Thistle Cycling Club. A Celebration of 90 years. 9 Forward As Chairman of this great Cycling Club, it has given me real pleasure to A Celebration ‘pull’ this history together. The content has been gleaned from press cuttings, club reviews, minutes of meetings and personal memories. It could not have been completed without previous Club Chairmen, especially Jack Nicholson, having made sure records were kept and old scrapbooks and photographs saved. Hopefully the new mediums of social media and internet will protect our Club’s continuing story of 90 years. for future generations. We are celebrating our 90th year, not only by narrating the history here, but also with our display at the Dundee Transport Museum. Still a very active club, with lots of challenges and events to suit differing abilities, we look forward to the next ten years!

Dundee Thistle N.B. If you feel I have missed out people, moments or events from the club history, which you believe should have been included, then please let me know so that it can be added to our 100 years’ celebrations.

As always, many thanks go to the incredible members who are the Dundee Cycling Club. Thistle Cycling Club. I am very proud to be a ‘Jaggie’ and part of one of ’s oldest cycling clubs.

Ali Founded in Alasdair Chisholm, Chairman of the great Dundee Thistle. 1929 and still going strong. A. Hendry racing at Lumley Den in the Dundee Thistle Road Race 1947. Early Scottish Cycling and how it all began. The Dundee Thistle are one of a select few old clubs that are still active The National Clarion Cycling Club was founded 1895, with the motto in Scotland today. ‘Fellowship is life’. The Clarion played an important role in the birth of the Independent Labour Party (ILP) and the fellowship of the cycling club was Royal Albert Founded in 1887 partly intended to win people to the cause, ‘making socialists’. United Founded in 1900 Glasgow Wheelers Founded in 1923 It was part of a great number of social changes. Multitudes of people were Glasgow Ivy Founded in 1923 escaping jobs in heavy industry, the massive growth rate and over population Glasgow Nightingale Founded in 1925 of inner cities and, of course, the horrors and sacrifices of the First World War. Johnstone Wheelers Founded in 1926 Dundee Thistle Founded in 1929 By 1931 the sport of cycling had grown to the point where the Scottish cycling Fife Century Founded in 1931 clubs formed a loose association named the Scottish Amateur Racing Association (SARA), which concerned itself with the organization of amateur road time trials. 1929. The Dundee Thistle from the very start was a force in cycling.

In 1936, a meeting of all the Scottish clubs resolved to form a new body to The Thistle was really an old club under new colours. The new name was represent all road time-trialling. This body, the Scottish Amateur Cycling adopted when the membership of the Independent Labour Party (ILP) Association (SACA), took over from the SARA in 1937. Cycling Club, which flourished between 1926 and 1929, had become the largest cycling body in the city. The club decided they needed to divide into In the same year, the National Cyclists’ Union (NCU) formed a Scottish section two groups. The female section formed the Heatherbell C.C. while the male to regulate mass-start road and . Racing on the open road had group became the Dundee Thistle R.C. been discouraged by the NCU since the 19th century for fear that it would jeopardise the place of all cyclists on the road. Mass races were held on George Dawson and John Clark, leading lights of the old club (ILP CC), private circuits and consequently there were few races. commenced in the Thistle as president and general secretary respectively. John Clark was succeeded by D. K. Ferguson shortly after. A desire to race on the open road led some clubs to affiliate to the rival British League of Racing Cyclists (BLRC) in 1945. The following year, the Scottish section of the NCU re-formed itself into an autonomous body affiliated to the NCU, the Scottish National Cyclists’ Union (SNCU). In response, in 1947, the Scottish BLRC reconstituted itself into the Scottish Cyclists’ Union (SCU), an autonomous body affiliated to the BLRC. The inaugural meeting, at the Clarion Rooms in Queen’s Crescent, Glasgow, on 8 December 1946, resolved to ask the Union Cycliste Internationale, the world governing body, for recognition as the governing organisation in Scotland. The first president was Tom Cook, Member of Parliament for Dundee.

