Bourne Cycle Club  in 1905

The development of the bicycle during the late 19th century brought a surge of interest from ordinary people who for the first time could get out and about on wheeled transport at very low cost. For a few pounds, they could purchase a machine that would take them into the countryside and enable them go to places that were too far to reach on foot and as a result, cycle clubs sprang up in many towns and cities.
The Bourne Cycle Club was formed in 1888 and its members came from all sections of the population although the majority were working people who had just bought their first machine. They met regularly for outings, usually at the Nag’s Head in the market place, before setting off for a day’s spin through the countryside.
The club flourished until the early years of the 20th century but by 1935 the name had changed to the Bourne Wheelers which had a busy programme that also included competitive events such as hill climbs and speed trials although the main objective was pleasure cycling, soon to be replaced by the motor car and the original enthusiasm which inspired its formation began to wane.