Gosford Times thu 8 october 1925

Gosford Times , Thursday 8 October 1925

Local Cycling

The relay race at Gosford last Saturday was a successful innovation, and twelve riders faced the starter. The idea was to team the riders in pairs, scratch man to race in conjunction with the limit man, second scratch with second limit, and so on, thus equalising the pairs as much as possible.

On the word "go," one of the pair rode a lap (about 3 1-3 miles), and immediately he crossed the line, his mate started off on his lap, and the pair doing the greatest distance in one hour (or the nearest lap to the hour) were the winners. The teams were Jack Eden and 'Butt' Fletcher, Vic White and Bren Moore, Cyril Dunk and Ces. Wakeling, Harold McNamara and Charlie Smith, Jack Smith and Barney Berry, Noel Westlake and R. Brown.

Six riders left the mark together, and great racing resulted, and as there was a lap spell for one of each team while his mate was racing, the pace was clapped on all the time. The winners were Dunk and Wakeling, two very promising riders, with Eden and Fletcher in second place, C. Smith and McNamara third. Jack Smith and Barney Berry (the Springfield pair) punctured while running well, while Jack Eden and McNamara also punctured. Six laps were completed in 57 minutes, and as the total distance covered was just on twenty miles, the pace throughout was solid. Next Saturday's racing will be at Erina when events of one and two miles will be contested.

The Club's picnic was held at Terrigal at the week-end, and the Club's colors, black with rose braces, were very much in evidence. The motor cyclists rode out together, as did the cyclists. Exhibition climbs were given on the Skillion, but on account of the bumpy nature of the ground and the danger of going right over the top of the cliff, the Committee would not allow a speed climb. "Rooster" Brooks took his James with three aboard right to the top, this being an excellent climb. Wally Harrison and Wal. Vaughan each rode up in twenty-seven seconds, but were not allowed further speed tests.

A programme of cycling and novelty events took place on the beach, winners being: Cycle race, half mile, Charlie Smith; slow race and novelty race, Bob Cooke. The novelty race was very amusing, as competitors had to push their bikes backwards for 100 yards, and ride back to the winning post.

The motor paced race was won by Cyril Dunk, who ran the half mile (approximate) in 33secs, paced by Wally Hayward. Unfortunately one of the cyclists collided with a lad during the afternoon, but though the lad's arm was hurt, we are assured that it is not seriously injured. This was the only unfortunate incident in a very pleasant and exciting afternoon.

The entries were numerous, and several Woy Woy boys assisted materially. Of course such minor matters as running over dogs, and scooping up the Council's gravel, as practised by Barney Berry, need hardly be mentioned. But don't forget next Saturday, boys, and give the Erina Sports a good entry and good racing.

Gosford Times thu 8 jul letter to the editor

Gosford Times and Wyong District Advocate, Thursday 8 July 1926

Bicycle Road Racing

To The Editor.

Sir,—The decision come to by Erina Shire Council in refusing permission to the Gosford Club to run road races in the Shire area came as a bombshell to me and others interested in the sport of cycling.

I am simply dumbfounded at the Council's action in giving the whole bag. Had the Council given permission to race outside a certain radius there would have been dispute though, but to cut racing right out is the death knell of cycling in the district.

As far as my knowledge goes, there is not one town in the Commonwealth where bicycle road racing is prohibited altogether, and most cities and towns, such as Sydney, Newcastle, Parramatta, Goulburn, Maitland, Lithgow, Moreland, Cessnock and many other towns give every encouragement to road racing, both from a business point of view and a desire sport and pastime.

The danger of cycle racing is infinitesimal compared to that of motor cars. A "star" bike rider at his limit can only do 30 miles an hour, whereas a car can often fly from 35 to 45 miles, which is a danger to the community. Most accidents occurring on the roads nowadays are due to motor cars, but for a person to be knocked down by a racing cyclist is very rare; so why take exception to the poor old push-bike?