In 1952 the SCU, SNCU and SACA amalgamated into a single body, which kept the Scottish Cyclists’ Union name. This has since been shortened to Scottish Cycling (SC).

Dundee Thistle 1930’s The Dundee Law has been at the heart of Dundee and cycling hill climbs from the very beginning.

The Dundee Law has been used throughout the club’s history and in the 1930s it was used as a short hill climb by local riders, although at that time the road was not tarmac as it is today.

Massed start hill climbs up Dundee Law started in 1923. The roadway was constructed by the city, along with the Memorial on the summit of Dundee Law. Rising 571ft from the centre of the jute city it was very quickly used by cyclists for hill-climbing contests. First massed-start was during Harry Briggs (1940) National Bicycle Week in 1923, but in 1933, 1936 and 1937 a timed system on the lower slopes was adopted. In 1938 the National Cyclists Union (North of Scotland Centre) of The Law. reverted to the massed star and, on a Wednesday evening, 30 club riders contested the heats. There were four semi-final heats, and a final with four contestants. J. Briggs, Dundee Thistle, won by a length from R. Keith, Dundee R.C. Fastest times for the course of 506yds, with gradients 1 in 20 at the start and 1 in 10 at the finish, were 54 secs by Briggs in the heats and Keith in the semi-finals. The record had been held by G. Crichton, Dundee Thistle, 53 secs, which he set in 1936.

The mass start system was possible back then, with the lack of cars and the fact that the road was not then a public highway. It was not uncommon to have crowds of over 1000 watching, and the Police had to keep the road clear of spectators.

It has also featured in national events. In1989 it was used for the Prologue, which started in the town centre and was won by Malcolm Elliott (Teka), and more recently as part of the Dundee Thistle Stage Race that ran annually between 1993 and 2014.

In 2018 it was used for an ‘Everesting’ Challenge for charity by Sean Douglas. To achieve the 29,000ft and140 miles required, Sean had to climb the Dundee Law 139 times, starting at 3am in darkness. He completed the challenge, still in darkness, with his Grandad waving the finish flag. He stopped briefly for a group photo, managed a smile for the first time that day, then headed straight for the car. Sean raised in excess of £1,100 for charity.

Top picture. Of course, today there’s a STRAVA segment to chase. Not the same starting Brian Sproul (2004) point and includes a circuit of Law Crescent before the ascent, the current reaching the top of STRAVA record sits at 4:13, set by Lewis Oliphant on the 16th of May 2015. The Law. Bottom picture Sean Douglas (2018 Allan Mill (2010) summits The Law. climbing The Law As cycling developed so did the gear. Throughout the Thistle Cycling Club not only the bikes Throughout our but also the clothing has gone through dramatic changes. Even from the very earliest days, club cyclists desired the best frames, wheels and equipment that money could buy. clubs 90 years Initially cyclists relied on the local shops such as the custom frame builder ‘D.W. Lindsay’ who was on Victoria Road, Dundee. Pat Reilly on the Perth Road, established in 1890, was famous at the time for his five pounds ten shillings delivery bikes. More recently we had Robertsons Cycles in , we have always Western Cycle Depot in the Hawkhill area of Dundee and of course Nicholsons, whose owner Jack, was Thistle club Chairman for many years.

In October 1900, David Rattray and his sister Agnes opened their first shop in looked to be bold McAslin Street, Glasgow. In doing so, they laid the foundations of a company that would go on to produce Scotland’s premier lightweight bicycle, “The Scot”, or perhaps better known as “The Flying Scot”. and competitive. By the time the Second World War had ended, club riders looked abroad for the latest gear. Breakthroughs came from companies, such as Simplex, founded by Lucien Juy a French bike shop owner in Dijon who launched Le Simplex derailleur in 1928. By the early 1930s many racers were using Le Simplex.

Simplex played an important role in the bicycle derailleur’s development, over many variations and models, and were most successful in the 1960’s. In 1962 Lucien Juy, the head of Simplex, took a radical decision to make his entire derailleur range from a new wonder material - plastic. He did not do things by halves - it was a bold, dynamic, modern and, ultimately disastrous move as the new material continually failed. The company went into receivership in 1988.

