Bikes and motorsport have always gone hand-in-hand. It was only a matter of time before someone developed a way to combine the two passions together. The result is the modern-day ‘speedway bike’.
What Is A Speedway Bike?
A speedway bike is any bicycle that is entered into competitive motorcycling. The term ‘speedway’ originated in the United Kingdom and is used to describe the sport of motorcycling as it was played there in the 1950s. Today, competitive motorcycling is also known as ‘MotoGP’ and can be found worldwide. However, the majority of the speedway bikes currently in use were developed in the United Kingdom. This country produced some of the greatest racing cyclists of all time, and it is no coincidence that many of them achieved legendary status while racing on the famous Isle of Man. If you’re interested in getting into bike racing, then consider exploring the British countryside on a bike built for two. It’s a way of life that many people enjoy and it can also be a way to learn more about your country.
What Is A Speedway Bike?
Origins Of The Term
The name ‘speedway’ is derived from the old school of motorcycling, which was played in straightened out gravel roads with minimal curves. These types of roads were first used for horse racing in the 19th century, and they were originally known as ‘gallops’ because horses could gallop (run at high speeds) on them. The term ‘speedway’ was first used during the 1950s in the UK to describe the type of racing that was staged on these dusty tracks. In the 1960s, the term was adopted by other European countries and eventually became commonplace throughout the biking world. These days, you’ll almost always find the term ‘speedway’ used in reference to any type of bike racing, although it still mainly designates British racing or the original “English Road Race” as it was first played in the country back in the 19th century.
History Of The Sport
The concept of bike racing dates back to as early as the 1800s, when velocipedes (early motorcycles, also known as ‘bicycle-style vehicles’) were used to commute to work. The majority of these early bikes were used for recreational purposes and for getting around town. The first organized races occurred in Europe during the second half of the 19th century. The most significant of these was the Paris-Roubaix, which was first run in 1896 and is still one of the world’s great sporting events, despite being almost 100 years old. The Paris-Roubaix is a single-day sportive that features a 25-mile ride over mostly cobbled roads in northern France. In the 20th century, motorbikes became commonplace, and they remain so today. However, it was not until the 1950s that motorbikes began to be used in organized competition. The first motorcycle Grand Prix race was held in California in 1949, which is when the popularization of the sport truly began. It was only a matter of time before someone thought to combine bikes and motorsport, and the result is the modern day ‘speedway bike’.
Why Are British Racing Bikes So Popular?
The most obvious factor behind the worldwide popularity of ‘speedway bikes’ is that they were initially developed in the UK and so they have always had a firm foothold there. The roads in the UK are also quite pleasant, so it is no wonder that so many bikes are built and ridden there. The landscape is also quite beautiful, which makes for some breathtaking biking. Furthermore, the UK has some of the greatest bike manufacturers in the world, who have continued to keep the nation’s racing tradition alive. If you’re a fan of British cycling, then you’ll be happy to know that several renowned companies continue to build incredible racing machines specifically for the country’s top bikers.
The next question you might ask is, “Why do motorcycles occupy a special place in the heart of so many people?” The majority of the bikers that I meet can’t live without their bikes. They all have a different story as to why they love motorbikes so much, but they all have a strong emotional connection to their vehicles. This is partly because bikes allow you to travel very quickly and easily, which is something that most of these bikers use as a way of life. It is also a form of transport that is quite economical, as you will not need a motorbike to get around. You can carry everything you need, even luggage, so long as you have the physical ability to do so. Finally, the speed at which you travel is largely responsible for the appeal of motorbikes. These days, you’ll find riders accomplishing amazing things, such as circling the Earth multiple times, so you can imagine how wonderful it must feel to travel at such high speeds. This sense of adrenaline rush is something that many people enjoy and it can also be a way to learn more about your car. When you’re traveling at high speeds, everything around you seems to disappear and the only thing that appears to be stable is your vehicle. This is what makes bikes such an incredible sport and one that is quite popular worldwide.
Bike Components
If you’re entering the world of biking, then you’ll need to familiarize yourself with a few essential terms: