Haddenham man fulfils bike gramophone dream

A keen cyclist has found an unusual way to enjoy music whilst on the saddle.

Ian Ashmeade, 67, from Haddenham, Cambridgeshire has attached a 1920's style gramophone horn to his bike.

The self-confessed eccentric, who is a member of a cycling group, has modified the horn to become a Bluetooth enabled speaker.

"I love listening to marching tunes, it makes you pedal faster," said Mr Ashmeade.

He is part of the "Laz-E-Riders" cycling group, consisting of nine retired men who all ride e-bikes and meet up once a week and cycle to local pubs for lunch.

"I had a vision of us all enjoying some music whilst we rode, so I hatched a plan to get myself a gramophone horn.

"They are quite expensive, so I asked the local recycle centre in Witchford, near Ely, to look out for one, and after two years I couldn't believe they came up trumps. They only wanted a tenner for it," he said.

"I like to tinker in my shed, and modified the brass horn to make it a Bluetooth enabled speaker. I can play anything from my phone. It is wonderful cruising along with uplifting tunes on, my favourite is the theme from the movie '633 Squadron' it gives me goosebumps. The marching ones make you pedal faster."

Mr Ashmeade, who is also a four times world pea-shooting champion, said although it is not illegal to wear headphones or in-ear devices on a bike he believes it is not safe, but with the modified horn he can still hear traffic and the whole group can share the musical experience.

A spokesperson for Sustrans, a charity that promotes walking and cycling, said: "Active travel is good for your health, your wallet and the environment. It's also a great way to have fun! So it's great to see someone embracing their bike and the camaraderie it can also bring."

Got a story? Email [email protected] or WhatsApp 0800 169 1830