
Dave Payling
674 posts

Dave Payling
@davepayl
Electronic Music and Audio-Visual artist . Visiting fellow at Staffordshire Uni. Operations director, Dancecult: Journal of Electronic Music and Dance Cultures


This is Tommy Godwin from Stoke-on-Trent. At 5am on January 1st 1939 he set off on his Raleigh Record Ace, intending to set a new world record for the number of miles ridden in exactly one year. The old men’s record was 62,657 miles set in Australia by Ossie Nicholson. We say men’s because it’s important to mention Billie Dovey, the woman who rode 29,604 miles in 1937. She inspired many more women to cycle, and to become part of a fitness initiative called the Women’s League of Health and Beauty. To verify his attempt Godwin’s bike was fitted with a sealed cyclometer mileage counter. He also carried cards he asked people sign, and record the time, date and place in which they signed. Godwin wasn’t the only one attempting the record that year. Bernard Bennett matched him to 50,000 miles, then Godwin drew ahead by riding at least 200 miles every day from early summer onwards, with 361 miles done on 21st June. He eventually rode into Trafalgar Square on October 26thwith 62,658 miles completed. The new world record, but Godwin continued through November and December to ride 75,065 miles in the year. That record lasted for 76 years, but Godwin wasn’t done after setting it. He carried on through the winter of 1939 into 1940, also the first months of the Second World War - riding through bombs, night-time blackouts and all sorts of restrictions, until May 15th. Godwin finally stopped on the cycle track in Paddington Recreation Ground, with 100,000 miles ridden in 500 consecutive days. Another world record. Riding every day in all conditions requires good health, and Godwin ascribed his to a lifelong vegetarian diet; although it was heavy on dairy. He was good at treating and maintaining his own body, so minimized possible harmful effects of the high mileage. However, at the end of 100,000 miles he could hardly shuffle on two feet, and had to learn to walk again in time for his war service in the RAF. 📸Cycling Legends Collection #cycling #cyclinglife #bike #bikelife #cyclingphotos #roadbike #cyclist #ciclismo #bicycle #roadcycling #instacycling #cyclingshots #fitness #cycle #cyclingpics #strava #sport #bikes #bicicleta #ride #instabike #retrocycling #cyclinghistory #cyclinglegends







AN INSANE NIGHT💥 Yesterday ourselves and @CypressHill brought the Simpsons to life at the @RoyalAlbertHall performing their Black Sunday album in full. Thanks to everyone who came and partied with us🥳 Photos: Andy Paradise




















