THE FIRST 100 YEARS

> Written in 1991 for the centenary, by Phil Rounding (then Vice President)

"In 1891 the old Ordinary Bicycle was ousted by the new Safety machine, with its geared drive and equal sized wheels and the sport of cycling was booming. It was amidst all this popularity of our sport that the inaugural meeting was held at the home of George Peace in Huddersfield Road, Ravensthorpe, and the Ravensthorpe Cycling Club was born. A committee was formed and the first club headquarters was established at the Ravensthorpe Hotel. The club badge was designed for wearing on caps and blazers, and the same badge is still used to this day.

The Ravensthorpe C.C. was formed to foster the sport and pastime of cycling and in 1892 held its first ever races one of which was an event to race between Ravensthorpe and Doncaster and back. This was the first event of its kind to be held in Yorkshire. 

In 1895 the Ravensthorpe Trademan's Association gave the club a handsome Challenge Trophy for annual competition. It was originally competed for in a five-mile track race held on a cinder track in Ravensthorpe. These track meetings used to attract over 3,000 spectators which helped to foster the popularity of the club. 

From 1909 'The Cup' has been competed for in an annual 25-mile time trial, and with the exception of the two wars and breaks in 1925, 1926 and 1937 when few members were interested in racing. 

Since 1948, when the quality of performance steadily improved, this culminated in the club producing its first crop of international riders with Dorothy Johnson, Barbara Harris and Albert Hitchen all being selected to ride for Great Britain in the world championships. Albert progressed to a very successful professional career, becoming British Professional Champion.

From the mid 1960's to the early seventies interest in cycling began to wane and the club went through a very dark period, but with the help and hard work of a few loyal supporters of which were Ron Rose and the late Laurie Armitage the club pulled through its worst crisis of the century.

The late 70's and early 80's saw once again the fruits of all the hard work of the previous decade begin to pay off with club life flourishing again. Club runs were becoming more popular once more, a strong touring section was developed and the club's future was secured.

The late eighties saw the Ravensthorpe back on the international scene when our own Lisa Brambini was sweeping up all before her, among many achievements are British Road Champion, fifth world road race championships and Silver medal in the Commonwealth Games in Auckland, New Zealand in 1990.

The Club is one of the oldest established cycling clubs in the country and with current membership continuing to thrive it all bodes well for the next 100 years."