Mid Shropshire Wheelers celebrates 100 Years of Cycling

More than 100 cyclists, club veterans and local families from across the region gathered at Shrewsbury Sports Village on Sunday 15th June to mark a historic milestone for one of the UK’s oldest cycling clubs — the centenary of the Mid Shropshire Wheelers.

News: Mid Shropshire Wheelers celebrates 100 Years of Cycling in Shropshire! 

Founded in 1925, the club celebrated 100 years of cycling history with a full day of events on Sunday, including commemorative rides, children’s track cycling sessions and the unveiling of a specially designed Centenary Jersey. The event began with a ‘100 Ride Your Way’ format, allowing riders to complete 100 minutes, 100 kilometres, or 100 miles from the club’s base at Shrewsbury Sports Village.

The ride included a re-enactment photo on Atcham Bridge as a tribute to a 1925 club ride photo that marked the club’s founding, after which the groups enjoyed some of the club’s favourite routes through the Shropshire countryside in glorious sunshine.

While riders from youth to veterans cycled the roads of Shropshire a large group of younger rider and family supporters enjoyed a coached cycling session on the Sports Village track.

The club gathers at Atcham Bridge

The club’s Centenary jersey was designed as a ‘modern take’ on the club’s historic colours. Some of the club’s previous jerseys were on display at the trackside hub, with members sharing photos and their unique stories forged down the generations in celebration of MSW’s rich cycling culture.

Over the past century the club has been home to national champions, record breakers and tireless volunteers who have promoted the sport all the way from grassroots to elite level. From time trials in the 1930s to hosting the National Cyclo-Cross Championships twice in recent years, MSW has played a pivotal role in growing competitive cycling in the region.

Head Coach George Watkins BEM said: “We’re immensely proud of our past, though today is also about the future. The young riders on the circuit today will carry this club into its next 100 years.” George added “We are seeing a lot more family memberships being taken up this year with the track proving popular as the 1 kilometre purpose-built circuit is closed off from the road traffic, providing a safe environment for young riders to practice their bike handling skills before progressing onto the Shropshire roads once they gain experience and confidence.”

At the ‘Grand Depart’ from Sundorne Sports Village

Social Rides co-ordinator Haydn Wills added: “the club regularly organises social rides, with groups of adults and the more experienced youth riders meeting on a Sunday morning at the Shrewsbury Sports Village to get out and enjoy the Shopshire countryside. Check our website and Facebook page for details and drop us an email or message so we can advise you on how you can get involved.”

Long-standing member Jenny York took part in the centenary ride and said: “A great ride, very well organised and a great way to celebrate the Wheelers’ 100th Anniversary!”

As the club begins its second century its base at Shrewsbury Sports Village continues to develop as a regional hub for cycling. With road and cyclo-cross racing, youth coaching, floodlit evening sessions and social club rides all thriving, MSW remains firmly at the heart of cycling in the West Midlands.

News presented by Dave Mellor Cycles #bikeshop #Shropshire #Shrewsbury | www.midshropshirewheelers.com

Trackside with George Watkins and the Saturday Morning youth coaches, where there were a number of historical race winning club jerseys on display

Send your results as well as club, team & event news here

Other Results on VeloUK (including reports containing results)

Other News on VeloUK

Tags: