Hello fellow Cycling enthusiasts.
Happy New Year
Well here we are in 2025, a year that we celebrate 60 years since the Club was reformed by Nev Crane and John Porter.
Congratulations
Recently we had the news that Thomas Cragg was offered and accepted a Youth team place riding/racing for Clancy Briggs during the 2025 season. This was a difficult decision for Thomas and his family as Thomas has been a Wheeler since he started at Go-ride 11 years ago. I think we would all agree that the opportunity to be supported and coached at Clancy Briggs by Ali Slater, Graham Briggs and Ed Clancy is too good to turn down at this key point in Thomas’s Development, well done Thomas!
Thomas would like to acknowledge that none of this would have been possible without the support and encouragement he has received over the past 10 years from the Wheelers club. He has been proud to race over the years wearing Sleaford Wheelers Colours and experience success across multiple disciplines.
Thomas will remain as a 2nd claim Wheeler for the 2025 season and will still be on rides and events.
I am sure we will get regular updates on Thomas’s development.
Youth Development
Here is a statement from Dan Simpson on how the Club will proceed with developing our junior riders:
“Building tomorrow – Junior Development!
As a club we have recognised that we must do more to inspire, motivate and develop our younger generation to protect the future of the club and cycling in general as it’s taken a big hit in recent years.
First and foremost, I would like to send a massive thank you to Jonny Noton at Peak Sports Coaching
who offered a full season of bespoke coaching to an active Junior member of Sleaford Wheelers CC. Which is a very generous offer, and shows we have the same goal in mind to preserve the future of the Sport.
We were delighted to receive a number of applications for this great opportunity and on this occasion, I am thrilled to announce that NOAH STARBUCK has been awarded with the opportunity and I have no doubt that he will make the most of it.
For those of you who missed out, we will be in touch soon as we continue to look into ways to help our junior members.”
Thank you, captain Dan 2
60th Anniversary
As mentioned earlier, the Club celebrates its 60th anniversary this year. We are aiming to run events throughout the year, but it would be great to get your thoughts on how to celebrate. Anyone up for a coast-to-coast ride? Any suggestions and ideas to recognise this milestone are most welcome.
We would also like to compile a history of the club so I would be grateful for any information, stories, anecdotes, pictures etc. If you do have something to share, then please email me directly.
Website development
We’re excited to be working on a new website for the club, and we need your help to make it truly special! High-quality photographs are a key part of showcasing everything we do at Sleaford Wheelers, and we’re inviting all members to contribute.
We’re looking for photos that capture the spirit of the club, including:
Events: Time trials, road races, sportives, or any competitions.
Socials: Club gatherings, cafe stops, or group rides.
Go-Ride: Pictures of our younger riders in action.
Women’s Group: Celebrating the achievements of our women’s group.
Historical Photos: Any memorable moments from the club’s history.
How to Share Your Photos We’ve set up a dedicated OneDrive folder for uploading your photos.
Please send you images to paulmarktaylor@gmail.com
Photo Guidelines
Ensure the photos are as high resolution as possible.
If people are clearly identifiable, please make sure they are comfortable with their photo being used online.
Feel free to include a short description of the photo (e.g., the event or year it was taken). Your contributions will help us create a website that truly reflects the vibrant, inclusive, and active community that makes up Sleaford Wheelers. Thank you in advance for sharing your memories and moments!
And speaking of photos,
The last Club rides of 2024 enabled a unique photo opportunity, we had one of our eldest and one of youngest members cycling side-by-side; a mere 75-year age gap! 3
Picture courtesy of Gav Culshaw
Events coming up in January.
Ladies ride on the first Saturday in January.
Signing on night at the Horseshoes
This year’s signing on night will be Monday 27th January at the Horseshoes in Silk Willoughby. I will be there from 19:00 with some printed off forms. Payment by card or BACS is preferred.
I will also be taking kit orders at that time. Please check the Pactimo and/or Impsport websites (links are on our website) for sizes and prices if you wish to place an order.
Events coming up in February.
Ladies ride on the first Saturday in February.
If there is enough interest, the Club will run a maintenance workshop covering the basics of roadside repairs. Please let me know if you are interested in attending.
Emergency Contact Information
Polite reminder.
All riders are required to carry emergency contact information whilst out on Club rides. This can either be on a smart phone or a card/piece of paper so that the Ride Leader can contact someone if required. 4
Did you know?
Nev Crane rode 5 Tours of Britain and achieved a stage win as well as several high placings. He had over 100 Road Race wins and held the Club 100-mile record for nearly 40 Years. Nev’s achievements are a great example to our young riders and we hope the likes of Thomas and Noah can go on to emulate him.
One from the archive
Winter has certainly arrived, staying warm in 1967 involved a different layering technique!
A young Malcolm Yates out with the Wheelers and still going strong today.
Picture courtesy of Malc Yates
Happy Cycling and see you soon,
Kind regards
Nige
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