While I wouldn't want to take anything away from Harry Hill's amazing achievements they have been somewhat exaggerated in recent postings. He certainly wasn't the first amateur to exceed 25 miles in the hour when he went to the Vigorelli in 1937. This is what Stan Butler (owner of Allin's of Croydon) wrote: In 1926 Frank Southall agreed to ride an hour unpaced. He had worked all morning in his trade as a plasterer. He rode to Herne Hill, took the brake off his bike and rode an 88in gear and 12oz Constrictor tyres. His distance was 26 miles 838 yards. Good as Harry was he wasn't as good as that!
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