Rotherham Wheelers ... town's oldest cycling club extends invitation to centenary celebrations

ROTHERHAM Wheelers Cycling Club is marking its centenary in style with some special events on and off the road a year later than originally planned.

The celebrations for the club, which was founded in 1920, were stopped in their tracks last year by the pandemic, forcing them back to 2021.

But with the prospect of a smoother road ahead as the country climbs out of lockdown, the Wheelers have lined up a full programme to mark the milestone.

Riders past and present are invited.

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Treasurer and membership secretary David Buxton said: “We are certainly the oldest cycling club in Rotherham and we have got to be one of the oldest in South Yorkshire and pretty much one of the oldest in the country.

“There are some which pre-date us by 20 or 30 years but not many clubs make it to 101 years old and it is something to be celebrated.”

The Wheelers are doing just that, kicking off with a Reunion Ride for former members on a date to be announced.

A Centenary Social in Whiston in June will see former members from as far away as Scotland and Somerset attend.

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The granddaughter of Cliff Henderson, who was a founder member, will also be there as a guest along with her family.

“We're hoping to see some old faces,” added David. “Quite a few former members will be coming, quite a lot of whom are in advanced years.

“It will be nice to see them and in my case to meet some of them for the first time.”

The club's Centenary Ride in July has a poignant touch.

It is being run as a fund-raiser for the Motor Neurone Disease Association in honour of Rob Burrow, the former rugby league player who has the condition. The ride will fellow a number 7 theme in honour of the number shirt he wore during his days with Leeds Rhinos and England.

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A centenary time trial, also in July, and a centenary club ride in August wrap up the programme.

Added Dave: “We have spent a lot of time making arrangements and it will be good to see it come to fruition.”

Programme of Events:

Reunion Ride

Aimed primarily at former members and therefore not strictly a Rotherham Wheelers event because the participants are now ex-members in the main. A short ride where participants can easily cycle or drive in their cars and meet up socially in advance of a social event detailed below. Contact Keith Dutton on 01709 372020 for more details.

Centenary Social

Sunday, June 27 (2pm-8pm), Whiston Parish Church Cricket Club

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BBQ, live entertainment and a display showing Wheelers' memorabilia, trophies and photographs, along with the showing of a video charting the history of the club.  

All current and former members invited.  

Tickets still available and former members who haven't already reserved their tickets can still do so by contacting the treasurer at [email protected] or on 07751 518488.

Centenary Ride 

July 1-7, in aid of the Motor Neurone Disease Association

Inspired by Rob Burrow, the ex-Leeds Rhino and England rugby league player who has Motor Neurone Disease. As his shirt number was number 7, as part of Wheelers' centenary celebrations seven Rotherham Wheelers will ride 70km on seven consecutive days finishing on July 7, which is the seventh day of the seventh month, with the target of raising  £777 for MNDA.

Centenary Time Trial 

Sunday, July 4 (2pm)

Incorporating the North Midland District Youth Championship, a ten-mile time trial on the course at Cuckney. Youth Championships are part of the event.

Centenary Club Ride

Saturday, August 7 

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A ride of around 50 miles and will go at a pace such that the group will be able to stay together, so it should look an impressive sight out on the road. All Rotherham Wheelers members encouraged to take part. 

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