Roving Riders: Charleston, South Carolina, USA

by James on Aug 14, 2010 in Roving Riders

Outside Dock Street Theatre in the French Quarter

Custom wooden fenders / mudguards

A few notes from the kind contributor:

Here’s a couple of pics of my Guvnor on the steps of the Dock Street Theatre in Charleston. On February 12, 1736 the theatre opened with a performance of The Recruiting Officer, and was the first building in America built exclusively to be used for theatrical performances. Flora, the first opera performance in America, also took place here.  Considering South Carolina was a British colony at the time, I guess this is a bit of your history too. ;-)

Not seen well in the pics are my hand polished S-A hubs…the rough casting marks annoyed the hell out of me, so I broke out my Dremel tool and two days later they looked like high-end Campagnolos.  The crank and pedals also got the polishing treatment. I also sanded and polished the flashing edges off of the thumb shifter which gives the black plastic the look of old bakelite. I put a cork bumper on my shift cable as it would sometimes slap against the down tube when riding over rough terrain.

More noticeable are the custom wood fenders which save me from a wet back when hitting puddles. I also installed a stainless steel chain because those puddles in Charleston are sometimes salt water from high tide flooding. Along the top tube is mounted a Madonna del Ghisallo badge which is necessary riding equipment if you have ever experienced South Carolina drivers…LOL. Additional safety is provided by a black silicon Knog LED headlight and taillight which are unobtrusive and easily removed when I want a more period look.

I’ve not seen another Pashley in Charleston, although I was blown away when I drove past someone riding a silver Biomega and his wife was on one of the black Dutch bikes.  My guess is they are associated with the Danish Consulate in town.  All the other nice bikes in town are owned by the lycra shorts crowd and not the tweedy types.  Pity, as Charleston is a town infatuated with anything British…but it’s hard to pull Americans out of their Land Rovers and get them pedaling…LOL

Cheers,
Christopher Keene

Thank you sir!

{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }

The Cycling Photographer August 14, 2010 at 8:04 am

Sir, I applaud you on your fine tuning of the Guvnor. Polished hubs: wonderful! Must of taken an age to complete?
I must admit that you are a man after my own heart: removable lights, just the ticket.
Whilst I still have to come to terms with putting mud guards on such a fine machine, I have to admit the Woodies on your do look rather fetching.
Wouldn’t look out of place here in the Cotswolds.
Bravo!

James August 14, 2010 at 8:04 am

Hmmm, can’t seem to shift that rogue text in the title, apologies…

Oakman August 17, 2010 at 11:30 am

Very nice. Interested in your comments on the gear lever. Can’t make out the changes on the shots.
Are the mudguards from “woody” I have a chopped set & thought they looked familiar.
Regards

Eddie Irions October 31, 2010 at 1:34 am

Handsome bike! I am new to Charleston and find it to be the perfect opportunity to buy a Pashly. May I ask where you purchased your bike? I have found a shop in Orange County but if there is a place closer, please share! And the mudgaurds are fantastic! Best- eddie!

charles hall November 3, 2010 at 5:14 pm

great pics. did you make the custom mud guards or have them made somewhere? would love to get a set. much thanks, charles

Duchy Wheeler December 20, 2010 at 5:24 pm

‘One & All’……………for information to you fellows who fancy these woodie mudguards on your Guv’nor, they can be sourced in the UK from Dave at – Cyclesense, 20-22 High Sreet, Tadcaster, N. Yorks.. LS24 9AT 01937 530303 info@cyclesense.co.uk
Safe rides, DW

Matthew February 28, 2011 at 12:46 am

Hello,

Where did you find those beautiful fenders?

Jesus Cervantes April 19, 2011 at 10:12 am

Hello,
I do fancy a lot those beautiful “woodie mudguards”. Would you be so kind, as to provide me with information, as to where to get them on this side of the pond. I do live in Mexico, and would be a lot easier to get them in the States. Thank a lot for your response.
Kind regards.

Merl April 21, 2011 at 7:45 pm

What an eye pleasing machine!
I think I must have one here in Wisconsin to please the Cornish side of the family.
I would think if you are in NC and want a set of bent wood fenders, that Roy Undrehill would be the fellow to talk to. He might even consider making them during an episode of the “Woodright’s Shop”

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