Mike Edwards - 60 Years of Wheelers Membership - Celebrations

Our Club President, Mike Edwards will be celebrating 60 years as a member of Chippenham Wheelers in February. Mike applied to be a member at the age of 17 in December 1951 and had his membership approved in February 1952. He enjoyed long winter clubruns with the " Junior Hardriders Group". His first race was in March 1952 in the club Med-Gear 25 mile TT on the local Sutton Benger, Dauntsey, Somerfords and Chippenham course, clocking 1hr 6 mins 24 secs, finishing 2nd behind Dennis O'Meara who finished in 1hr 3mins 36 secs. By the end of 1952 he had ridden a 100mile Road Race.

His best performances included winning the Yeovil 12hr TT, and winning the B.L.R.C (British League of Racing Cyclists) classic Les Adams Road Race (Tour of the Mendips - 105 miles), plus taking the winning team and the King of the Mountains award.

Mike also has promoted numerous events for the Wheelers from 25 to 100 mile TT's, many 12 hours events, the Carnival Kermesse races and Castle Combe circuit races. These included the organisation of the National 12 hr Championship in 1976 and the coordination of all the marshalling for the 2003 national 12 hr event.

At present he acts as recorder to his timekeeper wife, Sheila, at open events and organises the Youth TT's at Castle Combe, with Sheila and daughter Sue.

Mike was club Treasurer for 14 consecutive years plus at a later date a further 2 years. He has held every other committee post except that of Newsletter editor and was elected Cub President in 1985.

We would like to mark this occasion with a celebration at the clubroom on Wednesday 15th February. Whether you are a new member, a long serving Chippenham Wheeler, or have known Mike through cycling in the past, please come along and enjoy an evening of Wheelers history, complimentary food and above all a good old chat.