It is the wish of 99 in every 100 people of Gosford and district to see the Gosford Cycle Club carry on and be an asset to the town, and not be wiped out of existence. The Club to-day is in a strong position, both financially and otherwise, and the road racing has become very popular with the people of Gosford and district. It seems unbelievable that it was the Council's intention to wipe the Gosford Cycle Club out of existence, for that is really what it means.

In my opinion, it is an unprecedented action taken by one Council in the Commonwealth. Road racing is splendid exercise and good for the development of a rider, and is conducive to good health. So why crush a good, healthy sport? Our road racing refers to Saturday afternoons; there has not been one single accident on the part of a rider, or a hold-up of traffic! This is not as people exist! by the officials of the Club, who's opinion is taken in view of the big events scheduled to witness the Goulburn-Sydney race during the past 20 years.

It has been admitted to a large extent by Australian cyclists who have been racing in America and Europe. Our cycling champions all spring from first racing in country road races. Who knows, this district may be able to produce champions if allowed to continue racing, and riders should be given every encouragement and not completely crushed. In my opinion to prohibit road racing in the whole of the Shire seems poor sportsmanship, and has a tendency to dampen sport in all quarters, which in itself would be a detriment to the business community. I state, without fear of contradiction, that bicycle road racing is one of the safest sports, as the average rider always has complete control of his machine, and if anything does happen, it is usually the cyclist himself who comes to grief. The rider takes the risk the same as any competitor would in any branch of sport.

Two big races from Goulburn to Sydney (130 miles) take place about the 19th September, one for amateurs and the other for professionals, the amateurs usually starting one hour before the pro's. On that day there are at least 150 competitors on the road at the one time, and they have to pass through big towns of Moss Vale, Bowral, Mittagong, Picton, Campbelltown, Liverpool. Permission to race has never been refused since its inception over twenty years ago. There are also thousands of people out up to witness the finish of these big races, and the traffic on the main southern road is very much greater than it is in Gosford. At the same time there is seldom an accident caused through a cyclist competitor.

The big open road race on August 7th was being looked forward to by cyclists all over N.S.W., and riders from all parts were coming here. If this race is cancelled, Gosford and district will lose to a great extent, both from a business and publicity point of view. The publicity Gosford would get in itself would be worth hundreds of pounds to the district. It was my intention to advertise Gosford in connection with this race in every town in N.S.W.; also in the other States.

Members of the League in the metropolitan area are also very anxious to come to Gosford and race, so it will be a thousand pities if the race does not come off. In running this big race, at least 12 officials from Sydney would be assisting, and we rope off both sides of the road to prevent accidents. So where the danger to traffic comes in I fail to see. The Club's Saturday afternoon racing should be allowed to continue, as racing for the "Rowe" Cup is only half through, and just where we now stand is very hard to say.

I would suggest to the Council (if they thought fit to rescind their previous resolution) that all road racing in future would start and finish from the southern side of the railway, where the traffic is very limited. I sincerely hope the Council will reverse their decision.

The prize money for the big race on August 7th was practically as good as money in bank, including trophies, to just on fifty pounds. Woy Woy has the sympathy of the Gosford Club, as it is in the same boat as ourselves. Woy Woy's big race of 50 miles was set down for 24th July.

I anticipate that Club will move in the matter, as it cannot possibly take the position as it now stands. The Gosford Club intended racing at Woy Woy on July 1st, and the Woy Woy Club were racing in Gosford on 31st July. I sincerely hope the restriction on road racing will be set down to a minimum, and racing allowed to continue, both in the interests of the local cycle traders and the Club riders in particular, who have spent in purchasing new bikes over £250.

These riders at least should receive some consideration. It has been very hard work on my part to build the Gosford Cycle Club up to its present standard, and the success the Club has achieved, we have to try but no success. I ask advisers for the advancement of Gosford and District should support the Club. I trust Cr. Moillse will take this matter up and endeavor to assist in the rescission of the Council's former resolution.—Yours, &c.,

JOE DAVIS, President, Gosford Cycle Club.

