Published on: 18 April 2014
Club info: Shetland wheelers website
Each month we will be putting the spotlight on one club from each Region for the Club Newsletter. This month its the turn of the Shetland Wheelers! Read all about the club below.
Shetland Wheelers
This summer, the UK’s most Northerly cycle club celebrate their 25th anniversary.
The Shetland Wheelers were founded in 1989 when 2 keen cyclists, David Johnson and Terry Atkinson, wanted to put a club together to encourage others into the sport of cycling. The inaugural cycle run on the 16th of August that year saw 17 cyclists with only 16 bikes set off on an 8 mile loop or an extended 15miles for the more keen cyclists.
This photo is from our first club run from 16th Aug 1989
25 years later the club is still going strong with and its members enjoy regular club training over the summer months. Shetland offers 1000miles of well surfaced roads, with lots of challenging terrain and scenic views to enjoy. The club has recently appointed a club development officer to grow the club and help develop cycling on the island.
The club has seen many members come and go over the years with a few stalwarts remaining. The Shetland Wheelers have received success in Time Trials away from home, in particular Christine McLean and Carlos Riise winning national medals. Carlos Riise went down in Scottish time trial history for riding a 50tt without a saddle as it remained on the kitchen table having forgot to pack it. UCI rules came into question, however 300miles between handlebar and saddle were deemed suitable.
Another Wheeler of note would be Mike McGuire, a member from the start and still racing locally today. He has completed many Audax rides including the highly prestigious Paris-Brest-Paris.
Several club members are part of the Shetland team who compete against 20 other islands in the Natwest Island Games. The games run every two years and include islands such as Isle of Man, Jersey and the Faroes. Competition is stiff with several islands having strong cycling teams with international experience and support. The games were held in Bermuda in 2013 and the Shetland team achieved notable success in the individual and team time trial.
This year the club celebrate their 25th Anniversary with a festival week of events.
16th June - Ladies only night
17th June - Club hilly Time Trial
18th June - A repeat of the inaugural club ride in 1989
19th June - Shetland APR
20th June - Mountain Biking
21st June - Simmer Dim Sportive
22nd June - Club 10tt and cake stop club run
Please email Robin Atkinson robatkin@hotmail.com for more details
