Cycling Endurance World Record Holder Launches New Exhibition At Dumfries Museum

Cycling endurance World Record holder Josh Quigley has opened Dumfries Museum’s new ‘First Bike’ exhibition.

Last year Josh broke the record for cycling the furthest distance in a single week, when he completed 2,179 miles in seven days.

Running through August the ‘First Bike’ exhibition showcases the history of bicycles and their impact on the way people live.

This exhibition, part of the Dumfries and Galloway Summer of Cycling, will delve into the themes of freedom, fitness, leisure, and work, highlighting the significant role bicycles have played in people’s lives and society.

"With the area having such an affinity with the bike, it’s fitting that the Museum is putting on this exhibition to coincide with the UCI Paracycling World Championships. It is great to see so much cycling activity going on across the region this summer, which hopefully will inspire even more people to get out on their bike and explore what Dumfries and Galloway has to offer." said Josh.

One of the key exhibits will be the velocipede, the world’s first bicycle, a ground-breaking invention created by Kirkpatrick Macmillan in 1839. The museum is delighted to have an example of this historic bicycle on display, which predates the first commercial bicycles being designed and produced by nearly thirty years.

To personalise the exhibition Dumfries Museum has invited contributions of photographs featuring individuals with their first bikes These photographs will be prominently showcased, allowing visitors to relate to and appreciate the personal experiences and memories associated with their own first cycling adventures.

Josh was joined at the opening by Dumfries & Galloway Council’s Chair of its Communities Committee.

Chair of the Committee, Councillor Ian Blake said:

“We are very proud to be home to the inventor of what we know is the first modern bicycle, so what better way to pay homage to Kirkpatrick MacMillan than to showcase his creation at the centre of an exhibition dedicated to cycling. We are delighted too that so many people have chosen to share their memories of their first bike, it is a charming exhibition and well worth a visit.”

Vice Chair of the Committee, Councillor Jackie McCamon said:

“Dumfries Museum is a treasure trove to explore and enjoy for families, tourists and local residents. I hope that many of the visitors to the World Paracycling Championships will take the time to detour to the Museum, enjoy its panoramic views over Dumfries and be inspired about the history of cycling and bicycles.”

A documentary about Josh’s cycling journey ‘Josh Quigley: Cycling Saved My Life’ is currently available on BBC I-Player.

The exhibition runs at Dumfries Museum from Tuesday 1 August to Saturday 2 September.