Designers who worked for Suntour (developers of the first indexed system) and Shimano took the ideas of Simplex Barry (Ned) Carnegie Dan McKay and Stuart MacCallum and developed the gearing that led to the systems we use today. 1929. The beginning of the road to winning ways. 1931 and 1932 were a real coming-out year for Thistle racers. After its foundation the Thistle club members spent the winter of 1929-30 Mainly through the brilliant riding of George Crichton and Harry Alan, Jaggies consolidating the club. began to win on a regular basis. The club officials and members at the time took over a store in Rosebank Street (now demolished) where the early meetings were held in candlelight. In 1932 George Crichton concentrated on grass events with immediate success. However, the Thistle moved into the premises at 97 Hilltown (now demolished) Riding in 18 events he secured 11 firsts, 3 seconds, and 1 third, falling in during the 30’s and by 1934 had 95 members. John Runcie became racing the other events. He also won the North of Scotland N.C.U. Grass Mile secretary in 1934. Championship that year. In 1933 he got married to a local girl cyclist, and consequently did not ride on the road, except for club events. From these early years the club made no secret of their aspirations. He continued, however, his grass prowess. Again he competed in 18 events, Success seems to have followed Dundee Thistle and, in one form or another, winning 14 of them, and followed this up by winning the Scotland Mile again, the laurels regularly fell to the young and eager Jaggies. creating a record for club and rider by winning it 2 years in succession. He was never unplaced in an event in which he rode. Described in the local In the club’s racing debut, a handicap medal was taken from the Monkland paper as ‘He rides a 73” gear on the grass, and is a very beautiful rider, having Wheelers 25. In 1930 the Thistle promoted an open 25 which J. R. Martin a neat action which arouses comment from the terracing’. (Douglas) won. So began a long and proud history of Time Trial success. The next enterprise for the club was the Team Championship of Scotland a A club 100-mile event with a difference. ‘25’ TTT for the John Bull Trophy. 13 teams competed, the trophy going to a A club ‘100’ was held with the bold experiment of starting at the unheard of crack Douglas trio, Poustie, Martin and Forbes. By 1933 the club’s speed men hour of 3am. Unfortunately, the Thistle’s novel approach was met with rain, were more concerned with the all-rounder contests and track interest. wind, and a level-crossing gate that was locked closed against (as described at the time) the ‘plucky’ early riders. The event had its lighter touch, however as a 1933 we were considered the foremost track club outside Glasgow. motorist approaching the start in the darkness got a scare when his headlights Successes came the Thistle way with the ‘speedy’ George Crichton, a 25mile showed up two men at the edge of the road in ‘a state of nature’ (Not entirely course record holder on the road, who by this time had turned his attention sure what that description meant back then). to grass track events. In 1933-34 Crichton carried all before him at North-East meetings, and with the strong support of Mark Crowe, Alan Lowson, Norman 1930 was a Road and Track success story. Farquharson and J. Birnie, the Thistle became the foremost track club outside George Crichton was one of the club’s original members and in 1930 he Glasgow. 1934 was a record year, the club winning 70 prizes, George Crichton caused a sensation locally by winning a novices 25 Time Trial with 1-10-5, a fast taking the lion’s share. time for a novice. Later, he won the 25 TT Club Championship, in a gale, with 1-13-43 followed by placing third in the Forfarshire 25 with 1-8-55. For the later part of that year he did not ride in any meetings or races, instead 1935 being keen on touring with the club. In 1931 he started training seriously and leapt right into the forefront again. Clocking 1-15-20 he was second in the Strathmore Low Gear 25, and then won our club championship 1-7-3. There followed a remarkable run of successes. In the Forfarshire open 25 he was second to G. Sherry, of the Glasgow Ivy, who clocked 1-5-32. Crichton and Sherry both riding course records. He continued this with wins at the Western open, despite a fall at the start, with a time of 1-5-52, He then won the Dundee 25 with 1-6-8, also the Strathmore open 25 1-8-4. All these with a 77” gear considered very low.

