The “Sprocket” Page Adventures of the Rye & District Wheelers Past and Present
November & December were hectic months for the Rye & District Wheelers.
The Annual Dinner at the Riverhaven proved even more successful than 2005, when Tour de France Yellow Jersey holder Sean Yates was Guest of Honour. The Guest of Honour this time was Roy Manser, who raced against the Wheelers in the Grass Track events at Rye Sports way back in the 1950’s and still competes against them in Time Trial events. Roy was fifth in the National 25 Championship in 1961 and sixth in the National Best All Rounder event the following year. Now in his seventies, Roy has been Seniors Track Champion on several occasions. He is organising a visit for 53 riders,
including several from Rye, to ride on the banked, board indoor track at Newport. This will all happen this month (January). Two large shields were presented for the first time this year, commemorating the names of two of the Club’s finest riders. The Dave Ashdown Memorial Shield for the “10” Mile Championship, won this year by Barry Goodsell and the Bernard Dean Memorial Shield for the Twelve Hour Championship, won by Trevor Bridge. The final event of 2006 was the KCA Reliability Trial. There were 15 Rye Wheelers among the 200 plus starters. All 15 got round the 100 km course but unfortunately five of the Wheelers were just outside the time limit, this cost the club third place in the overall event. The Christmas Dinner run was on the 10 December and 27 members, most of whom made it to Planters Restaurant at Reading Street on two wheels, enjoyed a traditional turkey lunch. A certain councillor had red wine concealed in his water bottle, he claimed it was ‘Ribena’ You can never trust a politician!
OUTSTANDING YEAR
There can be no doubt that 2006 was an outstanding year for Rye & District Wheelers. Barry Goodsell became the first member ever to record an ‘under the hour’ ride in a 25 mile time trial. No less than six riders took part in the KCA Twelve Hour event, four completed the race. Barry Goodsell beat the 50 Mile record, held for 49 years by Bernard Dean, and lowered his own Ten Mile record. Ten ladies rode during the season and have been invited to compete in an annual Ladies Only event against the legendary San Fairy Ann Cycling club from Maidstone. The ‘Points Competition’ was an outstanding success, won eventually by Trevor Bridge. Gary Booth must be complemented on his brilliant organisation for the 18 race series. Club runs have taken place on Sundays, Tuesday, Thursdays and Fridays throughout the year and will continue through the winter months. New members are always welcome, phone Jim on 01797 222420, Gary on 01797 222701 or Barry on 01424 882890 for more details.
What Would They Have Thought?
The Rye & District Wheelers (Rye Cycling Club as they were known then) were formed in a smoky room in the Railway Hotel, now the Cinque Ports Arms, in 1881. What would those Victorian cyclists have thought if they knew the club they were founder members of would still be running 125 years later? How many 100’s of cyclists have taken up the colours of the club and raced over the roads of Sussex and Kent in those 125 years? The Wheelers are compiling a list of events and riders, can you help? Phone 01797 222420 if you can.
“Rye’s Own” January 2007
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