948, he competed in 148 six-day races and collected an astounding 38 wins. Cyclists were among the best paid athletes in those days, and Torchy was rumored to have made up to $50,000 in a year. He teamed with various riders from all corners of the globe throughout his career, but his most memorable victories were the ones he achieved with his brother Doug, an equally gifted athlete.
Torchy also participated in a number of promotional stunts over the course of his career, the most famous being in 1931. While riding behind a car equipped with a special vacuum to help shield him from the wind, Peden reached a record speed of 73.5 miles per hour, covering a mile in less than 50 seconds.
Peden never again competed in the Olympics, but he returned to help with the coaching of the Canadian cycling team in 1932, and the track team, in 1936. He competed in his last six-day race in 1942, as the Second World War was approaching and the event's popularity was dying out in North America. He served with the Royal Canadian Air Force for the next few years, and competed in his last professional cycling race in 1948.
For the rest of his life, Torchy dreamed of resurrecting the six-day race, but there was never enough interest for the event to take off again. He settled near Chicago in the 1950s and opened a sporting goods shop. He soon became known as an expert at fitting skates and served the stars of Chicago's NHL team.
Peden passed away in 1980, but his outstanding record still endures. In Canadian Cyclists top 100 cyclists of the 20th century, Peden ranked an impressive third.
-- Edited by 57poncho on Sunday 6th of June 2010 06:12:38 PM
-- Edited by 57poncho on Sunday 6th of June 2010 06:13:38 PM
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1957 Pathfinder deluxe 4 door wagon 1961 Pontiac Parisienne bubble top Traded for a Harley sorry guys.
Never heard of Torchy Peden but you are right its well worth the read
1928 - Won numerous prestigious races on European cycling circuit 1929 - Five Canadian Amateur Indoor Titles and four records - Turned professional - Competed in first six-day bicycle race 1929-1948 - 148 six-day races, 38 victories 1931 - Rode mile at record speed of 73.5 mph
Throughout the 1930s, a flaming fluff of red hair was all that could be seen whenever William Peden flashed by, taking the lead on cycling tracks around the world. One journalist remarked that he looked like a torch, blazing ahead of the other cyclists towards the finish line. The name stuck, and "Torchy" Peden's racing career caught fire.
A native of Victoria, British Columbia, Peden began racing in 1925. While working for a B.C. logging company, he began to train intensely with hopes of reaching the next Olympic Games. After a full, physical day of work, he would pedal 25-30 miles, take a bath, go to bed, and start all over. Peden's hard work paid off when a successful run at the Olympic trials set him on his way to the 1928 Games in Amsterdam.
A string of bad luck, however, led to two punctured tires and a 27th place finish in the 103-mile time trial. Sorely disappointed by his mediocre performance, Peden decided to stay in Europe, tour the cycling circuit, and redeem himself. Over the next three months, he defeated the world's best cyclists at prestigious races in France, Poland, England, and Scotland, setting numerous records along the way.
In 1929, Peden returned to Canada and swept the indoor Canadian championships in Montreal, claiming five titles and setting four records. He turned professional later that year and quickly established himself as a leading Canadian cyclist.
Also in 1929, Peden discovered and developed a lasting passion for the six-day bicycle race, an event in which teams of two riders cycle in shifts around an indoor track for six days straight, covering a distance of more than 2,000 miles. At the peak of the depression years, the six-day race was one of the most popular forms of entertainment because tickets were cheap and patrons could stay all day (or night) if they wished. The cyclists would cater to the audience, picking up speed and trying to gain laps when the crowds were biggest. Torchy was known for his crowd-pleasing antics. He would appear on the track in an outrageous outfit, or he would steal spectators' hats and scarves and ride a few laps before giving them back.
Peden was one of the biggest stars on the six-day race circuit, not only for his showmanship but also for his incredible winning record. In his first four years on the professional circuit, the "Babe Ruth of Bicycle Racing" won 24 of the 48 races he entered. Between 1929 and 1948, he competed in 148 six-day races and collected an astounding 38 wins. Cyclists were among the best paid athletes in those days, and Torchy was rumored to have made up to $50,000 in a year. He teamed with various riders from all corners of the globe throughout his career, but his most memorable victories were the ones he achieved with his brother Doug, an equally gifted athlete.
Torchy also participated in a number of promotional stunts over the course of his career, the most famous being in 1931. While riding behind a car equipped with a special vacuum to help shield him from the wind, Peden reached a record speed of 73.5 miles per hour, covering a mile in less than 50 seconds.
Peden never again competed in the Olympics, but he returned to help with the coaching of the Canadian cycling team in 1932, and the track team, in 1936. He competed in his last six-day race in 1942, as the Second World War was approaching and the event's popularity was dying out in North America. He served with the Royal Canadian Air Force for the next few years, and competed in his last professional cycling race in 1948.
For the rest of his life, Torchy dreamed of resurrecting the six-day race, but there was never enough interest for the event to take off again. He settled near Chicago in the 1950s and opened a sporting goods shop. He soon became known as an expert at fitting skates and served the stars of Chicago's NHL team.
