Last year I bumped into this gentleman riding a very rare Pashley Phantom Roadster. The chrome gleamed in the July sunshine and I pinched a quick snap on the move. This year our paths crossed again, and he took very kindly to being stopped and photographed in the street by a stranger on a Guvnor.
As you can see, the chrome gleams even on the dullest of February mornings. And to set it off, an outfit both elegant and practical. Thanks again Luke, see you around!
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
gorgeous. i wonder if it was the one that used to inhabit Selfridges in the recent few years? I used to pop in to see it every once in a while when i worked down the road.
That has got me thinking, surely the Guv’nor can get rather uncomfortable after a while. I love teh ‘sit-up-and-beg’ style which results in a laid back gentle ride. My understanding is that the Guv’nor will have one straining over like a racer (I know it is a racing bike.)
Is this really suited to the more leisurely cycle?
Joseph, having gently ridden London to Cirencester on a Guvnor, and having seen Pashley at L’Eroica 2008, I can confirm it is as good for lengthy exertions as it is for a leisurely cycle. It is the latter, on the Guvnor, that is one of my favourite activities.
The key is not just the flexibility in the seat and bar position (some even flip the bars), but the comfort given by the tyres and front forks.
The Guvnor is from a different time: speed was a different thing back in the 20′s/30′s.
Yes, one can crank the Guvnor to a fair old speed. Why? Enjoy it for what it is. Comfortable, stylish, unique and definitely a crowd puller.
How many modern day ‘carbon jobs’ can you say that about?
The gentlemen who took part in the L’Eroica were true heroes. To haul such a beast as the Guvnor along the tracks and hills in Tuscany proves it’s “agility”…….. even though it took them around 14 hours….. apparently!
Case in point: The Guvnor does everything todays bicycles do, only in a more relaxed fashion.
Enjoy the ride and the scenery around you. Enjoy your Guvnor!
By Jove! How did you get that far!?! That’s almost a century! How long did this take you? Was it organised? I would love to do that over a lazy weekend. Routes would be appreciated if safe and recommended.
Joseph, are you asking about L’Eroica or London to Cirencester? The former is indeed about 127 miles, the latter around 110 depending on route.
I rode the latter over a weekend, about 70 one day, 40 the next. Here’s an uncommon but highly recommended route for the first stage, fine country roads and lanes from the M25 onwards.
Hampstead to Abingdon
I was referring to the trip from London to Cirencester by Guv’nor. I am very impressed!
Should have one of those bikes soonish. I am after the 3 speed version, considering the minor price difference between that and the single-speed it makes sense to me. I look forward to many a spring country ride… Where do you store baggage?
Hi James,
Quite touched to see this picture and nice to have met you. It really is a joy to ride although the saddle has taken about three months to wear in. I flip between this and my vespa as some days doing 20 miles in town going from meeting to meeting can get a bit tiring on the Phantom, but it really is regal ride and highly enjoyable. See you around town!
I have to add, for all you Pashley riders out there, Chamberlaine Cycles on the Kentish Town Road is the best cycle shop in London and have looked after all my bikes and my family’s cycles for many years run by unpretentious friendly chaps.
My goodness – that Pashley is gorgeous!
He looks like a rather daper rider too – great photo & blog :)
Lady Vélo.