I've noticed that some of the Forum members are keen on cycling, like Cycle Racer & Dug also including myself, I try and do about 120 miles per week if the weathers good and i'm 65 this year...Many of the cyclists I meet out on my runs are all veterans in their 70's one of them is 81, there are not many youngsters who take up this activity ( apart from a few on Mountain bikes, riding on the pavement in the towns) is cycling a thing of the past??.

No cycling is not a thing of the past, just the open road is a thing of the past, I cycle about 70-80 miles each week in all weathers commuting to work and about another 20-30 miles each week with my children at weekends and evenings.
We use the trans-pennine trail a lot to get to places, but cos i work in ecclesall my route does involve quite a lot of road travel, i try and stay off road as much as poss and this does not involve cycling on paths or going through red lights etc....
The council does not have enough separate cycling lanes and yet approves of posters in the town centre advising people to get on their bike.

We love cycling and cycle as much as we can.

I used to ride loads when I was younger, anything up to 150 miles a day. Used to be forever waving at other cyclists out on the road, but as you say, it's rare to see anyone anymore.

Did anyone here go to the festival in York? (CTC if I remember rightly). Is it still held?

me and my bro cycleracer are both keen cyclist,i go to majorca every march for 2 weeks and then either the alps or the pyrennes in july,i was on the alpe d'huez for the this years tour time trial.
I wave or nod to other cyclist,and usually get a responce,we are after all a minority sport!!
I cycle every day to work,then usually put a 35/50mile loop in to get home,then usually all day sat and sunday if not working.
I'm trying to organise a touring holiday to France or Norway (camping) next year,any one any ideas,do you want to come...that would be great if so pm me your details...
if not happy cycling

john t

I cycle to work every day and have recently bought a set of rollers but i have to admit that the motivation is somewhat lacking at the mo!

My dad is 69 and still goes out 3/4 times a week depending on weather. He casually said to me the other day "your tired...Ive done 40 miles today" He`s been a member of Sheffield Phoenix for as long as I can remember, his nick name is Ped...Do you no him???

Im 21 next week and i cycle to and from work everyday and go out cycling at the weekend. If i need to get anywhere, ill cycle instead of catching the bus. I love it!

Yes, the York Cycle Rally is still going strong. 25th and 26th June this year. Anyone fancy it? PM me if you do.

Originally posted by Timbuck
I've noticed that some of the Forum members are keen on cycling, like Cycle Racer & Dug also including myself, I try and do about 120 miles per week if the weathers good and i'm 65 this year...Many of the cyclists I meet out on my runs are all veterans in their 70's one of them is 81, there are not many youngsters who take up this activity ( apart from a few on Mountain bikes, riding on the pavement in the towns) is cycling a thing of the past??.

I remember in the 60s meeting up at the Pewit cafe Owler bar, and also the singing Kettle at Matlock Bath, I also remember tagging onto Doncaster Wheelers on the way back from cleethorpes and the another cycling club tagged on as well {can't remember who} and there were 200 cyclists two abreast, you can't do that now.

David.

I cycle on paths, on mountain bikes and on roads on a racer (well I will do once its fixed). Tho I can't boast to doing more than 100 miles per week!

Originally posted by David Bowler
I remember in the 60s meeting up at the Pewit cafe Owler bar, and also the singing Kettle at Matlock Bath, I also remember tagging onto Doncaster Wheelers on the way back from cleethorpes and the another cycling club tagged on as well {can't remember who} and there were 200 cyclists two abreast, you can't do that now.

David. One windy weekend in the sixties I rode from Sheffield to Cleethorpes into a very strong headwind, I was acompanied by my girlfriend..She lasted out until Lincoln ..and I had to push her the rest of the way, it took me nine hours..I was knacked..Coming back the next day was a doddle with the wind behind us we did it in about three and a half hours.

Originally posted by Timbuck
One windy weekend in the sixties I rode from Sheffield to Cleethorpes into a very strong headwind, I was acompanied by my girlfriend..She lasted out until Lincoln ..and I had to push her the rest of the way, it took me nine hours..I was knacked..Coming back the next day was a doddle with the wind behind us we did it in about three and a half hours.

Happy Days.

