Endura revives 19th-century bike for the World Championships
The bike originally created by Kirkpatrick Macmillan has travelled across Scotland to Glasgow
More News
To offset carbon footprint and battle climate emergency
The brand wants everyone to put on their baggies and drop the seriousness for a day
An unsupported 300km gravel race across Scotland
Plans for world-class trails with UK's first bike chairlift
Scottish brand Endura has embarked on a journey to revive a forgotten legend of cycling history, recreating the groundbreaking pedal cycle invented by little-known Scottish icon Kirkpatrick Macmillan in 1839. Now, an authentic recreation of the bike has retraced Macmillan's historic journey from Thornhill, Dumfriesshire, to Glasgow.
- World Bicycle Relief gives fans opportunity to win World Championship pro bikes
- Preview: 2023 UCI World Mountain Bike Championships
- Mountain bike fitness - how to improve your MTB performance
The ambitious project has been a tribute to Kirkpatrick's pioneering spirit, aiming to capture the essence of his invention while integrating modern engineering capabilities to ensure rideability in today's cycling landscape. Collaborating with skilled craftsmen, Ullapool-based boat builder Tim Loftus from Johnson and Loftus boat yard, and experienced bike manufacturer Steven Shand in Falkirk, Endura sought to seamlessly blend historical accuracy with contemporary functionality.
On Thursday, 10 August, when Scotland is taking centre stage as the host of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, the reborn Macmillan bicycle rolls into Glasgow after visiting the key points of Kirkpatrick's original journey, navigating modern Scotland nearly two centuries after its debut in 1842. Guiding this journey was Endura athlete and professional rider Mikayla Parton, accompanied by other athletes and media personalities.
image001.jpeg, by Endura
To ensure the historical accuracy of the bike's journey, Endura enlisted the expertise of David Hurdle, a distant relative of Macmillan and author of “The Life of Kirkpatrick Macmillan”. Hurdle's understanding of Macmillan's legacy enriched the storytelling aspect of the project and his insights contributed to the authenticity of the event day locations and details.
Endura has collaborated with Dumfries Museum on this project and following the ride the recreated bike will form part of the museum's ongoing “The First Bicycle” exhibition in August.
The event also witnessed the rebirth of another legend – Endura's iconic Hummvee range and specifically the Hummvee Short. All participants in the event, including Mikayla Parton and her fellow riders were donned in Endura gear and showcased a bespoke event day jersey design.
You might also like:
Author block
