THE relaunch of a cycling club was attended by more than 80 keen cyclists this week.

Visitors to the launch of Chepstow Cycling Club last Wednesday evening (4th January) included a range of cyclists from novices and leisure riders to mountain bikers, time trial specialists and long distance road riders.

Now launched again, 131 years after the club was first formed in 1888, the club kit features a picture of the Severn Bridge and the badge first used by Chepstow Cycling Club in 1888, which is on display in Chepstow Museum, linking the new club with its history.

The event, held at the Drill Hall in Chepstow, included a host of talks from new members, and the club even had a visit from new club member and Paralympic triathlon champion Andy Lewis MBE. Andy talked about his experience of training for the triathlon. He is now a regular rider in and around the Chepstow area and will be joining fellow club members on their weekend rides.

Hoping to encourage others to take on the challenge, one new member described riding the famous 600 kilometre Welsh End to End challenge, a challenge which takes riders from Chepstow to Anglesey and back in just 40 hours.

Marcus Carrozzo from Severn Valley Cycles also gave a talk on bicycle maintenance for safe winter cycling and James McManus, the club treasurer, gave an entertaining talk on riding etiquette, ably supported in a demonstration on stage by club secretary Simon Napper and club chair Mike Gorshkov.

The Lower Wye Neighbourhood Policing Team were also in attendance, security tagging people’s bicycles and registering them on the police database.

Crime Prevention Officer, Geraint Reynolds said: “We were delighted with the number who brought their bikes, it was very popular with new bikes received as Christmas presents!”

Susan Burnett, who helped set up the new club, said: “It was a great evening with lots of enthusiasm to help us make the club a success. I was really pleased to see so many women wanting to join us.”

Mike Gorshkov, the new club chair said: “We want to create a friendly local club that is open to all riders from racing cyclists to leisure riders. We see lots of people cycling in Chepstow and the surrounding areas and want to bring them together to make new friends.”

Matt Duxbury, the club’s ride coordinator said: “We really hope that people will join our club rides at the weekends. It will take time for people to sort out which is the best group to ride in for their pace but we aim to cater for all abilities.”

To join the rides check the club’s website at www.chepstowcyclingclub.wales and Facebook page. Joining will give a range of benefits including regular talks on a variety of cycling related themes; races and competitions; and a whole new group of friends. Membership costs £20 plus a £1 administration fee to British Cycling.

The new club is sponsored by Baa Brewery and was supported on the night by the team from the Filling Station Cafe in Tintern.