A lifetime of cycling started humbly for Channell Wasson. He biked around west of Toronto on the farm where he grew up. Moving to England for his education, he boarded at a "bike school" and so by the time he reached adulthood, cycling was not just a way of life, but a lifetime interest.
Through his love of cycling he has met friends the world over. He pedaled from London to Red Square in Moscow with an international group of 18 in 1992. Cycling has introduced him to people of different circumstances and cultures he would never have otherwise met. The riders ranged from Russian physicists and triatheletes to a British hairdresser. "Coming through Russia, there was a woman by the side of the road selling apples. When she saw us, she just started crying" Wasson explained, "seeing a bunch of kids -- I was easily the oldest one on the ride [at 60] -- doing what they loved to do was a deeply moving experience for her."
His collection of antique and unique bikes reflects his passion. He even has a Singer Coventry -- that has a treadle instead of pedals. From his Palo Alto, California home he operates as the Authorized Brompton Dealer for Brompton Bicycles, a sturdy collapsible bike that folds up to fit into a medium-sized suitcase.
Cycling isn't a risk-free hobby, however. Channell has suffered his share of war wounds and is still recovering from a fall which broke both elbows from flying forward off an antique Highwheel (or Penny Farthing). Nonetheless, he remains undaunted in his love of cycling and the social opportunities it continues to offer him.
Channell in the Red Square (Moscow)
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Channell in Moscow, Russia after completing an epic trip on his Moulton bicycle from London to Moscow in September of 1992. It also had small 17" wheels. He would have ridden the Brompton if he had known of them back then.
Here is your Brompton Dealer, Channell Wasson- a bit old,
but a seasoned Brompton expert
