In 1965 Rye Sports Day was a popular local event, attracting athletes from all over the country. But Television was gaining a hold and first class athletics from the White City was showing athletes of International stature. Spectator support was dropping and the difference from 1950, when about 4,000 people turned up at the Cricket Salts to watch the athletic and cycle races to the mid sixties, when Continue reading Carnival Appeal Film – 1965
This piece of film will be mainly of interest to grey haired racing cyclists from the 1960’s.
John and Dave Ashdown are featured in the first race, with Richard Wall doing a cameo appearance after a face plant.
Bob French and Lynn Chambers of the Hastings Club and Gerald Maryann of Tunbridge Wells appear in the second race, which finished on Brighton Sea Front. Continue reading Cycle Racing in East Sussex 1960
There was a time, way back before the Second World War, that the cycling Ashdown family of New Romney, were fierce rivals with members of the Rye Wheelers at grass track events around the area. Continue reading The Ashdowns of New Romney
Christmas is upon us again. The old saying that time goes faster as you get older seems to be right. In the uncertain world we live in it sometimes seems a blessing to be getting old. A wise old Ryer once said, as far back as 1965, that he had lived the best years but the 40 years since then have not been so bad. What lies ahead for the youngsters of today? War and Global Warming or Harmony between nations and a common will to overcome the obstacles that will be encountered over the next 40 years? “Rye’s Own” takes the optimistic view, there must be a Continue reading Rye’s Own Editorial – December 2006
May has been another great month for the Rye & District Wheelers. There were no less than ten Rye riders entered for the first Tenterden “10”, this despite losing ever present Kevin Hall to an ankle operation that will put him out of action for several races. Barry Goodsell produced the fastest ride of the evening, beating Continue reading Rye Wheelers 2005 and Earlier
The Rye & District Wheelers have been in the news quite a lot recently. Their Marathon Charity Roller Ride for ARRCC got publicity in the Rye Observer and an Continue reading Exciting Times for the Wheelers
The Wheelers ‘Fun Day’ was a great event and raised over £1500 towards a new ambulance for the Rye St. John. None of this could have been possible without the tremendous help from those who gave prizes and sponsored the 12 hour cycle roller marathon. Continue reading The Sprocket Page
John and Dave Ashdown joined the Rye Wheelers in 1957. They came from a bike racing family, their uncles had been grass track riders before the War. Soon John and Dave were joined by a third brother, Edward. The trio made up a very important part of the Wheeler’s Grass Track Team. They also rode time trials. Later Mike Ashdown, a cousin, joined the club. Mike was a sprinter of extraordinary talent. He won the Sussex Sprint Championship at his second attempt and went on to lead the Wheelers in a never equalled three time triumph in the Gasson Team Competition at the Rye Sports Festival.
John Ashdown makes a last mile effort in a 1960’s Time Trial.
Mike Ashdown (left) with Celia, John and Mr & Mrs. Wall at a 1967 time trial.
With membership steadily growing and more and more riders getting out on Sundays the New Year looks good for the Rye & District Wheelers.
Starting from Tuesday 6 January and every Tuesday, there will be a short afternoon run, taking at the most two hours including a stop for a cuppa. A run that can be managed by beginners and novices of all ages and sexes, young and old alike. A good starting point for those that want to get fit and lose a little weight while enjoying companionship and the beauty of the countryside.
Sunday Morning runs cover more ground but are split into two separate groups if need be, both groups meeting up at eleven for breakfast.
The racing contingent are looking forward to another good season with seven riders already preparing for the first races. Roy Fritchley, the 25 mile record holder, threatens to take his record down ‘under the hour’. Barry Goodsall the present 25 Mile Champion also has this target in mind. It should be quite a contest.
After last year’s great effort in the East Sussex Cycling Association “100” mile race both Barry Goodsall and Mark Nash are planning to have another go at the distance, it may be that a third rider will be willing to ride with them and make up a team.
The evening “10” competitions will be hard fought again with Mark Nash defending his points competition championship. This event, spread over fifteen races, requires a high attendance percentage and allows the slower but more regular competitors a chance to be in at the finish with possibilities of winning.
The Club A.G.M. will be held at the Riverside Restaurant, Riverhaven Hotel at 7.30 on the second Thursday in February. All members are requested to attend along with anyone else interested in the Activities of the Rye & District Wheelers.
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News and Adventures of the Rye & District Wheelers Past and Present
Well Attended A.G.M.
The Annual General Meeting held at the Riverhaven Hotel on Thursday 13 February was attended by more than half of the membership. Continue reading The Sprocket Page March 2003
Looking back through the old Rye’s Own photo files we discovered many local girls from the ‘Swinging Sixties’. Rye’s Own claimed that Rye girls were better looking than those from any other part of the country. Margaret Apps worked at Continue reading Margaret Apps Then & Now
