Pot of gold
A month or so ago I stumbled upon a genuine pot of gold!
I didn’t follow a rainbow, nor did I have to journey (Indiana Jones style) to any far flung exotic location.
![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dqy94tfaj/image/upload/v1708613543/blog/origins/gu4kjgmn6x7si2iigstp.jpg)
Charlie Chadwick is a name I was already vaguely familiar with. As a member of the ‘Rough Stuff Fellowship’ I was aware that Charlie was a founding father, perhaps THE founding father?
Digging around online one evening I stumbled upon the Veteran Cycle Club website, a treasure trove of information and a true ‘rabbit hole’ of which to get lost within.
Of most interest to me was the JPMPF section of the site, a publishing trust fund set up in memory of John Pinkerton who died in 2002 (The objective of the Fund is to continue the publishing activities initiated by John) - to publish historical material on the development of the cycle and all types of related activities. Items published include reprints of cycling journal articles, manufacturer’s information e.g. catalogues etc…
Brilliant!
![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dqy94tfaj/image/upload/v1708613544/blog/origins/e7dianbv8tteqclusqnz.jpg)
The books that instantly caught my eye were the ‘Pre-War Cycling Diaries of Charlie Chadwick’ edited by a chap called David Warner. I immediately googled David’s name in relation to Charlie and struck gold!
David has a website devoted to Charlie’s life, writings and drawings that can be found here… Charlie Chadwick
I won’t spoil it by writing anymore about David or Charlie as, if you’re interested enough, you’ll undoubtedly leave this page and do your own immediate research. I also feel I would be doing a disservice to David. A labour of love and then some, his site and the books he has helped bring to life have everything you need to know.
What I will say is this…
Charlie was and is an inspiration, as close to a cycling hero as you’re ever likely to find. An added personal bonus for me is the fact that Charlie was a Northerner and rode many of the lanes and trails that I too now ride and enjoy.
David is also, just as much of a hero in my eyes. For preserving and sharing such a wonderful piece of cycling history he should be applauded. Thank you David.
There are currently 4 volumes of Charlie’s diaries. I’m halfway through volume 2 and delightedly received volumes 3 & 4 in the post this morning. I’ve read an enormous amount of cycling related books and text over the years, but these wonderful little books beat them all by a country mile. The writing is effortless, romantic, funny and honest.
![](https://res.cloudinary.com/dqy94tfaj/image/upload/v1708613542/blog/origins/sl4297lwt5m3cqodjmz8.jpg)
Charlie is my hero, and these little books my new treasures.
Words and pictures - Paul Rance.