Following the untimely death of Club President Gerald Clements the Club Committee has held discussions to appoint a new Club President.  Following previous convention, the Club Member with the longest continuous membership takes over the Presidency, at this time it would be former Secretary and Treasurer Tony Gammon.  Unfortunately, due to failing health, Tony feels he is unable to take on this responsibility. The Club sends its best wishes Tony and Brenda.

The next longest serving member of the Club is Chris Clements who has willingly accepted the role of Club President, extending the long link between the Clements family and the Club, and we thank him for that.  While Chris does not need any introduction to members, he has written a brief outline of his long association with Acme Wheelers which will be of interest to everyone.

“I am honoured to be taking over as the Club President after the sad loss of my brother Gerald who carried out the role for twenty-seven years. My late father Joe joined the club in 1931 and I regularly attended events with him as a young boy, I joined the club in 1958 and rode my first race. During my racing days I competed in all forms of events including, road racing, track, cyclo-cross and time trials up to the twelve hour. I also regularly participated in Club Runs and Club social activities.

Over the years I have been the Event Secretary for all forms of Acme promotions including road racing, time trials and cyclo-cross. One of the most popular events was the Acme’s “Ideal Home Grand Prix” which was a part of the Llantrisant festival and finished on Llantrisant common.

Away from the Acme I served as Chairman of the Maindy Track League in Cardiff and organised the Welsh Track Championships which were held over two days. Additionally, I organised the two-day South Wales Stackpole Pembrokeshire training ride which started in Aberdare and attracted up to a hundred riders from all over the country. 

I look forward to being involved with the Club in the future and help it continue to thrive in the local community.”

Dean just outside the top ten at the finish after a tough Race

Matthew and Mike enjoy a 40 mile Sunday club ride around the Vale of Glamorgan. Good weather as been a bonus on recent tours. All rides leave the Welcome Inn, Tonypandy at 9.30am.

Incorporated into the following open events..

10 mile : Welsh Championship – 7th August,  course – R10/17

25 mile : Welsh Championship – 1st May,  course – R25/7

25 mile Longmarkers : Welsh Championship – 1st May,  course – R25/7

30 mile : Welsh Championships – 24th July,  course – R30/7

50 mile : Welsh Championship – 25th September,  course – R50/18

100 mile : Welsh Championship – 3rd July,  course – R100/9

12 hour : RTTC National Championships/Welsh CA – 4th September,  course – R12/16

Hill Climb Championships : Sunday 16th October – Start Time 10.30am – Barn Hill, Tonyrefail

ACME Members continue to tour around the local area getting in valuable winter miles, doing a bit of Castle spotting on route. After a number of dry weekends during January, February turned out to be a wet month. Lets hope March gives members a chance to continue Sunday group rides from Welcome Inn – Tonypandy.

Rob with Castell Coch in the background

Kerry passes by Caerphilly Castle