John Ronald Tovey

JOHN RONALD TOVEY British Cyclist from the South West (UK)– Raced for Bath Cycling Club in the early 1960’s and also Gordano Valley CC. Famed for racing the first production ‘Moulton’ Cycle and was televised by ITN in 1962( cuts exist ITN archives) racing a Moulton special .He took part in the original Cardiff to London 162 mile race and with others broke the speed record for that event (The fastest time being achieved by John Woodburn of Reading (6hrs and 44 minutes) Tovey worked for Alex Moulton in the early 60’s and was part of the ‘Moulton eight’

THE MOULTON TEAM OF EIGHT

(Wiltshire Times November 9th 1962)

Initially apart from Mr Moulton, seven people were responsible for the production of this challenge to the almost stagnant bicycle industry: Technical manager Phil Uncles,who contributed largely to the design; Brian Cottrell (Bath), whose drawings helped accelerate the experiments; Bert Hervin, whose exceptional skills produced special tubes out of sheet metal; tester Graham Cottle; newcomer Michael Bainton; and John Tovey who cycles from Bristol Every day. The machine is very functional,and five models The Moulton Standard, Moulton de-Luxe, Moulton Safari, Moulton Speed, and the Moulton Stowaway.

OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS:

Stress engineer and designer working for Westlands and development of the Airbus.

References

• Wiltshire Times November 1962
• Evening Post November 1962.