Glossary

650b

The number used to denote the size of rim used on Cleland bikes. Rims of this size were once common on European bikes. Nokia made heavy duty tyres that fitted this size of rim.

Bash plate

A thick aluminium plate, attached to Cleland frames, that enables a skillful rider to glide the bike over large logs. Also helps to keep mud from the back wheel of the chain.

English Cycles

Based in Telford in Shropshire, and run by frame builder Jeremy Torr, English Cycles made the frames for the Range Rider and Aventura models. Jerremy also sold his own version of the Range Rider.

Fat Tyre Five

An early, possibly event the first ever, UK mountain bike race series. Geoff's Wendover Bash was one of the events.

Highpath Engineering

David Wrath-Sharman understood and appreciated the principles around which Cleland bakes are based. His bikes were sold under the Highpath name. Each bike was hand made and finely crafted, each incorporating improvements over the last. I hope at some point to write more about Highpaths, in the mean time there is an article about David on the excellent fix-wheel off-road website 63xc.com.

Making Tracks

Possibly the first dedicated off–road magaine in the UK, it was published from 1986 until 1988. Geoff was a co–founder & regular contributor to the magazine.

Nadgery

Tricky sections of trails that require trials riding skills to successfully negotiate.

Nokia

Now known as Nokian, the Finish tyre manufacturer made Hakkapeliitta tyres in sizes that fitted 650b rims. These were excellent for off-road use, & availalable with our without tungsten studs for winter use.

The Wendover Bash

Organized by Geoff, the event, part of the Fat Tyre Five series, ran for several years in the mid '80s. It featured observed trials, cross–country, hill climb and down–hill competitions.

The monthly rides traditonally finished with tea at the tea shop on Wendover High Street. Eating in the middle of the roundabout was not usual!