PEDALLING INTO ITS 70TH YEAR

Bike firm marks milestone with book on its history

A CYCLING shop set up by two veterans in the aftermath of World War II is celebrating its 70th anniversary.

Pennine Cycles, based in Bradford, was established by Johnny Mapplebeck and Geoff Whitaker in 1946, after the pair fell in love with the sport whilst serving in Italy.

It initially traded as Whitaker and Mapplebeck but now operates under the name Pennine Cycles.

To mark this special year Pennine Cycles are launching a commemorative book which will highlight the shop’s history since 1946, there will also be a special summer party.

Managing director Paul Corcoran said: “2016 is an exciting year for us marking 70 years of business in Bradford.

“We are proud to continue to manufacture our Pennine bikes on our premises.

“Our customers are always our key focus and they benefit from our passion, experience and expertise when it comes to cycling.

“We are proud to be part of the community and continue to sponsor local cycling club V.C.Bradford.

“We have lots of special and exciting things coming to mark our 70th anniversary celebrations later in the year.”

Mr Corcoran, runs the business alongside his wife Sandra who also owns and operates her own health and wellbeing business, as well as working as a motivational speaker.

She is well-known in Yorkshire from her role with Forward Ladies.

Last year they were awarded the Bradford Means Business Award for retail, hospitality and leisure.

Based on Thornton Road, the firm is also a key sponsor of the local cycling club V.C.Bradford which enjoys a large membership.

HAVE WHEELS: Paul Corcoran and wife, Sandra, run Pennine Cycles which is celebrating its 70th anniversary and has launched a commemorative book celebrating its history.