I still write and post letters, and take pleasure in choosing a nice postage stamp, best of all a stamp with a bike or bike riders. Australia Post now makes the job of finding a great postage stamp easy as they have just released a set of four stamps which present a snapshot of Australian bicycle design.
And it gets better, Bicycles Network Australia has five prize packs to give away which include a first day cover, stamp pack and a set of maxicards valued at $21.75 each. More on that below.
It is impossible to properly cover the entire history of Australian-made bicycle design with four stamps, so lets look at the four slices of Australian bicycling history which Australia post have selected.
From 1888, the Basset & Co(Melbourne) Penny Farthing features on the 70 cent stamp. There has been a resurgence in Australia of Penny Farthing riding and racing so this is a great choice.
From 1910, the second 70 cent stamp is a Sutherland Ladies Safety Bike built by Arthur Sutherland for his wife Marion and was part of the generation of ‘comfortable’ bikes for women. The basic geometry has remained for women’s step-over bikes.
For international standard letters, the Finlay Brothers ‘Mens Sprung Safety Bike’ from the 1930s features rear suspension to provide a more comfortable ride. The history of bicycle design is full of innovation but some will still be surprised how long a lot of ideas and technologies have existed.
Australian Titanium specialist frame builder Darren Baum has one of his conteporary custom made frames on the $2.75 stamp. While the raspberry and lime is an odd graphic combination, it is worth checking out the Geelong based Baum Cycles who attract bicycle lovers from across the globe seeking their own custom bike.
Social Commentry on Bicycle Stamps
Just like a fine bottle of wine with a cork, a postage stamp has the same romance. For wine I have converted and appreciate screw caps, while for a letter I still opt for a stamp every time. At the post office I even take time to choose the designs I prefer.
As a reflection of society, postage stamps are a good indicator of the past and present values in our culture and future vision. The Philatelic Manager of Australia post, Michael Zsolt notes, “Recreational, commuter and competition cycling have long been popular with Australians, and this stamp issue embraces a resurgence in this trend.”
The bicycle stamps are available now at post offices across Australia and online: http://auspost.com.au/stamps
Giveaway – 5 Australia Post Bicycle Stamp Prize packs
Super easy – excluding the frame builders or brands depicted in the postage stamps, name one Australian brand of bicycles or an Australian frame builder, past or present.
Post your answer in the comments below. Winners will be contacted by email.
You can repeat a name already mentioned, though preference will be given to the person who mentions it first. As the judge, I will make a selection considering brands or frame builders who are iconic, who are generally known for their bicycles and from different eras in Australian bicycle design.
Entry Details
There are five prize packs each valued at $21.75
The Bicycle Stamp prize pack has been provided by Australia Post
Entries from 23.10.2015 and closing midday AEST on 30.10.2015
Judges decision is final and winners will be announced here and contacted via email to claim their prize
Entry open only to Australian residents aged 18 and above
This giveaway is a ‘game of skill’
Terms and Conditions for competitions
Image Credits (four stamps)
© Australian Postal Corporation 2015. This material has been reproduced with permission of Australia Post.