There seem to be plenty of youngsters, they wizz past me on snazz racing machinery on the climb to Moscar Top every time. But I'm training hard, I really am.

Originally posted by ThePiglit
There seem to be plenty of youngsters, they wizz past me on snazz racing machinery on the climb to Moscar Top every time. But I'm training hard, I really am.

Moscar is one of the best climbs around IMO. I used to turn right just over the top, on to The Strines Inn and then back down the Strines to Hillsborough.
Then i found Froggatt! Great stuff :wink:

My favourite route soon changed to: Moscar,Bamforth,Hathersage,Froggatt, Owler Bar, Home :thumbsup:

I get out cycling a bit, i'm the girl in a fluorescent vest on a mountain bike who frequents Damflask, Dale Dike, Agden, Strines, A57, and Redmires. I recently discovered that a good cycle track links the A57 with redmires road and so have added this to my list of routes.

Well ..I did 55 miles this weekend, all hilly stuff around Duham..came back feeling a bit knackered..I can average 15 mph over 25 miles, then I start to flag a bit...But I am 67 next birthday.

I get out cycling a bit, i'm the girl in a fluorescent vest on a mountain bike who frequents Damflask, Dale Dike, Agden, Strines, A57, and Redmires. I recently discovered that a good cycle track links the A57 with redmires road and so have added this to my list of routes.


Wow, I've seen you on the Strines a few times and your one hot totty :hihi: .
Its nice to see a pretty face on there now and again.
I train on the strines all the time, there good hard roads around there and the flat bits are hard to.
I train during week days as I work nights regular and it can be a lonely place training on your own up there.
Keep up there gal, its getting warmer.

I had a go in a time trial this week, my first one since 1965..It was just 10 miles..I was pathetic..I had the worst time 34 mins 45 secs..I was well beaten by a 70 year old bloke and four Lasses, some of the young lads did it 21 mins...Shall I pack it in? or should I have another go next week?

Carry on Timbuck! If everyone gave up how would we Timekeepers carry on enjoying our masochistic tendencies! If you do pack it in there is always a need for timekeepers.

I commute to work by bike all year round and go mtb'ing at weekends too. I try and avoid road riding as much as possible but my commute requires itfrom Meersbrook to town. I use Chesterfield Rd, London Rd then Bramall Lane. The link road from London Rd to Bramall La has a proper cycle track that disappears into a park halfway along, so I don't use it. The cycle lane on Bramall Lane vanishes partway down too, and cars regularly pull up to the kerb there (deliberately?). I make no apologies on such occasions for hopping on to the path to pass them.
My preferred commute takes me through the woods from Newfield School down to Meersbrook. It's a lovely ride, though someone leaves logs across the path in places, probably to try and stop the motorcyclists rather than me (I hope).

Back in the fifties I rode with Sheffield RCC and the Phoenix RC of the old BLRC ( Britsh league of racing cyclists ) Some of the best years of my life.

anyone tried winatts on a bike might want to take a look at this theres a great bit of video footage towards the end of the thread

http://www.cyclingplus.co.uk/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=89027

btw i love cycling and have a road and mountain bike

I go out every weekend favorite route is sheff hathersage bamford then back over ringinglow

anyone tried winatts on a bike might want to take a look at this theres a great bit of video footage towards the end of the thread

http://www.cyclingplus.co.uk/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=89027I did Winnats long before granny gears were invented. Don't think I could any more, but would sure like to be in a position to.

One of my favorite routes was Baslow, Chatsworth, Matlock bath, Youlgreve, Bakewell, Calver, Hathersage, Castelton, back to Hathersage, Foxhouse, Peacock, back to Greenhill.

anyone tried winatts on a bike might want to take a look at this theres a great bit of video footage towards the end of the thread

http://www.cyclingplus.co.uk/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=89027
Iv'e just been watching this video it's on page 5..Great stuff..A very fit Lass..
I miss cycling around Derbyshire.

Iv'e just been watching this video it's on page 5..Great stuff..A very fit Lass..
I miss cycling around Derbyshire.

Yes she certainly is a very fit lass puts us blokes to shame well she does me anyway :)

Actually, cycling amongst other road traffic is safer than people think. Statistically, cycling on dedicated cycleways is twice as likely to result in a fatal accident as cycling on roads. The dangerous bits are the interfaces, when cycleways cross roads and junctions.

