Happy birthday to Sid Valley Cycling Club

Ron Clint founded Sid Valley Cycling Club 30 years ago and today it’s become one of the best social cycling clubs in East Devon with over 90 active members.
This year marks the club’s 30th Anniversary, from its beginning back in 1991. Ron’s love of cycling started when he was just 12. Hailing from York, he rode for Clifton CC.
When Ron was just 19 years old he broke both legs in a scooter accident and was told he would never ride again, following major surgery to both legs which left him with one leg that he could no longer bend.
However, when he was 40 years-old, Ron then began riding on a specially adapted bike which he powers with just one leg, quite amazing. Ron became competitive again and had great success riding for his country in what was then the British disabled cycling team, competing in the Nationals, European Championships and World championships.
Sid Valley Cycling Club has members from all over East Devon - Sidmouth, Ottery St Mary, Seaton, West Hill, Honiton and Budleigh Salterton. Our riders are of mixed ages and abilities and we cater for all.
The club has organised many memorable events over the years, starting with an annual mountain bike event the Mallet Bash and the Rodney Pine Peak Hill Climb National Championship in 2006 in memory of a local cyclist.
This event is still held each year and is open to anyone. In 2016, Sidmouth hosted the tour of Britain and SVCC were heavily involved with the organisation, which included a criterium circuit race around the town with full road closures.
Last year, the club also organised its own inter-club Strava challenge, based on a monthly ride over 12 months, each ride covering a set distance (mainly hilly), which has proven to be extremely successful for our competitive riders.
Going further afield, for the last three years the club has organised an annual cycling week in Mallorca and other sociable cycling events, including the Isle of Wight ride and weekend away rides in North Devon and Dorset. Another club favourite is the Nello FORCE Cancer Charity ride where a number of club riders support the charity by taking part each year.
Another initiative has been to introduce Saturday social rides, which are becoming very popular. These rides are around 25/30 miles avoiding steep hills and busy roads and are fully supported by experienced club cyclists, who can provide support with punctures and any mechanical issues. As with all rides, the emphasis is on enjoying the company, East Devon countryside and great coffee and cake cafe stops.
Over the years, the club cycling apparel has remained unchanged until more recently when the design took on a more distinctive retro look. In celebration of the clubs 30th Year, an Anniversary jersey has been produced, which is worn by members with pride.
If you are interested in joining our club or just fancy trying one of our rides, then please contact us. Or if you just want to find out more then please visit our website svcc.org.uk - you can also find us on Facebook and Instagram (sid_valley_cc)