Note. How you calculate gear inches. If the front chainring has 48 teeth and the rear sprocket has 24 teeth, then each turn of the pedals produces two turns of the rear wheel. That gear is said to be “52 gear inches.” Harry Briggs and George Penman at the front (1940)

By 1934 track racing had grown in popularity and stature. A series of successful Track Meetings in Dundee proved popular with riders and spectators alike. Held at the Dundee Police Sports grounds at and the M. S. W. Welfare Grounds, Kingsway. Track racing meetings were held for the purpose of running of heats preliminary to the N.C.U. North of Scotland one-mile amateur Championship.

The club enjoyed great loyalty and support from its many members. The club remained large with around 300 enthusiastic members who were described back then as ‘Loyal to the cause’. In 1936 a One mile Track Trophy was donated by Miss Isobel Huggins who had emigrated to Canada shortly after the club was formed. Isobel was referred to as the club’s Canadian ‘Sweetheart’. Another Loyal club member who gets mentioned was Peter Garthly who was described as a valuable club member from the early days. An ex-army physical instructor who served throughout the First World War, Mr Garthly acted as trainer and adviser to the club racing members. He prepared them for the season by weekly gymnastic classes, massages and advice to keep the track and roadmen trim during the racing season.

The Cyclist V Harriers race had its first outing. A new race was begun in 1934-35 by the Hawkhill Harriers Running Club the Cyclists vs. Harriers, and this race still takes place every year. The first winner was M.Crowe a cyclist but, over the years, due not only to the course but also the weather conditions, the winner has been a runner as often as a cyclist. Dundee Thistle riders still compete in this annual event, which takes place in Caird Park, between Christmas and New Year. In 2017 there were three Jaggies in the top five. Scott Taylor was third, while Ali Merry was fourth and Brian Sproul was fifth.

1939. Thistle riders began to enjoy their recognition. Local trackmen were becoming aware of ‘dress appeal’, as it was described then, or distinctive club kit to get them noticed. The previous year the crash helmets and star-design vests of Crichton and his racing partner had tickled the crowds at the Highland Games, where they competed at the grass track. Because of this interest, for the 1940 season each club decided to adopt distinctive colours. Forfarshire Roads were to be black and white, Dundee Roads black and gold, the Thistle all black and Strathmore blue and white. With the demise of the Forfarshire, the Thistle eventually adopted the Black and white Jersey. Thistle ‘Star’ design 1947 The Kingsway in 1945 was still on the outskirts G. Penman and D. Thomson of Dundee.and very rural. at the start of race in Aberdeen. Despite World War II the club continued to grow in the 1940s. Jack Nicholson in his early 20’s and 30’s, Big Nic, as he was affectionately That year’s Thistle Road Club’s Social Presentation, despite the altered situation known, was one of Dundee’s best competitive cyclists, and was crowned caused by the war, suffered very little, if any. Conforming to blackout regulations Dundee District best all-rounder in 1940. provided novelty rather than inconvenience and in the circumstances the audience of 300 compared well with the previous year’s peak. The son of the head of Dundee’s CID, Jack attended Morgan Academy. Quite a proportion of members and several prize-winners were absent He was bitten by the cycling bug in his first job, a wholesale firm which dealt because of wartime duties. Thistle absentees did not forget their club, however, in motor and cycle accessories. and telegrams of good wishes were sent from those in the Forces. Jack was eventually called up for wartime service as an RAF wireless operator based in various locations all over the world. However, his mind was always on The lack of Dundee Thistle’s success in road sport during this period was down the Moulin Moors, Deeside, Loch Tay and other 100 mile round trips he had to many of the members having answered the country’s call and signing up for enjoyed on his bike before the war. military duties. When he came home a bike business was available on Arbroath Road and The club members at the time took pride in several achievements, the rise in Jack grabbed his chance and bought it. As cycling took off, he was later to members, the haul of 50 prizes and two championships and, most notably, the transfer his business to , where Nicholson’s Cycle centre became a purchase of the club hut in Milton Street (now demolished). The hut required Mecca for both serious and recreational bikers. Jack was possibly the longest a lot of work and all club runs were cancelled for a month to allow members to serving Chairman and Treasurer in the club’s History and was an active club give their time to work on the hut. member up to the 1980s.