I used to be a member of the South Yorkshire Racing Club, but we used to team up with the Rutland CC quite a bit. Some of the rides in winter were mad. Nearly as many pints as miles.
I still ride a lot in NZ. It's great - very quiet and scenic where I live.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y187/fudbeer/IMGP0527.jpg

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y187/fudbeer/IMGP0526.jpg

Took these up winatts over the weekend tried to make it show how steep it really is.

Got up ok on the mountain bike but its still a great challenge.

It's great to see that cycling still crosses gender and generation gaps. In spite of the increasing traffic volumes and worsening road conditions - cycling is still a who load of fun.

I commute almost every day from Stannington to the Don Valley. There are sections that I do on the pavement - as responsibly and respectfully as possible. Usually at points where a cyclist on the road forces causes great inconvenience to traffic.

I realise this thread is a little old but I wondered if any of the oldies remember a cycling club in the mid 50's called "Atlas Cycling Club ". The club rooms were situated up City Road slightly above the cemetry on the opposite side. I think it is now a petrol station. We used to meet every Wednesday night for a club night and go for rides every Sunday doing mileages from 50 to 100 miles. One never to forget ride was an overnighter to Bridlington, didn't see much as we slept on the beach all morning and then returned in the afternoon.
I am still racing every Sunday morning, and Tuesday nights in the summer time and I am coming up for 67 next month.

I realise this thread is a little old but I wondered if any of the oldies remember a cycling club in the mid 50's called "Atlas Cycling Club ". The club rooms were situated up City Road slightly above the cemetry on the opposite side. I think it is now a petrol station. We used to meet every Wednesday night for a club night and go for rides every Sunday doing mileages from 50 to 100 miles. One never to forget ride was an overnighter to Bridlington, didn't see much as we slept on the beach all morning and then returned in the afternoon.
I am still racing every Sunday morning, and Tuesday nights in the summer time and I am coming up for 67 next month.

I can recollect a club called 'The Atlas Cyling Club', and I'm almost certain the man who taught me to use a Slotting Machine during my engineering training, belong to it. Personally I never took part in racing or time-trials but I hope someone else can add to this. During my cycling days I climbed most of the hills such has: Winnats, Monsal Dale, Milldale, Stoney Middleton up to Lane Head (Great Longstone) but today unless cycling during the week days, it is frightening simply because most car drivers require a 'Eye test to ensure they can see correctly but also to be able to judge distance and widths'.
Did anyong ride a Trike? or did they come across Barry Sanderson (Sandy).

Hi Albert,
I think the fellow you mentioned could be a small guy, balding with glasses and his first name was Bert. Sorry don't remember his second name. He worked in an engineering workshop at the bottom of Lyons Street/Carwood Rd on Carlisle St or maybe the next one over Savill St. He was the club mechanic and seemed to carry everything in 2 panniers on the back of his bike. Certainly helped me out a few times when having breakdowns on the road.

My dad is 69 and still goes out 3/4 times a week depending on weather. He casually said to me the other day "your tired...Ive done 40 miles today" He`s been a member of Sheffield Phoenix for as long as I can remember, his nick name is Ped...Do you no him???I rode as a member of Sheffield RCC and the Phoenix road club back in the 50s. We were clubs in the old BLRC, and Phoenix cycling club was part of the National cyclist union, so al our bases were covered. We used to cover many a long winter mile or two in the off season, sometimes out as far as Dovedale and back before we'd gather for a few Sunday night pints without the bikes. They were some of the best years of my life. Over here I rode and coached the Yankee Racing Team of Connecticut and was its president. I was still racing criteriums ( which I hated ) into my middle sixties. There never seemed to be the companionship in American racing. People are too dedicated to winning. Losing is half the fun.

I rode as a member of Sheffield RCC and the Phoenix road club back in the 50s. We were clubs in the old BLRC, and Phoenix cycling club was part of the National cyclist union, so al our bases were covered. We used to cover many a long winter mile or two in the off season, sometimes out as far as Dovedale and back before we'd gather for a few Sunday night pints without the bikes. They were some of the best years of my life. Over here I rode and coached the Yankee Racing Team of Connecticut and was its president. I was still racing criteriums ( which I hated ) into my middle sixties. There never seemed to be the companionship in American racing. People are too dedicated to winning. Losing is half the fun.

