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Cyclemagic open day - picture reportA belated and brief report from the Leicester charity's open day last weekend... Leicester-based special needs cycling charity and bike recycling operation Cyclemagic held an Open Weekend last weekend, and we went along to join the fun. I didn't take as many photos as I should as it was such a relaxed occasion, so here just some fairly random snapshots of the weekend: Cyclemagic is located in this large ex-industrial building on Friday Street. They have both the ground floor and the cavernous top floor (foreshortened in this fisheye-style panorama). When we arrived, activities outside included pedal powered Scalectrix, people attempting to ride a reverse-steer bike, and general socialising. Note also the Nauticraft Escapade pedal boats parked outside - available for sale or hire!  Inside, a display had been put up by Cyclemagic artist Lisa McCartney, who recycles bike parts to create both useful and decorative objects. Belts are recycled from old tyres, as are wristbands. The rim-based coat hanger at the top is a prototype and still under development:  Lisa also makes fine lamps and lamp stands - there was also a floor standing model. If you're interested in her work, or would like to buy an item, contact her care of Cyclemagic (tel 0116 262 5551, e-mail info at cyclemagic.org.uk):  Cyclemagic were using the event to launch their new range of Leicester Bicycle Company machines, so reviving a name with considerable local resonance. This is the 'Peregrine':  You may have noticed an absence of lettering on the frame... this was remedied as we watched (and heckled) by Cyclemagic's Roger 'Hilldodger' Lovell:  The result:  The bikes are kitted out in 'retro' fashion, with Brooks leather grips...  ...and genuine period components, salvaged from recycled bikes.  Before we leave the Cyclemagic building, take a glance at this splendid poster on the wall:  "If the pedal-aeroplane becomes an established fact, such a contretemps as our artist has depicted will not be improbable. A broken chain has caused a precipitate descent, and the cyclists who are proceeding in the 'old sweet way' are in imminent danger of becoming mixed up in the catastrophe." Roger, who is a cycle historian and also the CTC archivist (see his cycle history blog) then took us on a guided cycle tour of Leicester, with short talks at locations of interest:  This was followed by traditional beer and curry...and on Sunday by a bike ride out to Stonehurst Farm and motor museum, with a stop on the way back at Leicester's Abbey Pumping Station for live steam and yet more food. Unfortunately the only worthwhile photo I have from the entire day is this, a rather splendid kickstand accessory spotted on a bike parked up at the Pumping Station:  Thanks to Roger and Simon of Cyclemagic for hosting! Posted on 22 April 2009
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