Statement of Intent

Welcome to the Guvnor Owners’ Club.

Our motto is Verve, Dignity & Curiosity.

We are a global membership organisation for owners and riders of the Pashley Guvnor bicycle. Founded by James Davis as a blog in 2009 — then a full club in 2010 — membership is free and can be applied for here.

We have a friendly and polite discussion forum where most Guvnor-related questions can be answered, and a stream of articles, photographs and comments on the front page. Our international outposts are currently being set up across the continents.

Do join us.

***

Original text to which many comments below pertain:

The Guvnor Owners’ Club is about cycling in London on a Pashley Guvnor. It’s about riding to work at a civilised pace, the joyful discovery of backstreets, stopping to take a picture. It’s about ringing your bell and smiling on your way to the Heath. It’s about avoidance of almost all cycle–specific clothing, specialist equipment, organisations and rules. It’s about a single trouser leg tucked into a stripy sock. It’s about taking the long cut to see where it leads. And if enough interest emerges then — just maybe — an actual club of Guvnor owners will form. Drop me a line james [at] guvnorownersclub [dot] com

{ 70 comments… read them below or add one }

Peter Chappell June 15, 2010 at 4:33 pm

Having become a proud owner of a new Guvnor 3 speed recently, are there any other owners in the East Herts area? I would be glad to hear from you.

Iain Moore June 21, 2010 at 7:16 pm

I’m in Essex, which is next door!

Peter Chappell July 5, 2010 at 9:31 am

Dear Iain,
Do you have any observations and comments on your Guvnor?
I would be interested to here from you.
kind regards
Peter.

Iain Moore July 5, 2010 at 11:47 am

Hi Peter,

Put simply, I’m delighted with my Guv’nor. The only issue I’ve had since taking delivery is not having enough opportunity to go out on it, but every time I have it has made me smile! I’ve explored areas of countryside around Chelmsford which I’ve not been to before, and look forward to many more trips.
I have, of course, been lucky with the weather, and as Autumn comes along I’ll be looking again at whether mudguards would be a worthwhile addition, and whether there is anything on offer from Pashley in that regard by then. It would be a shame to miss an opportunity for a ride if the roads were wet!
Cheers,
Iain

Tim Allen September 8, 2010 at 2:31 pm

Hi everyone with impeccable taste! Just so you know, we hire Guvnors in Southwold! All 3 speeders, and all just fab. Let us know if you are coming!

kevin graham October 22, 2010 at 5:58 pm

Request for placing some adverts on your website

Hi Site Admin,

I am emailing from a leading advertising agency based in London.
I am getting in touch with you as I am looking for quality websites,
such as yours, to place some adverts on your website and would like
to know if this is something which would be of interest to you?

The placement of our adverts are contextually matched to the content on
the page, therefore relevant.

Do let me know if you are interested to discuss any partnerships with us
as we feel the positioning of your website will have strong benefits for
both parties.

Please email me back with your thoughts or questions.

Kind regards,

Kevin Graham

The Cycling Photographer October 23, 2010 at 9:34 am

Oh dear, the face of capitalism. I know times are hard but do we have to go down this route on such an oasis of a none commercial, good mannered site?

J Gordon Cooper February 7, 2011 at 2:18 am

Hello, anybody home?
A couple of months ago I purchased a Pashley Gov-nor at Flying Pigeon LA in, guess where, Los Angeles, California, USA. Flying Pigeon LA is a small unique bike shop that is dedicated to bicycles for real human beings in the so called “Dutch style”. I am Thoroughly enjoying this bicycle and the circle of friends that it has opened up to me. In my new elevated status, I decided to enhance the existence of others and join the “Guvnors Owners’ Club”. So, I submitted my application and waited for the accolades to pour in – Look, another Yank redeemed ! Anyway, I have not received a response. It’s not as though I expected a pair of tweed knickers. Well! I’ve got my Govnor and there is nothing you can do about it. Anyway, great website.
Cheers, Coop

Adam February 7, 2011 at 7:00 pm

Mr. J.G Cooper,
If ever the adage “Two nations divided by a common language” has rung true. May I suggest you go to http://www.ebay.co.uk and perform a search for “Mens knickers”, I’m sure the results will raise an eyebrow (Unless this is what you are actually referring to).
Regards,
Adam

J Gordon Cooper February 7, 2011 at 11:27 pm

Adam,
That is funny! I thought “Knickers” fell into four catagories: antique ladies underware, cycling, x-country skiing, and golf. Thanks for the education. Now I am somewhat concerned. After showing the site to my wife, she became very interested. Actually, since I bought my Govnor, I have been thinking about a proper outfit to go along with it. Something like the illustrations in the Pashley catalog, Most cycling Knickers here are more like x-country ski knickers or skin-tight bibbs. I’m thinking something like a working mans golf knicker with suspenders but I don’t know if they would be ok for cycling. Thank you for the “heads up” (that means information). Well, it’s your fault, you started it.
Regards, Coop

James February 7, 2011 at 11:39 pm

Mr JG Cooper, please find your welcome email stashed inside your inbox, I do hope it did not get sent straight to the “Men’s knickers” folder?!

Adam February 8, 2011 at 5:59 pm

Mr. Cooper,
Please don’t even get me started on suspenders…
Regards,
Adam

J Gordon Cooper February 8, 2011 at 7:31 pm

Adam,
Right. Bad idea. It hurts to even think about it. You have diverted me from the path to disaster once again – thank you.
Take care, Coop

Allan May 11, 2011 at 6:19 am

Hello All,
Have been registered since March but cannot access Members Only yet.Is there anyone who can assist in the quest for admittance?

The Cycling Photographer May 11, 2011 at 7:28 am

Dear Allan, alas the two Moderators, me being one, have limited
capability on this domain. Our founder has the keys I’m afraid.
He appears from time to time. Keep looking in. Developments
are afoot.
Ride on!

MGCycleChap May 14, 2011 at 6:11 pm

Allan, I joined up months ago, but have yet to recieve the illusive welcome email…. lol I think its best just to accept its part of the charm of the place… in a truly bizare way it overcomes the age old problem of not wishing to belong to a club which would have someone like me as a member…. !!! lol

MGcC

Dubhousing May 14, 2011 at 11:16 pm

I too am waiting and waiting and waiting to be granted access to the members section. Is this site still active? Could the owner confirm this?

If not I wonder if it’s time for an alternative owners club to be established.

MGCycleChap May 15, 2011 at 8:30 am

ohhh Dubhousing, you revolutionary !… would we have to ride with a red armband or something ?

James May 21, 2011 at 7:38 pm

Gents, please fear not, and thank you for your patience. I have not even an abacus with which to administrate our affairs at present, let alone a fangled electronic infernality. I am aware of the backlog of ins and outs that need conducting, but let none of this stymie your opportunities to roam free in town and country…in the meantime send direct telegrams to James@guvnorownersclub.com

Fenrir May 24, 2011 at 10:49 am

Problems with the Difference Engine?

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