The History Group recently enjoyed a truly memorable morning with a special presentation by John Reynolds, titled “The Curious Cyclists.” What made it extraordinary wasn’t just the stunning photos and engaging storytelling, but the unexpected connection to Javea that John unveiled right at the end.
Back in 1895, two young artists from Nottingham—both in their twenties—set off on an incredible adventure: cycling all the way to Gibraltar. Along the way, they kept detailed diaries, created beautiful sketches, and captured original photographs using an old “box brownie” camera.
John skilfully traced their route through the lens of those vintage snapshots, taking us from Biarritz through Burgos, Madrid, Toledo, Córdoba, and finally Gibraltar. Their journey was peppered with fascinating encounters and colourful characters. Despite their limited Spanish and unfamiliarity with local customs, they keenly observed life in Spain during that time, offering us a unique window into 1895.
But the biggest surprises were saved for the finale. John revealed he’d penned a book about this very journey—and as if that wasn’t enough, Pat Kitching, a Javea U3A member and daughter of one of the “Curious Cyclists,” Stacey Blake, joined him on stage.
Stacey went on to write and broadcast captivating travel stories from Spain, Morocco, Scandinavia, and beyond. Pat shared deeper insights into her father’s remarkable achievements, and the audience was thrilled to ask questions and hear more.
After the talk, the History Group marked the occasion with an early Christmas toast, soaking up the lovely sunshine outside Sucreria de la Plaça, right next to the Ayuntamiento. A perfect end to History Group presentations in 2025
