Pashley Person - Keeley Marvin
The latest in our regular series of profiles of riders of Pashley and Moulton bicycles.
My Passion For Pashley
I can't remember a time when I didn't have a bicycle. My first memory of riding a bike was me sat squarely on a white tricycle with a big red saddle and handle bars. I remember peddling as fast as my little three-year-old legs would go to meet my Nanna off the bus with my mum running along behind me.
I found my next “big” bicycle - a two wheeler, more challenging. The little grey stabilisers felt wobbly, sounded noisy and rather scary which often distracted me and made me fall off. So I made it my ambition to lose them as soon as possible. Unfortunately for me, developing a sense of balance didn't come easily and this took most of the big six week summer school holiday of that year to finally get the hang of it! I can still remember the very moment my Mum let go of the saddle behind me and I pedalled a few metres without flopping over sideways, crashing to the ground. This was a momentous day for me and it must have meant a lot to my neighbours too, as they celebrated the occasion by giving me coins to put in my piggy bank (in hind-sight they were probably relieved that I could now stay upright and they wouldn’t have to put up with the sound of me crying my eyes out and calling for Mum to come and rescue me and my cut knees yet again!).
Shortly after this, still revelling in my own triumph, I remember trying out my friend Ian’s Raleigh Chopper bike. A Chopper... Coolness itself in the shape of a bike - red, with its iconic handlebars, distinctively shaped and padded saddle and even featuring a gear stick... oh yes, I was the bees knees for five whole minutes riding this beauty until... I tried to stop and realised the brakes were too stiff for my little hands to pull. In the end it was a thick, green, wired fence and stinging nettles that stopped me in my tracks and yet again the neighbours heard the all too familiar yell of “Mum!”.
A couple of bikes followed as I grew up. A ‘Raleigh 14’ was handed down to me when I was ten years old. All I remember were my legs going ten to the dozen just to get anywhere at all, as the wheels were so small. Not my favourite bike!
A few years later I had a mountain bike - robust, chunky, with lots of gears and good fun. During my teenage years, me and my group of friends in the village would go on lots of cycle rides during the school holidays. We would just set off and go for miles without any particular aim or purpose. I think we appreciated the feeling of freedom and independence of being able to go somewhere under our own steam and without it costing any money to get there. A feeling which still resonates today.
When I was growing up, a lovely lady, Mrs Badger, would regularly be seen cycling around our village sat on a rather large and distinctive looking bicycle. I didn't know what this bicycle was, I was just aware of it because of its sheer stature and style. I liked hearing the gentle “tick, tick, ticking” sound of the wheels turning as she rode past with a certain serenity and elegance.
Although I didn’t realise it at the time, what I saw Mrs Badger cycling along on, was a Pashley Princess Sovereign and this set a seed in my mind which would later become a much bigger part of my life. From that point on I became an avid ‘Pashley Spotter’, always admiring Pashleys whenever I saw them. I was attracted and drawn to their distinctive style and elegance. For me, the Pashley Princess in particular, oozes charisma and undeniable style. It’s “look at me” elegant shapes and features means it has a distinctive presence about it.
Years later, knowing how much I admired her beloved Pashley, Mrs Badger kindly gifted me the last Pashley Princess Sovereign she owned which was bought for her 70th Birthday. Hugely touched by this, I named this bicycle ‘Audrey’ in honour of the lovely lady. Whilst in very good and clean condition, I made it my mission to make this special bicycle literally as good as new again, also adding my own twist. I particularly love the white tyres I fitted on my Regency Green Princess.
Fran, from the Traditional Cycle Shop gave me a wealth of help, advice and knowledge to help me update ‘Audrey’. He enabled me to keep her roadworthy and looking her absolute best. So much so, she’s now looking exceedingly sprightly for a bicycle of 18 years. For me, being able to do this and having the knowledge and support from an established brand such as Pashley reflects what a unique and special company it is - my vintage Pashley bicycle is not only roadworthy and still looking beautiful, but looks contemporary too, proving what a classic she is.
I have always been inspired by classic and quintessentially British products and style. Admiring the wonderful painted colour combinations seen on steam engines, machines and vintage lawn mowers. Red and green combos are my favourite and this was my inspiration for creating my dual-coloured Princess Sovereign.
For me, there’s nothing better than gliding through the country lanes and villages with “Heidi”. She is my dream bicycle - full of personality, beautifully made, exuding style and vintage glamour - she’s a real head turner.
In recent years I've been keeping busy by turning my needle felting hobby into a small business. The sights and sounds of the countryside I enjoy whilst out on my cycle rides provide inspiration for the animals and birds I come home and create from wool.
I love the sense of freedom that cycling gives you. I always feel liberated as I set off and go as far as I want to go, whether it be a relaxing cycle along country lanes, exploring new places or going on a trip with a purpose to the shop and post office. And what a wonderful pleasure it is especially riding on a Pashley Princess Sovereign.
I will always have a passion for Pashley.
