Ready To Ride

This week's Sunday Challenge had the theme of metallic and although I did take several shots this week with the theme in mind, in the end I've opted for a shot I took a while back, but have never posted.

It was taken at Classic on Show on the outskirts of Stokesley earlier this year and the subject is an old bicycle, which was made by Hetchins.

I'm not sure of the age of this particular bike, but for over 75 years Hetchins have apparently been building superior quality lugged steel frames for the discerning enthusiast and racer so it could be very old indeed.

Hyman ('Harry') Hetchin actually started selling bicycles in the 1920s; later he acquired himself a partner and frame builder, Jack Denny.

Victory in the World and Olympic Championships in 1936 entitled Hetchin to display the champion's colour bars on his transfers. The elegance and fine workmanship of the frames have made the marque legendary.

You can find out more about the history of the marque, model types and frames of special interest by visiting the site below:

www.hetchins.org

It's also worth pointing out that Hetchins are apparently still very much in demand and are produced today by Hetchins Lightweights.

The latest model is called the Magnum Opus Ultralite and you can find out more about new production by visiting the site below:

www.hetchins.com