The ultimate added attraction for choosing a Galloway Cycling tour is the opportunity to visit the place where the pedal cycle was invented - at Courthill, Keir, near Thornhill in Dumfriesshire.

Although the bicycle is credited to have been invented in Germany in 1816, the first pedal bicycle was invented by Kirkpatrick McMillan (1813-1878) at his father's smithy in 1840. McMillan was locally known as 'daft Pate' because of some of his radical ideas.

He began by building himself a 'hobby horse'- a wooden bar with saddle attached to two wheels which he propelled against the ground. He soon devised a revolutionary improvement. By attaching treadles to long rods connected to cranks in the rear axle he found he could propel his 'steed' without his feet having to touch the ground. To tighten a cord to apply his rear-wheel brake, he used the world's first twist-grip control on his handlebar.

In 1842 he rode his invention to Glasgow and in the Gorbals he unfortunately knocked down a little girl. Although she was unhurt, he was fined five shillings. However, after receiving a demonstration of the bike's capabilities the magistrate refunded the money from his own pocket.

On his return journey McMillan undertook the first ever bicycle race, having met his friend the coachman of the Glasgow-Carlisle mail coach. He wagered the coachman he would reach Sanquhar on his machine before the coach arrived. Soon the race was on. It was neck and neck for many miles, but McMillan had the advantage of not having to stop at halting places for mail and passengers. At Old Cumnock the coach was well behind and the 'daft Pate' easily reached Sanquhar a well established winner.