A team of pedal-powered fundraisers are set to recreate history when they re-trace the journey of an Amman Valley bicycle manufacturer who rode a chain-driven bike for the first time on Easter Monday 130 years ago.

Towards the end of the 19th century, William and Arthur Williams, two of five brothers from Gelli Fawnen Farm of Nantyglyn Road, Glanaman, set up in business manufacturing bicycles at the smithy on the family farm.

Defiance Cycle Works was born, the first and only bicycle manufacturers in Wales.

In 1884, Defiance was among the first cycle firms to make a chain-driven bike outside Coventry, and on Easter Monday, April 6, 1885, Arthur Williams set out on the chain-driven bicycle he and his brother had built on a trip from Glanaman to Swansea and back.

Thousands turned out to line the route and watch this incredible new machine go by.

Defiance received more than 50 orders for their new bike in a single day, and the firm went on to sell thousands, both at home and abroad.

Arthur Williams went on to open bike shops in High Street, Ammanford and Swansea, and in Johannesburg, South Africa.

In 1901, the firm branched out and the Royal Defiance motorbike went into production.

Exactly 130 years after Arthur’s famous bicycle ride, Easter Monday once again falls on April 6, and to mark the momentous occasion, the Swansea and West Wales Cyclists’ Touring Club has organised a celebration bike ride to re-create the historic event.

Cycle club member Rosemary Pritchard said: “The ride will be around 36 miles, on a mix of roads, quiet country lanes and traffic-free cycle paths.

“The entry fee is £15, which includes lunch, free bottled water and a commemorative mug.”

All proceeds from the charity cycle, after costs, will be donated to a local charity nominated by the Williams family – Hafan Dementia Care facility in Heol Aman, Glanaman.

Full details and entry forms are available from the website defiancecycleride.com.