Platinum Jubilee Pageant Riders: Part One

There are just over three weeks to go until the Platinum Jubilee Pageant on 5 June. Many Eroica Britannia riders will be part of the special parade celebrating each decade of Her Majesty the Queen’s reign.

In the run up to the big day, we’ll be featuring Eroica riders and the bikes they’ll be riding on The Mall in June ­– and at Eroica Britannia in August.

First up is Anthony Wilkin. He could scarcely be riding a more appropriate bike, as his beautiful Hetchins dates from 1952, the year of Her Majesty’s coronation.

“The bike I’m riding is a Hetchins Experto Crede,” says Anthony. “Het 5 is the serial number which makes it one of the bikes raced in the 1952 Tour of Britain.”

“I’ve owned the bike now for about three or four years and will be riding it at Eroica Britannia. The bike is being repainted at the restorers at the moment and I’ve been told I’ll have it back in a week or so,” Anthony explains.

“I got into vintage cycling via my father who gave me one of his old frames and that’s it, I was hooked! So I’ve been restoring bikes ever since.

“I’ve been to a few Eroica events – Limburg, Italy, Spain and of course Britannia. I’m really looking forward to Eroica Britannia at Goodwood as I like everything about the event. The people, the food and beer – it’s a great weekend.”

See you in London in June, Anthony, and see you at Goodwood in August!