August sees a unique world record attempt take place at Scunthorpe’s Quibell Park.

James Tully, an accomplished triathlete, plans to set a land speed record on a cycle made entirely out of wood and held together by glue, even the brakes are made from wood. The bike is made up from a mixture of hardwood and plywood and test have seen it run at speeds of over 30mph. The bike was constructed by his friend Michael Thompson who got the idea after watching last years Tour of Britain. Michael, a joiner, flippantly said he could make a bike entirely out of wood to which James replied that if Michael built it James would ride it.

Michael then with the motto “No bolts or screws, just wood and glues” set to work building the bike. This required taking a sideways look to overcome the many challenges in producing a rideable wooden bike. After over a thousand hours of work Michael revealed the aptly named Splinter Bike complete with a pair shaped logo, incase the project turned out that way.
Instead of a chain assembly to drive the bike Michael has used a cog system and to help reduce friction a wood called Lignum Vitae, a naturally self lubricating hardwood, which is included for bushings and bearings to minimise friction where one component turns in an opposing direction to another.

The picture on the left shows the Splinter Bike that will be used to attempt the world record. They have the full backing of all the necessary bodies in order for them to undertake the setting of the Land Speed Record for a 100% Wooden Bicycle, though didn't realise that setting a land speed record involves certain unavoidable costs. Now, with the backing of various sponsors and their chosen charity they are ready to attempt the record which will take place at Quibell Park velodrome on Thursday 18th August between 12pm and 4pm.

For more information or to sponsor the team http://www.splinterbike.co.uk/home