Gosford Cycling The Gosford Times and Wyong District Advocate thu 29 April 1926

Gosford Times and Wyong District Advocate, Thursday 29 April 1926

Gosford Cycling

Although last Saturday was far from pleasant weather, there being drizzly rain, eleven cyclists started in the 12-mile race from the Hotel Gosford to Henry's Hill, finishing at the Hotel (out and back seven times). The first bit of excitement was evidenced when Cec. Wakeling took the home turn on the second lap a little too ambitiously, and fell. There was no injury, and Cec. quickly regained his mount, and was speeding off. Jack Eden also had a fall at the northern end of the course on the first lap. Rob Pryor came at the turn a bit friskily, and in an endeavor to brake his machine, lost his hold on the pedal with his left foot. He skilfully managed to make the turn without doing the spectacular stunt Wakeling staged.

It appears to the average onlooker that the riders approach the home turn far too fast, and what little time they expect to save is lost through making a big circle, whereas a smaller turn and a much slower pace would produce a far more effective result, without the big risk. Vic. White is without a doubt, an adept at "turning." The way he handles his machine is pleasing to watch. He simply skids his bus round the turn. This is the right thing to do, perhaps; but, one has to be an expert if he can confidently expect to do the angle at any pace. Cec. Wakeling lost interest in the race in the second lap and pulled out. Reg. Frewin put up a good showing, in spite of the fact that he was handicapped by the loss of a toe-strap.

At the conclusion of the fifth lap there was a good bunch of riders at the turn. George Ford (limit) was keeping the lead at every lap. At the finish of the sixth lap, through some misunderstanding on the part of the riders, the following thought they were on the last run, and they put in such a nice turn of speed for the post:—Berry, Pryor, Eden, White, Frewin, and Dunk. This caused no little amusement to the onlookers. Eden and White managed to pull up enough to make a rather hazardous turn. On this manoeuvre, White's superb turning saved what might have been a spill for himself and also another rider. Cyril Dunk had the misfortune to get a puncture as he came in.

Harry Hunt unfortunately got an attack of the cramps in the last lap and had to pull out. George Ford, who still maintained the lead through the seven laps, came in the winner. The others were:—A. Hewson 2nd, Jack Eden (scratch) 3rd, Reg. Frewin 4th, Vic. White 5th. The finish was very good, and reflected great credit upon the handicapper, Mr. Joe Davis, the Club's President.

The proprietor of the Hotel Gosford, Mr. H. F. Rowe, generously donated cash towards the prize-money. This gentleman also intimated his intention of presenting a silver cup to the rider securing the most points for the road-racing season, starting from May 1st, and concluding on August 30. The rate of points to be allotted are:—First 5, second 3, and third 2. Mr. Rowe also generously offers private rooms, with hot and cold water laid on, towels, &c., for the use of the cyclists at the finish of the races. This consideration should be greatly appreciated by riders, and should be a further inducement for other cyclists to join up. The proprietor of this hostel is, without a doubt, a real "sport," and it is such practical enthusiasm as this that helps to make a Club.

Mr. Joe Davis, the Club's President, tells us that he, at all times, is willing to do his level best for cyclists, both in regard to handicapping and other respects. And we must give credit where it is honestly due; Mr. Davis has, since his appointment to the presidency, been an untiring worker in the interests of Gosford Cycle Club.

There is also a deal of praise due to the worthy secretary, as we all know that job is not all "beer and skittles;" as the old saying goes. Walter Vaughan, though at present hors de combat, still puts in an appearance at every race meeting. Nothing like enthusiasm. "Shake it up" and get well again, Wal!—Our Cycling Reporter.

Gosford Distrcit Motor cycle and cycle club

Gosford Times and Wyong District Advocate, Thursday 13 August 1925

Gosford District Motor Cycle and Cycle Club.

