History

Old club logo - Circa 1981

Stowmarket and District Cycling Club was re-founded in 1981 after a period on inactivity. Although current members know little about the previous era it is known to have origins dating back to the 1930's. (If anyone reading this has any further information we would love to hear from you, please contact us)

Refounded by Doug Riley and John Howlett to coincide with the opening of John's shop in the town - Not Just Bikes.

Whilst Juncton Cycles is no longer trading the club has survived. Membership has peaked at around 90 members in the past but is currently around 30. We are keen to welcome new active members to strengthen our numbers - whatever aspect of cycling they're interested in.

From the reformation of the club we have had members involved with numerous different aspects of club cycling, from road racing, time trialling, grass track, mountain biking, cyclo-cross, to participating in charity rides and events, and social club riders who live for the "infamous" Sunday Rides!.

The club has seen some success over the years with some notable riders, some of whom can still be found racing hard and with continued success to this day; Glenn Taylor (Member 1983-88 - Currently riding for API-Metrow-Heritage of Brentwood) and Carl Davey (Also now with API-Metrow-Heritage of Brentwood)

Other notable riders to have donned the SDCC colours include; Andy Proffitt and Neil Douglas (East District Cycling Association 100 mile TT record breaker and Out-and-back Ipswich-Norwich record - July 1999 2:59.59)

Not to mention the club chairman - Renny Stirling - who was a very classy rider during his prime and can still give the "boys" a run for their money when he wants to!. Renny still holds the club veteran records for 10, 25 and 50 mile time trials.

More recently, one of our newest members - Lee Bark - has been making his mark on the local Time Trial scene, with a convincing win in the Ipswich Cycling Association evening time trial series for 2005 (Best veteran and winner overall). A triathlete of top 5 ranking in the country for his age group, Lee is gaining much respect in cycling, both in club and open events alike.

Charity events have always been a part of SDCC life and members have helped many worthly local and national causes over the years. Including MENCAP, RSPCA, Asthma Research, The British Red Cross, East Suffolk Association for the Blind, British Heart Foundation and the Ipswich Hospital A&E Paediatric Resuscitation Unit - to name a few!

This year sees five SDCC riders be taking part in the 150km Dragon Ride cyclo-sportive around the hills-cum-mountains of south Wales. Club members are being asked to nominate their choice of charity to benefit from the event.

The club kit has evolved over the years with some distinctive(!) designs - as seen here - now relegated to fond memories. The current club kit was introduced at the start of 2005 along with the proud announcement of the new club sponsors - Autostrasse Independent Porsche Engineers and Orbea Cycles.

Looking to the future, Stowmarket and District Cycling Club is looking to raise it's profile in both the local community, by way of charity events and promotion in the local press, and the local cycling scene by attracting new active members to join us and take some more of the local silverware!!