We are proud to announce that Brooks, a byword in quality bicycle craftsmanship, will be sponsoring tonight’s Cycling Festival at the Royal Geographical Society.
 
Chaired by Sir Rocco Forte, the festival will see “Flying Scotsman” Graeme Obree, essayist and author Geoff Dyer, authoress Bella Bathurst, award winning fiction writer Will Self and Vin Cox of the Global Bicycle Race speak individually about the bike, bikers and biking. For one whole evening, the attention turns to human powered wheels; proof of the pivotal role played by the bicycle in political, social and environmental matters.
 
Brooks England is a prestige brand steeped in history with over 150 years of tradition and expertise. The Brooks story began in 1865, when John Boultbee Brooks left his hometown of Hinckley in Leicestershire with just £20 in his pocket. He headed for Birmingham, where in 1866 he established a business in horse harnesses and general leather goods, but In 1878 the unfortunate death of Mr Brooks’ horse led to a stroke of inspiration. Unable to afford another horse, he borrowed a bicycle in order to commute to work. He found the seat so uncomfortable that he vowed to do something about it.

On 28 October 1882, Mr Brooks filed his first saddle patent, and waddling cyclists everywhere rejoiced. JB Brooks & Co. became known and respected for its beautiful leather handcrafted saddles, and soon started to make cycle and motorcycle bags and other accessories.Traditional techniques in manufacturing were passed down from generation to generation of craftsmen as the company grew under the guidance of the Brooks family until 1958. In 1962 Brooks became part of Raleigh and moved to the current works in Smethwick in the West Midlands, just a few miles away from the original premises. In the last decade, Brooks have once more struck out on their own as Brooks England, following a new course that honours the company’s heritage.

We’re happy to be peddling alongside them for tonight’s event. A few tickets are still available here.