The meeting held at the School of Arts on Tuesday evening last for the purpose of forming a motor cycle and cycle club was largely attended, and a club was formed. Subscription is 5/ per annum, 2/6 on joining, and 2/6 each half year. Mr. Joe Davis (Woy Woy) was elected President, Mr. Cecil Lewis Hon. Secretary, Mr. W. Ward Treasurer, and Messrs W. Vaughan, H. Moore, J. Eden, F. White, W. Hill, H. McNamara, and C. Dunk, Committee. Mr. W. Watts is official timekeeper, Mr G. Fletcher referee (for cycle races), and Mr. W. Vaughan handicapper.

It was decided to affiliate with the N.S.W. League of Wheelmen, and to bank in the Rural Bank.

A number of Vice-Presidents were elected, but as some of these were not present at the meeting, the names of those who accept the position will be published later.

It was decided to run a hill climb for motor cycles this Saturday, at the School Hill, Gosford, the prize to be a gold medal, and the winner to hold it outright. The machines are to be in touring condition, and no cut-outs will be allowed. The start will be right at the commencement of the hill, and all powers will be off the same mark. It is optional for the big powered machines to be ridden solo or with side-car, but no allowance will be made if side-car it attached. The event is open to all who desire to join the Club, and subscriptions will be taken on the day of the event, to enable those who have not yet joined up to compete. The same applies to the cycle race. This will be a handicap of three miles, and will start at about 4.15 p.m. (the hill climb starts at 3 p.m.), and will be over the Erina course (unless weather conditions cause an alteration in course to be made by the Committee). There are 1st, 2nd, 3rd and fastest time prizes. It was also decided to offer to put on a cycle race at the Citrus Show, and the officials of that organisation are to be interviewed re the matter, and the result will be published next week.

The hill climb will be conditional on the weather permitting, and it will need at least two fine days before Saturday to make the hill thoroughly safe to climb. The working-bee has taken the rough bumps out of it, and, with the fine weather mentioned, it should be O.K.

The Club wants every motor cyclist in the district to be present if possible The entry fee is small, and the fun should be large. The public are cordially invited to witness both the race and hill climb.

Hall Of Fame

Club Life Members
1980 Dawn Roe, Brian Roe, John Marjoram, Doreen Marjoram
1990 Ray Kerkin
2008 Wally Shelley
2018 Paul Craft
2020 Gary White

Perpetual Trophy Winners

Year	Award	Winner
2020	Cyclist Of The Year	TBA
2020	Keith Harris Memorial Junior Cup	TBA
2020	Track Rider Of The Year	TBA
2020	Mark & Di Patterson Club Road Champion	TBA
2020	Cadburys 35 – 49 Age Group Road Champion	TBA
2020	Mars Confectionery 50 – 65 Age Group Road Champion	TBA
2020	Stewart 65+ Age Group Road Champion	TBA
2020	Peter Parkinson Memorial Handicap	TBA
2020	Ray Piper Memorial Handicap	TBA
2020	Caltex Handicap	TBA

Year	Award	Winner
2019	Cyclist Of The Year	Liliya Tatarinoff
2019	Keith Harris Memorial Junior Cup	Liliya Tatarinoff
2019	Track Rider Of The Year	Phil Hey
2019	Mark & Di Patterson Club Road Champion	Brendan Buhagiar
2019	Cadburys 35 – 49 Age Group Road Champion	Glen Elton
2019	Mars Confectionery 50 – 65 Age Group Road Champion	Phil Campbell
2019	Stewart 65+ Age Group Road Champion	Brett Stewart
2019	Senior Womens Road Champion	Mel Turner
2019	Peter Parkinson Memorial Handicap	Nash Kent (PLCC)
2019	Ray Piper Memorial Handicap	Russell Fox (PLCC)
2019	Caltex Handicap	Mick Curran

