Endura Honours Forgotten Pedal Bike Pioneer

Endura is reviving a piece of forgotten cycling history ahead of the August World Cycling Championships in Scotland — the groundbreaking pedal cycle.

First created by a Scottish inventor Kirkpatrick Macmillan in 1839, the pedal bike will be seen in action on the same route he once rode from Thornhill to Glasgow almost two centuries ago.

The ambitious project pays homage to the inventor, Macmillan, whose vital contribution to modern-day cycling has rarely been spotlighted until now. A team of Scottish experts will bring the bike to life, capturing the essence of the invention while incorporating modern engineering capabilities.

The journey is set to take place on 10th August while the World Cycling Championships, the biggest cycling event of the summer, is in full swing across Scotland. Endura athlete and professional rider Mikayla Parton will ride the new bike at significant points along Kirkpatrick’s original 1842 journey. Other athletes and personalities will also join the journey, with riders kitted out in Endura gear including the iconic Hummvee Short and a bespoke event day jersey.

Noah Bernard, Brand Director at Endura, shared his excitement for the project, saying: “As a proud Scottish brand, we want to remind the cycling world that the foundations of this great sport were laid by a proud Scotsman, Kirkpatrick Macmillan, in Dumfriesshire."

"Our historic ride will merge the past with the present in a way that encapsulates Endura’s commitment to performance and heritage while celebrating the spirit of innovation that drives our industry forward.”

The project would not be possible without help from boat builder Tim Loftus; bicycle manufacturer Steven Shand; David Hurdle, distant relative of Macmillan and author of “The Life of Kirkpatrick Macmillan” and Dumfries Museum.

Stay tuned for more updates and announcements as Endura’s ‘Forgotten Legend’ project unfolds.

Image: Tom Loftus, a boat builder, helps recreate the pedal bike.