After all the discussion about Claud Butler frames. Thought this might be of interest. CB was very generous in helping the best or possible future British cycling stars, realising the favourable exposure this would give his machines. Here are some of them. Bill Harvel a veteran Bronze Pursuit medallist's of the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics. Who's most cherished possession was his Olympic medal and a large panoramic photograph of the packed Passenda Bowl where six of Britain's seven cyclists won medals in the 1932 Olympics, he never forgot the opening ceremony when a 100,000 voices led by a choir and 250 instruments sang the "Star Spangled Banner" and the parade of 2000 men and women athletes followed their national flags into the stadium. Lillian Dredge was a professional for Claud Butlers and took the Land's End to London (331 miles) record in 1935. Her bicycle was fitted with an Osgear 3 speed with gears of 59, 67 and 74. The whole of the record attempt was in unfavourable weather conditions, first 120 miles into the teeth of a very powerful headwind. Excessive heat punished her further as the day extended; and she had rain for a stretch of 150 miles. She finally got to Hyde park Corner, the finish of the place to place record in 22 hours 13 minutes 50 seconds, having walked on only three hills on this very stiff course. She abandoned the attempt on the 24 hour record. Lillian in 1936 took the London to Bath and back record on a Butler with gears of 59,69 and 77. The ride was done in a time of 12 hours 40 minutes. Finally the Land's End to John o' Groats ( Blue Riband of British Records) was not recognised by the "Womens Road Record Association" being deemed to difficult. There was widespread opposition from the cycling press and trade to any women tackling this record. The general belief was that a female tackling this ride would die by the wayside. But to Claud Butlers credit he again sponsored her for this record. She set out in July of 1938, reaching Gloucester, 231 miles covered in the first day.The next day she rode 193 miles. On the third day she did 234 for the final stage, recording a time of 3days 20 hours 54 minutes at the age of 32. Lillian had a 10 hour break and then got back on her Claud to complete the 1000 miles record in 4 days 19 hours and 33 minutes. Cyclo gears also sponsored this record fitting her machine with 6 gears, sizes 46,54,56,61,66 and74. Reg Harris in the early days of his career rode a Sibbit but as soon as he achieved international status Claud supplied him with his machines. He won the 1947 Worlds Amateur sprint title and Olympic medals at the 1948 games at Wembley on Claud Butler solo and tandem machines. Toni Merkens the marvellous German 1935 World;ld Amateur Sprint champion is often pictured on a Claud Butler but as far as anyone can gather he never did a competitive lap on a Claud. This was just a brilliant CB publicity stunt. Merkens name will be forever linked with Gold Rad in Germany and Hetchins in England.
Be lucky Mick Butler Huntingdon UK
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