Hi Buck,
In opposite to you I just love the Criteriums. During summer months we hold a criterium meeting every Tuesday night and they are proving more popular than road racing which we do alternate sundays in summer and every sunday in winter. The other alternate sunday in summer we do track racing. Unfortunately we don't have a proper velodrome but a sealed track around the local football field. Track racing would be the least popular although once again I love it especially the sprints, trouble is getting a little long in the tooth to be too much competition for the other riders. If you are interested have a look at www.riverlandcyclingclub.com that is our club site with upto date results and photos. Couldn't help noticing you mention riding out to Dovedale and back, I did that a couple of times and have always wanted to go out there again but couldn't remember how. Last October we were over on holiday and we managed to find Thors Cave, fullfilled a life time ambition even though we did it by car this time.

Hi Buck,
In opposite to you I just love the Criteriums. During summer months we hold a criterium meeting every Tuesday night and they are proving more popular than road racing which we do alternate sundays in summer and every sunday in winter. The other alternate sunday in summer we do track racing. Unfortunately we don't have a proper velodrome but a sealed track around the local football field. Track racing would be the least popular although once again I love it especially the sprints, trouble is getting a little long in the tooth to be too much competition for the other riders. If you are interested have a look at www.riverlandcyclingclub.com that is our club site with upto date results and photos. Couldn't help noticing you mention riding out to Dovedale and back, I did that a couple of times and have always wanted to go out there again but couldn't remember how. Last October we were over on holiday and we managed to find Thors Cave, fullfilled a life time ambition even though we did it by car this time.Hi Sparky Nice web page. The problem I've sometimes had with crites is they put us masters in with the category 4s or sqirrels as we call them. I don't know if sqirrels are native to Aussie, but there are too many here, and some of them ride bikes. Us old guys can hold the line but I've been bounced off by more than one tug in my time. All the best.

Hi Albert,
I think the fellow you mentioned could be a small guy, balding with glasses and his first name was Bert. Sorry don't remember his second name. He worked in an engineering workshop at the bottom of Lyons Street/Carwood Rd on Carlisle St or maybe the next one over Savill St. He was the club mechanic and seemed to carry everything in 2 panniers on the back of his bike. Certainly helped me out a few times when having breakdowns on the road.

No Sandy worked as a Store Keeper at the Y.E.B. OR he did until he went off on a months holiday to Iceland that eventually turned out to be a six or seven months one after he'd met some other cyclist joined them and toured Europe.
He was single, so what did it matter when he got back he got the sack!!
I've a feeling that the Bert that you mention was Bert Rathborne (He lived at Walkley) and always worn a cap and thick specs.
Can anyone recall Frank Lookwood, Len Mason, Alan Kirk (He is the present President of the local C.T.C.).

I can recollect a club called 'The Atlas Cyling Club', and I'm almost certain the man who taught me to use a Slotting Machine during my engineering training, belong to it. Personally I never took part in racing or time-trials but I hope someone else can add to this. During my cycling days I climbed most of the hills such has: Winnats, Monsal Dale, Milldale, Stoney Middleton up to Lane Head (Great Longstone) but today unless cycling during the week days, it is frightening simply because most car drivers require a 'Eye test to ensure they can see correctly but also to be able to judge distance and widths'.
Did anyong ride a Trike? or did they come across Barry Sanderson (Sandy).

Hi

Thanks for the pm btw.

A lot of the climbs you mention are in the Phil and Friends challenge which i completed (just!) earlier this year.It is a great ride and the long version 150 km takes in amongst others holme moss winnats and Great Longstone towards the end it basically tries to take in all the main climbs of the peak district in one ride it really is a killer and the weather this year was shocking but great fun and i will be doing it this year all being well.

Speaking of rides in the peaks rutland still do the tea cakers run every sat am which meets in roses cafe at 11.30 in castleton i often meet them on my rides they take quieter routes in the peaks to avoid the traffic

Hi

Thanks for the pm btw.

