Started in 1993, the ACT Veterans Cycling Club was formed to cater specifically for veteran racing cyclists in the Canberra area. Veteran category for cycling is 35 and over for men and 30 and over for women. Road races are held throughout the year at a number of different venues in and around the A.C.T. Track races are run during the summer months at Queanbeyan Park. All competitors are graded or handicapped in relation to their performance and fitness and new members receive particular attention to ensure they race in a group compatible with their ability. The club aims to promote friendly competition in cycle racing so that both newcomers and experienced riders in all age groups can enjoy this great sport in a safe and sociable environment.
I’m very proud to launch the new website that’s designed to be mobile friendly.
The ACT Veterans Cycling Club (or just “the vets”) has been running since 1993 and was formed to cater specifically for veteran racing cyclists in the Canberra area. Veterans are defined as 35 years old and over male cyclists and 30 and over for women. Our “most mature” members are in their 70s. The Club has around 350 members.
The Club supports three types of racing, road, criterium (or crits) and track racing. During the winter season, March to October, races are held every week on Saturday afternoon. In the summer season, October to March, road races are on Sunday mornings, Criterium racing on Tuesday afternoons (at the excellent Stromlo track) and track racing is conducted at Narrabundah on Wednesdays.
No hi tech or expensive equipment is necessary to get started but bikes must be roadworthy and helmets that comply to AS 2063 are mandatory for all events.
The Club is affiliated with the Australian Veteran Cycling Council Inc. (AVCC) which allows us to keep membership fees low. All financial Club members are covered by insurance for accidents that occur while training or racing.
Whilst all members are graded or handicapped in relation to their performance and fitness, the policy of the club is to avoid any elitism and ensure all riders receive equal recognition, regardless of age, gender, ability or experience.
I’m very proud of the friendly ethos of the Club. We welcome new members and, if you’re new to riding, racing or even trying a new form of racing, like I am with the track, there’s always some willing hands to teach you the ropes.
Our club is as much about the riding as it is about the after ride debrief. I also encourage members to invite new riders to participate in “bunch” or social rides. It’s a great way to meet new friends, learn skills and work on your bunch etiquette.
As the President I also encourage members to volunteer for race marshalling and positions on the Board. The Club relies on a few hardy and wonderful individuals that volunteer their time week in week out to keep us all having fun. Please consider signing up for a marshalling course, becoming a race director or helping us out on the Board. Without these amazing volunteers there is no Club.
Finally I’d like to thank Allan Bontjer for his work on the previous web site and Andrew Remely for his work developing the new web site.
Dougal Torrance
President– ACT Veterans Cycling Club
February 2017