The Trefoil Guide Ladies are busy with their plans and preparations for their forthcoming Flower Festival “Celebration of Scouting” which will take place on Saturday and Sunday 22 & 23 April at the Community Centre, Conduit Hill, Rye. Continue reading Pen & Ink
The Tenderden Cycling Club, who have been great friends with the Wheelers, have sadly decided to disband. Continue reading The Sproket Page
Adventures of the Rye & District Wheelers. Past and Present
WHEELERS WILL SUPPORT MAYOR’S CHARITY WITH “LANDS END” ATTEMPT
Rye Wheelers will be supporting the Mayor’s ARRCC appeal fund for their annual charity raising event this year. Continue reading The ‘Sprocket’ Page
The Adventures of the Rye & District Wheelers Past and Present
Nine members took part in a Reliability Trial organised by the San Fairy Ann Cycling Club of Maidstone.
The event had two courses, one of 33 miles and another measuring 50 miles. Roy Fritchley, Dave Patten, Mark Nash and Barry Goodsell chose the harder ride and finished together well inside the time limit set for the group. Continue reading The ‘Sprocket’ Page
Just before the Second World War the Rye & District Wheelers decided that an enamel lapel badge, in the form of a “Sprocket,” the club emblem, would be an appropriate accessory for members to wear when on social engagements. Continue reading The “Sprocket” Page
Rye & District Wheelers enjoyed a day of record breaking on Sunday 10 October when a record ten riders took part on the V.T.T.A. 15 Mile time trial at Bethersden. Continue reading The “Sprocket” Page
Adventures of the Rye & District Wheelers – Past and Present
The Annual General Meeting of the Rye & District Wheelers took place at the Riverhaven Hotel on Thursday 12 February. The majority of the club’s members attended and elected officials for the coming year. Chairman Jim Hollands, Secretary Gemma Glover, Treasurer Granville Bantick, Racing Secretay Gary Booth and Club Captain Roy Fritchley.
The Chairman reported that the club had lost a valuable member in Harry Walker, who died recently. He had held the post of treasurer since the club was re-activated in 2000.
Richard Mwangi, who was a member during his six months stay in Rye has written to thank the members for the £750 raised in a 24 hour indoor cycle marathon. This had paid for his first two terms of further education and with help from friends at St. Mary’s Church he has negotiated his first year.
The members thought it might be a good idea to repeat the money raising event, with some modifications, and help Rye St. John Ambulance towards getting their new vehicle. Various ideas were discussed and eventually it was decided that a 12 hour 3-up relay on rollers, continuous live music and a 1000 balloon race would be a fun way of raising a good sum of money. Various sites will be investigated with a provisional date for the Whitsun Bank Holliday Saturday.
The Racing Secretary told of great events to come and took orders for more Rye Wheeler Racing Vests. There are up to eight racing members for the 2004 season, so team victories could be possible.
The Sunday and Tuesday runs from the Riverhaven at 9am. and 1pm. respectively are attracting more riders and prospective new members are invited to turn up for these, or phone Jim Holllands on 222420 or Gary Booth on 222701 for further details.
2003 was a good year all round for the Wheelers and with many Runs, Races and Social Events planned,2004 should even better.
All articles, photographs, films and drawings on this web site are World Copyright Protected. No reproduction for publication without prior arrangement. (Hard Copy Back Numbers Still Available) © World Copyright 2017.
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.
All articles, photographs, films and drawings on this web site are World Copyright Protected. No reproduction for publication without prior arrangement. © World Copyright 2015 Cinque Ports Magazines Rye Ltd., Guinea Hall Lodge Sellindge TN25 6EG.
Twenty-nine members and friends of the Rye & District Wheelers enjoyed their Annual Dinner at the Riverside Restaurant on Thursday 20 November. Guest of Honour, Sue Spice of the Tenterden Club, presented the awards to Barry Goodsell, Club “10” & “25” Champion and “Hilly 8” points competition winner and to Mark Nash the Points “10” winner. Continue reading Wheelers Dine and Recall 120 Years of History
Between 31st October and 9th November, 2003 Rye and Rother Councillor Granville Bantick will be cycling 463 kms from the small city of Danang in the north of Vietnam to Saigon in the south for adults and children with learning disabilities (mental handicap). Continue reading The Vietnam Bike Ride in aid of Mencap