Year	Award	Winner
2018	Cyclist Of The Year	Lincoln Hey
2018	Keith Harris Memorial Junior Cup	Lincoln Hey
2018	Track Rider Of The Year	James Schneider
2018	Mark & Di Patterson Club Road Champion	Grant Harmer
2018	Cadburys 35 – 49 Age Group Road Champion	Justin Millington
2018	Mars Confectionery 50 – 65 Age Group Road Champion	Peter Krauss
2018	Stewart 65+ Age Group Road Champion	Brett Stewart
2018	Peter Parkinson Memorial Handicap	Russell Fox
2018	Ray Piper Memorial Handicap	Guy Page
2018	Caltex Handicap	Brendan Hancox

Year	Award	Winner
2017	Cyclist Of The Year	Guy Page
2017	Keith Harris Memorial Junior Cup	name
2017	Track Rider Of The Year	Tom Lynch
2017	Mark & Di Patterson Club Road Champion	Daniel Paine
2017	Cadburys 35 – 49 Age Group Road Champion	Glen Elton
2017	Mars Confectionery 50 – 65 Age Group Road Champion	Adam Gilbert
2017	Stewart 65+ Age Group Road Champion	Brett Stewart
2017	Peter Parkinson Memorial Handicap	Andrew Hellmich
2017	Ray Piper Memorial Handicap	Shannon Goard
2017	Caltex Handicap	Glen Elton

Year	Award	Winner
2016	Cyclist Of The Year	Mark Tatarinoff
2016	Keith Harris Memorial Junior Cup	name
2016	Track Rider Of The Year	Tom Lynch
2016	Mark & Di Patterson Club Road Champion	Mick Curran
2016	Cadburys 35 – 49 Age Group Road Champion	Justin Millington
2016	Mars Confectionery 50 – 65 Age Group Road Champion	Adam Gilbert
2016	Peter Parkinson Memorial Handicap	Christian Godyn
2016	Ray Piper Memorial Handicap	Paul Craft
2016	Caltex Handicap	Nick Yallouris

Year	Award	Winner
2015	Cyclist Of The Year	name
2015	Keith Harris Memorial Junior Cup	Tom Lynch
2015	Track Rider Of The Year	Tom Lynch
2015	Mark & Di Patterson Club Road Champion	Mick Curran
2015	Cadburys 35 – 49 Age Group Road Champion	Vic Harker
2015	Mars Confectionery 50 – 65 Age Group Road Champion	Mark Steele
2015	Peter Parkinson Memorial Handicap	Grant Harmer
2015	Ray Piper Memorial Handicap	Calvin Stewart
2015	Caltex Handicap	Chris Knox

Year	Award	Winner
2014	Cyclist Of The Year	name
2014	Keith Harris Memorial Junior Cup	name
2014	Track Rider Of The Year	name
2014	Mark & Di Patterson Club Road Champion	name
2014	Cadburys 35 – 49 Age Group Road Champion	name
2014	Mars Confectionery 50 – 65 Age Group Road Champion	name
2014	Stewart 65+ Age Group Road Champion	name
2014	Peter Parkinson Memorial Handicap	name
2014	Ray Piper Memorial Handicap	name
2014	Caltex Handicap	Gary White

Year	Award	Winner
2013	Cyclist Of The Year	name
2013	Keith Harris Memorial Junior Cup	name
2013	Track Rider Of The Year	Michal Smith
2013	Mark & Di Patterson Club Road Champion	Mick Curran
2013	Cadburys 35 – 49 Age Group Road Champion	Alistair Trendell
2013	Mars Confectionery 50 – 65 Age Group Road Champion	Brett Stewart
2013	Peter Parkinson Memorial Handicap	Nick Yallouris
2013	Ray Piper Memorial Handicap	Peiden Telfer
2013	Caltex Handicap	Greg Moeller

