First Ever Club Run Report

I’ve recently been sent some press reports about the early days of WVCC, then the Welland Valley Wheelers. I’m very grateful to Andrew Rippon who isn’t associated with the club but has been kind enough to pass on the information he has gleaned.

Here’s a press report from 8th July 1927

And here’s the transcription.

Welland Valley Wheelers First Club Run

The newly-formed  local cycle club, the Welland Valley Wheelers, held their first club run last Sunday, starting from the Square at 9.30am. The route chosen was to Oundle via Corby and Weldon, proceeding to Warmington, where a halt was called for lunch.

After lunch the “Wheelers” made for the Great North Road (Dick Turpin’s famous highway) reaching it at Elton turn. A run of six miles on its beautiful surface was very much enjoyed.

At Wansford the Old Bridge came in for much keen inspection. After Wansford, Durdington was reached, where tea at the C.T.C. house proved the biggest item of interest. Tea over, wheels were turned for home, via Wakerly, Harringworth, Gretton and Cottingham. Arriving at Harborough at 8.30, (I think that’s what it says) the riders thoroughly enjoyed the run, the distance covering practically 75 miles.

Runs for this week: Hardriders Section to North Road Memorial “50.” Leave Square 12 midnight Saturday.

Social Section – Bradgate Park, starting at 10am on Saturday, Tea at Newtown Linford.

Some things never change!  Club runs still all start at the Square, but were they really riding from 9.30am to 8.30pm?