A lot of the climbs you mention are in the Phil and Friends challenge which i completed (just!) earlier this year.It is a great ride and the long version 150 km takes in amongst others holme moss winnats and Great Longstone towards the end it basically tries to take in all the main climbs of the peak district in one ride it really is a killer and the weather this year was shocking but great fun and i will be doing it this year all being well.

Speaking of rides in the peaks rutland still do the tea cakers run every sat am which meets in roses cafe at 11.30 in castleton i often meet them on my rides they take quieter routes in the peaks to avoid the traffic

I can only now say from the bottom of my heart to all who cycle: Keep those Pedals & Wheels turning. As the years go bye, you will have many, many happy memorys and will never regret one minute of it.

I'm intending to open a new thread regarding the use of cycles on footpaths soon because I'm sure cyclist attached to the Forum could take up for their own safety and benefit.

Have we got many C.T.C. members or Pedal Pushers in the Forum?

Resurrecting this very interesting thread. Looking through all the posts it seems to be clear of the usual slanging c--p that sometimes carries on between cyclists and motorists.

Keep the information coming concerning what you think is of interest to cyclists in the Sheffield area.

Here's my first contribution.

Was out on Tuesday and stopped at a cafe adjacent to the roundabout at Oldcotes, whilst on my way out to Blyth. Pleasant lady in there, nice coffee and cake, chairs and table outside. Open 8-00 to 2-30 Mon to Sat 8-30 to 2-00 on Sunday.

Was out Saturday afternoon and what a glorious ride up the Edale Valley.
Try the cafe on the station approach. Enjoyed a coffee, and a large scone with jam and cream. Sorry, no info on opening hours.

Who remembers what I believe was referred to as the Shack at Blyth, where the Charnwood Hotel now stands. Not that long before decimalisation, you could get Sunday dinner ( nothing fancy of course ) Spuds / meat and veg, plus pudding for 2/6d.

I think the Shack was what many older club cyclists will remember as Walt's.It had a bunkhouse in the 50s where time triallists spent Saturday nights before cornflakes for breakfast,rode a time trial and returned for a fry up,then fishing for some, before riding home Sunday evening.Some riders kept their racing bike at Walt's, travelling to and from on a work bike.The result sheets of races were displayed for several weeks on the walls.

Good morning Blackburnrod

Yes, spot on with your reply ! Walt was a character. Remember being in there once. There was a couple with a young child, he wouldn't take anything for the meal she had.
Was never a competitor myself, but have rode hundreds of miles over the years.

For quite a few years I never visited the place, so imagine my shock as I approached from Oldcotes up the slight incline and around the gentle right hand bend.
B----y H--l or probably something stronger I uttered, as the Charnwood came into view.

Keep twiddling !

I used to ride everywhere in the 60's, ctc then started racing, first with Sheffield Central then Sheffield Phoenix. Loll Dodd was trainer I think, Brian Jolly was also a member. Anyone remember Henry Holmes and his bike shop on London Road? The CTC used to meet at Lowfield School in Heeley, there were a number of sections - Wayfarers, Easyriders etc and my section was run by Joan Brufton and her husband Tom. Absolutely smashing people who were not young but they took us youngsters all over the place - Ireland, South West Peninsula. Whilst we were were staying at Beer youth hostel, Tom Simpson died in the Tour, on my birthday, 13th July 1967.

I was such a keen cyclist and reckoned I could ride any hill, again as someone said, not using easy gears as of today. Anyway, workmates challenged me that I couldn't ride what was considered the steepest street in Sheffield, Blake Street. I rode it easily and up the pavement because it was a cobbled street then. Years later I was on Radio Sheffield talking to Roni Robinson, having phoned in from my home in Cheshire to talk about my ride because they were asking what was the steepest street.

Those were the days!

I used to work in Henry Holmes shop on Sharrowvale Rd lacing the spokes into a pair of wheels for 6d a pair,whilst sitting on orange boxes on my way home from King Ted's to Nether Edge.Henry employed his wife in the shop and also a lad called Neil Bedford who raced for Sheffield RCC,and now lives in Bamford.I was in the Sheffield Sports CC 1954-60 and have maintained occasional contact ever since,including going to their centenary dinner this year.I still think those years with frequent YHA weekends,clubruns getting home at 8-9pm,and pretty well empty roads were the most enjoyable of my cycling career (which still continues).

