Jump ‘ on yer bike ’ with Windsor Cyclists
by Greg Martin
I ’ m going to peddle the information that the Windsor Cyclists club is searching for new members to go-a-pedalin ’.
The club was formed in 2010 to supplant recreational cyclist group , Hawkesbury Valley Cyclists founded in 2003 , which had been struggling to retain membership through a variety of reasons – including relocating out of the area or .. .. .. creaky knees etcetera !
At the helm during the birth of Windsor Cyclists were Tony Woolnough who became the new club ’ s first president , Robert Sterry ( secretary ), Sandra Long ( treasurer ), and the late Dennis Williams .
Over the years membership numbers have fluctuated but there ’ s always been a hard core of cycling enthusiasts who turn up to the regular weekday and weekend rides .
Windsor Cyclists now has 33 members but those who are still regularly throwing their legs over their Malvern Stars and Speedwells number “ around 10 so ” according to Tony .
Just joking ! Those heavyweight machines of yesteryear have of course given way to lightweight bikes with gears which make cycling a whole lot easier for enthusiasts .
Tony ’ s association continues despite his family relocating earlier this year to the Central Coast .
“ I ’ m really missing the friendships formed over the past dozen years , but I plan to make regular trips back to enjoy
my clubmates ’ company and rides around the beautiful Hawkesbury ,” Tony said .
Windsor Cyclists jump into the saddle each Tuesday , Thursday and Sunday at regular kick-off point , the Power Boat Clubhouse in Governor Phillip Park , Windsor .
“ Rides are typically two to three hours duration and are conducted in a leisurely pace ,” Tony explained .
“ How fast we ride depends on whoever turns up – these are social rides for us to enjoy our companionship and the wonderful Hawkesbury scenery , so our pace is determined by our slowest rider .
“ It ’ s not a race , just the opportunity to mix with like-minded companions !”
The club has a number of standard circuits – Sackville and Lower Portland ferries , Richmond , Kurrajong , Ebenezer , Pitt Town and Cattai .
The jaunts always include a break for a cup of coffee or tea and perhaps a lamington or scone or two !
The club also organises regular weekend rides in the countryside around start-finish points in Gulgong , Shoalhaven , Lake Macquarie and Cowra .
The main event for members each year is the annual Hawkesbury 100 Classic which is held in August .
“ Again , it is not a race , just the opportunity to have fun and take in the beauty of the Hawkesbury ,” Tony said .
“ For those who find the 100km event a touch too arduous , there ’ s also a 50km ride associated with the Classic .”
“ But our main aim is to cater to a wide
No , this photo wasn ’ t taken in pre-motorcar era . What better place for Windsor Cyclists to pose for the birdie and relax after a long ride than the historic Settlers Arms Inn at St Albans . Among the bicycles on parade are two 19th Century penny-farthing cycles .
range of abilities and interests – all levels of riders are welcome at the club ,” Tony said .
Two Windsor Cyclists who are always the centre of attention on rides are Phil Jurd and Dennis Mahboob who have a thing for penny-farthings , the first such vehicle to be called a bicycle .
The penny farthing reigned supreme throughout the two decades of 1870s-1880s before becoming obsolete .
But the penny farthings have made a comeback in recent years and Phil and Dennis are passionate devotees of the big wheel-little wheel modes of transport .
Each February they head off to Tasmania to enjoy everything on offer at the Evandale Penny Farthing Festival . Now , a penny for your thoughts ? Are you interested in joining all the fun , frolic and fitness associated with being a member of Windsor Cyclists ?
For all the good oil on Windsor Cyclists , visit the website on www . windsorcyclists . org . au or contact @ windsorcyclists . org . au or have a chat to secretary , Gary Northcote , on 0409 300 044 .
On yer bike !
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THE HAWKESBURY INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine . com . au ISSUE 143 // APRIL 2022 11