Peden passed away in 1980, but his outstanding record still endures. In Canadian Cyclists top 100 cyclists of the 20th century, Peden ranked an impressive third.
-- Edited by 57poncho on Sunday 6th of June 2010 06:12:38 PM
-- Edited by 57poncho on Sunday 6th of June 2010 06:13:38 PM
Wow!! Thanks for the pictures. I've never seen a bike with wooden wheels. They look to be in terrific shape!
The rudge looks like it must have been a pretty serious bike. Is it a single speed or does it have a 3 speed axle? I am asking because of the front brake.
My father used to talk about his Raleigh 3 speed race bike from the mid-late 40's. He used to deliver telegrams in Calgary on it. Delivered them as far as Banff!
I'm sure there are still plenty of guys/gals around for whom these bikes would bring back some great memories!
Single gear from what I recall, and a single brake. Re your father and his Raleigh, my father and his twin used to bicycle race in the Edmonton area back in the '40's. They also had a tandem racing bike that they had shipped over from England. Their two Raleighs are now with the Reynolds museum. (There was at least one race in Edm in which they placed first and second.) Another fella who was a legend in the area was Jim Purdey (sp?) who would kick everyones butt. He was also a speed skater. Unbelievably powerful legs. He would actually strech the odd chain in his day. I believe he had a heart attack while out skating. Dad also used to talk about Torchy Peden. If you've never heard of him, he's worth a Google. Is your father still alive?
Wow! Serious bikers your dads were! 141 km (let's see, in real distance that is ... divide by factor ... carry the 1 ... OK lemme fire up the calculator ... holy mackeral, 87 miles one way!
And imnported racing bikes!
Cool!
Dave
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1956 Pontiac Pathfinder 2dr sedan, 496 - dyno'd 545 hp, stick shift, 4.11 posi - Hot Rod
My buddie SuperFuzz and some of his favourite toys!
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Prince Edward Island
'64 Parisienne CS "barn find" - last on the road in '86 ... Owner Protection Plan booklet, original paint, original near-mint aqua interior, original aqua GM floor mats, original 283, factory posi, and original rust.
My buddie SuperFuzz and some of his favourite toys!
You call the bike Super Fuzz? What do you call the cat?
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"So when you spot violence, or bigotry, or intolerance or fear or just garden-variety hatred or ignorance, just look it in the eye and think... The good outnumber you, and we always will." Patton Oswalt
Back in the early 70's I worked for a Toyota dealer in the east end of Toronto. We moved from the Queen St location to Victoria Pk. & Gerrard [NW corner] That building was orginally a CCM plant. Torn down years ago & a Loblaw's store there now.
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Some times I wake up GRUMPY, but today I let her sleep in !!!!!!!!BLACKSTOCK Ont.
Back in the early 70's I worked for a Toyota dealer in the east end of Toronto. We moved from the Queen St location to Victoria Pk. & Gerrard [NW corner] That building was orginally a CCM plant. Torn down years ago & a Loblaw's store there now.
Toyota made cars in the 1970's ? hmmm, wonder why you don't see any today from that era ?
Back in the early 70's I worked for a Toyota dealer in the east end of Toronto. We moved from the Queen St location to Victoria Pk. & Gerrard [NW corner] That building was orginally a CCM plant. Torn down years ago & a Loblaw's store there now.
Toyota made cars in the 1970's ? hmmm, wonder why you don't see any today from that era ?
Back in the early 70's I worked for a Toyota dealer in the east end of Toronto. We moved from the Queen St location to Victoria Pk. & Gerrard [NW corner] That building was orginally a CCM plant. Torn down years ago & a Loblaw's store there now.
Toyota made cars in the 1970's ? hmmm, wonder why you don't see any today from that era ?
They are all hidden in private collections??
Oh, OK then-what a shame-they must be really desirable if private guys tuck them away like that
The Corrollas started over here in 1968 & were $1598 for a 2dr. sedan & $1798 for the fastback. There was a Corona 4dr. sedan & the Crown 6cyl. I always wondered why all the models all started with a "C" I did see a 1st series Celica[72] at the Bethany car show on the May 24 wknd. Any of these 68 & up didn't survive here in Ont. as the "rust worm" took hold of these, likely some out west????
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Some times I wake up GRUMPY, but today I let her sleep in !!!!!!!!BLACKSTOCK Ont.
Not too many out this way either. Like the first generation Honda's they were very common (and kind of cool) in the day. Crappy metal though...
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"So when you spot violence, or bigotry, or intolerance or fear or just garden-variety hatred or ignorance, just look it in the eye and think... The good outnumber you, and we always will." Patton Oswalt
Not too many out this way either. Like the first generation Honda's they were very common (and kind of cool) in the day. Crappy metal though...
I owned a '74 Civic, but I haven't seen one in at least 20 years.
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Prince Edward Island
'64 Parisienne CS "barn find" - last on the road in '86 ... Owner Protection Plan booklet, original paint, original near-mint aqua interior, original aqua GM floor mats, original 283, factory posi, and original rust.
1956 Pontiac Pathfinder 2dr sedan, 496 - dyno'd 545 hp, stick shift, 4.11 posi - Hot Rod