You mention Henry Holmes shop on Sharrowvale Road.Do you remember which no it was?

I think it was 289,but not certain.It was on the western corner of a side road on the south side of Sharrowvale Rd.

Thanks for that info. I've known the area fairly well since 1969, but can't remember the shop.

It closed in the early 60s and the business transferred to London Rd (?No338).

Good evening Blackburnrod

Would your name be B---- P------ ?

No.I am Rod G--------- and was in the Sheffield Sports CC, then Beacon RCC,now N.Lancs RC.

Good evening Blackburnrod

Do you remember Barry Pashley who worked in Henry Holmes shop on London Rd. He used to ride with Wes Mason.

Also do you remember an old pal of mine who was a member of our running club, Peter Wilkinson. In his day he was one of the top riders around here, riding for Sheffield Sports.

Memories of the races in Norfolk Park. Spent some enjoyable Saturday afternoons in there watching the various events. Saw Beryl Burton ride away from everyone from the start.

Don't remember Barry Pashley,but do Wes who used to come out on Sports clubruns in the winter.I see Pete Wilkinson each year at the Sports annual reunion dinner (with some ex Central CC members) and on the odd occasion when I am in Sheffield and go out with the Sports(when visiting my son who lives on Whirlowdale Rd and is in the Rutland).

I rode Norfolk Park Saturday afternnon races a couple of times. The up part got pretty tiring after a while, then a fast swoop down the other side. I remember a guy in our club (S Yorks RC) turned up in navy blue shorts and the commissaire wouldn't let him ride due to the rules back then in the 80's.

Last year I was averaging 100 miles a week and doin a fortnighly weekend trip of around 30-50, but this year maybe only 30 a wek with a monthly 30-50 trip. I enjoy cycling but at times I find it dangerous and I also find I get abuse off of drivers on some of the main roads purely because I can average a higher speed than them in dense traffic. I am fairly young, normally on a red racer in a black tracksuit with some sort of reflective clothing covering my back.

Its taking me roughly 40 minutes to cycle from Parkway Drive to Deer park in Stannington, Is this a respectable amount of time or pretty slow?

hi everyone,
i have been reading your cycling talk with interest does any of you old timers out there know of a STANLEY ELLIOTT he came from ecclesfield and used to ride with one of the sheffield clubs

I can recollect a club called 'The Atlas Cyling Club', and I'm almost certain the man who taught me to use a Slotting Machine during my engineering training, belong to it. Personally I never took part in racing or time-trials but I hope someone else can add to this. During my cycling days I climbed most of the hills such has: Winnats, Monsal Dale, Milldale, Stoney Middleton up to Lane Head (Great Longstone) but today unless cycling during the week days, it is frightening simply because most car drivers require a 'Eye test to ensure they can see correctly but also to be able to judge distance and widths'.
Did anyong ride a Trike? or did they come across Barry Sanderson (Sandy).

I used to ride home from work with a one legged bloke on a trike up Duke St and City Rd some nights he he used to drop me but i always caught him at Manor Top.

I used to ride everywhere in the 60's, ctc then started racing, first with Sheffield Central then Sheffield Phoenix. Loll Dodd was trainer I think, Brian Jolly was also a member. Anyone remember Henry Holmes and his bike shop on London Road? The CTC used to meet at Lowfield School in Heeley, there were a number of sections - Wayfarers, Easyriders etc and my section was run by Joan Brufton and her husband Tom. Absolutely smashing people who were not young but they took us youngsters all over the place - Ireland, South West Peninsula. Whilst we were were staying at Beer youth hostel, Tom Simpson died in the Tour, on my birthday, 13th July 1967.

I was such a keen cyclist and reckoned I could ride any hill, again as someone said, not using easy gears as of today. Anyway, workmates challenged me that I couldn't ride what was considered the steepest street in Sheffield, Blake Street. I rode it easily and up the pavement because it was a cobbled street then. Years later I was on Radio Sheffield talking to Roni Robinson, having phoned in from my home in Cheshire to talk about my ride because they were asking what was the steepest street.

Those were the days!

When i lived at Walkley i used to ride up Blake St for a bet with the lads in the Blake pub.Apart from that i remember going up East Bank Road and overtaking the bus at each stop great days in the Sheffield Phoenix.