Modern Dick Turpins . Speedway riders start race on horseback to York . Two speedway riders started from Hampstead on a race from London to York , but their mounts were horses not motor - cycles . These modern Dick Turpins are Arthur Atkinson and Rol Stobart of West Ham and they are following the route taken by the famous highwayman . The race is the outcome of a challenge as to the abilities of their respective mounts . Photo shows ; The crowd cheering Arthur Atkinson and Rol Stobart as they leave the famous Dick Turpin haunt , The Spaniards Inn , at the start of their race . 2 July 1935