Vintage Bicycle Show has a couple of surprises

Rick Wolfe and his 1889 racing Cripper were at the Southern Ontario Vintage Bicycle Show.

A glimpse into Canada’s cycling past was on display in Amherstburg on Sunday.

Once again, Mark and Cori McGuire opened their doors to proudly show off their collection at the annual Southern Ontario Vintage Bicycle Show.

This year’s show had a couple of real gems.

Well known collector Rick Wolfe of Komoka brought an 1889 Cripper, a three-wheeled men’s racing trike.

“I found that one in South New Jersey back in the 1980’s. It’s the only one in Canada,” explained Wolfe.

Without a doubt the most impressive bike at this year’s show was Wolfe’s John P. McKloskey which to the surprise of many is made out of wood. Wolfe said he found it in an attic in his father’s hometown of Hensall in the 1990’s.

“I try to bring something exotic to the show every year,” he said.

The bike was made in Sarnia in 1896 by McKloskey who only made them for one year. Wolfe said the frame is all one piece and the bike is made of oak, ash and poplar. There are only three in the world and he says his is valued at $25,000.

There was a new addition to the McGuire collection this year, an 1896 Goold which was one of the five companies that eventually formed the Canada Cycle and Motor Company (CCM) in 1899.

The Goold is the only bike in their vast collection that has string around the wheels according to Mark McGuire to prevent ladies dresses from getting caught.

Cori and Mark McGuire stand with a portion of their collection of CCM bikes. They hosted the Southern Ontario Vintage Bicycle Show Aug. 24.

“A buddy of mine had it near Peterborough,” said Mark.

This year’s Southwestern Ontario Vintage Bicycle Show once again showed off a couple of vintage autos including a unique green Studebaker pickup truck which is no stranger to the show.

“This is our 11^th year. We have a few new old bikes and different visitors,” said Mark.

The guest book included those from Welland, Woodstock and Guelph as well as curiosity seekers from Windsor-Essex.

“I get my buddies from all over Ontario to visit me. We do this for the community. It’s a free event. We have a passion for bicycles.”

One eye-catcher included a 1939 trikette, a two-wheeler built in 1939 which is designed for children ages four-and-a-half up to seven. It was advertised as the new addition to the CCM family and had a 20” back wheel and 12” in the front.

Vintage Bicycle Show has a couple of surprises

By Fred Groves