Year	Award	Winner
2012	Cyclist Of The Year	Matt Formston
2012	Keith Harris Memorial Junior Cup	Damon Marshall
2012	Track Rider Of The Year	Nick Yallouris
2012	Mark & Di Patterson Club Road Champion	Mick Curran
2012	Cadburys 35 – 49 Age Group Road Champion	Andrew Hellmich
2012	Mars Confectionery 50 – 65 Age Group Road Champion	Brett Stewart
2012	Peter Parkinson Memorial Handicap	Jeff Morris
2012	Ray Piper Memorial Handicap	Alistair Trendell
2012	Caltex Handicap	Adam Kimberley

Year	Award	Winner
2011	Cyclist Of The Year	name
2011	Keith Harris Memorial Junior Cup	name
2011	Track Rider Of The Year	Mick Curran
2011	Mark & Di Patterson Club Road Champion	Elliot Stevens
2011	Cadburys 35 – 49 Age Group Road Champion	Andrew Hellmich
2011	Mars Confectionery 50 – 65 Age Group Road Champion	Mark Stapleton
2011	Peter Parkinson Memorial Handicap	Ryan Herbert
2011	Ray Piper Memorial Handicap	Phil Austin & Graeme Pont
2011	Caltex Handicap	David Obajdin

Year	Award	Winner
2010	Cyclist Of The Year	name
2010	Keith Harris Memorial Junior Cup	name
2010	Track Rider Of The Year	name
2010	Mark & Di Patterson Club Road Champion	Mick Curran
2010	Cadburys 35 – 49 Age Group Road Champion	Andrew Hellmich
2010	Mars Confectionery 50 – 65 Age Group Road Champion	Brett Stewart
2010	Peter Parkinson Memorial Handicap	Charles Dorron
2010	Ray Piper Memorial Handicap	Paul Cook
2010	Caltex Handicap	Callum Stott

Year	Award	Winner
2009	Cyclist Of The Year	name
2009	Keith Harris Memorial Junior Cup	Tegan Hunt
2009	Track Rider Of The Year	Nick Yallouris
2009	Mark & Di Patterson Club Road Champion	Elliot Stevens
2009	Bill & Carol Coulter U19 Club Road Champion	Ben Massa
2009	Cadburys 35 – 49 Age Group Road Champion	Andrew Hellmich
2009	Mars Confectionery 50 – 65 Age Group Road Champion	Brett Stewart
2009	Peter Parkinson Memorial Handicap	Mick Curran
2009	Ray Piper Memorial Handicap	Richard Broome
2009	Caltex Handicap	Phil Campbell

Year	Award	Winner
2008	Cyclist Of The Year	Cass Kell
2008	Keith Harris Memorial Junior Cup	Branko Bojanik
2008	Track Rider Of The Year	Mick Curran
2008	Mark & Di Patterson Club Road Champion	Mick Curran
2008	Bill & Carol Coulter U19 Club Road Champion	Ban Massa
2008	Cadburys 35 – 49 Age Group Road Champion	name
2008	Mars Confectionery 50 – 65 Age Group Road Champion	Brett Stewart
2008	Peter Parkinson Memorial Handicap	Dale Scarfe
2008	Ray Piper Memorial Handicap	Troy McDonald
2008	Caltex Handicap	Alistair Macausland

Year	Award	Winner
2007	Cyclist Of The Year	Grant Fraser
2007	Keith Harris Memorial Junior Cup	name
2007	Track Rider Of The Year	name
2007	Mark & Di Patterson Club Road Champion	Phillip Thuaux
2007	Bill & Carol Coulter U19 Club Road Champion	Peter Wickham
2007	Cadburys 35 – 49 Age Group Road Champion	name
2007	Mars Confectionery 50 – 65 Age Group Road Champion	Guy Page
2007	Peter Parkinson Memorial Handicap	Brett Stewart
2007	Ray Piper Memorial Handicap	Chris James
2007	Caltex Handicap	Paul Craft