1945 saw the end of the war and a revised passion for cycling. By 1947 and after the Second World War the Thistle got back to full speed at Track Championships run on North End Park, Dundee. G. Scott, winner of the Arbroath Australian Pursuit Race, adapted himself equally well to the track, notwithstanding a strong challenge from Jack Nicholson and Joe Pray, and went on to win the club championship. The Novice prize went to W. Johnstone, who finished fourth. The Championship was won by G. Scott with Jack Nicholson taking second, with the same pair coming first and second again at the Half Mile Handicap.

Jack Nicholson 1950. Winning was becoming a habit. ‘Thistle Scoop the Pool’ as the local newspaper headline put it. This must have been an amazing time for young Sandy who lived in Broughty Dundee Thistle Road Club took every prize at the Dundee Centre Road Race Ferry and worked with the Caledon Shipbuilding & Engineering Company as Championship. P. Coupar and A. Marr (Sandy), both Dundee Thistle riders, an apprentice plumber. Sandy’s selection for Scotland was a bit of a surprise won the senior and junior titles respectively. This event was described at the at the time but he was in great form. The previous year he won the 40-mile time as having a thrilling sprint finish with Charles Star riders, A. Benning and Angus road race, 65-mile Thistle road race, Dundee and District massed start P. Symons. championship, and the 45-mile Kingsway pursuit.

Club members were also competing in France, representing Scotland. In addition, Sandy won all his club’s grass track trophies and broke numerous The Paris - Douai race was organized for the first time since 1933 under the course records. In the same year that he went to France he had already won patronage of the municipality of Douai. This was held on 18th of September the Charles Star road race, the Spring Grand Prix, a 10-mile and a 1950 and described as ‘The ‘beautiful’ race’ Paris-Douai. 25-mile time trial. Riding with J. Nixon and G. Penman, Sandy also won a 50- A local French paper covered the race and reported it as ‘From the start of the mile team time trial in Glasgow breaking the course record by 6 minutes. race, a battle, started by guys who had nothing to lose, but with the aim to Until this Thistle success the trophy had never left Glasgow. win the pleasure of winning for the honour of their club and their reputation’. It was an amateur race and as reports said at the time ‘Riders would next day After the Paris trip Sandy aimed to compete in some of the big events in resume work at the factory or mine, with no contract’. Although an amateur during his summer holidays. event, the race was considered to be equal to those of professional races. The race was one by 1. Lemay (Lysoise Pedal). Covering the 248 km in 6 hours 37 minutes 2. Alix (USS Metro) 3. Giraux (Lavalette Sport) 4. Rea ran (Lysoise Pedal) 5. Vennemen (Pedale, lysis ise)

The best of the Scottish riders finishing tenth. As was normal back then you rode these races representing your country and not your club. 10. Hendry (Scotland) 12. Maxwell (Scotland) 25. Storrie (Scotland) 26. Geordie Penman (Scotland and Dundee Thistle)

1952. Competing abroad became a more regular thing. Alex (Sandy) Marr from the Dundee Thistle, a twenty year old at the time, left for Paris in May that year to race along with lan Steele (Glasgow) and Ian Greenfield (Edinburgh), where they represented Scotland in a 150-mile road race from Paris to Lyons with the last 70 miles on cobbles.

Scotland won the team prize with Ian Steele, who had recently won the Sandy Marr Warsaw-Berlin-Prague race, almost completing the double. He was beaten into second place by five lengths by Belgian Van Mermen. lan Greenfield was eighth and Sandy Marr finished thirty-eighth. Had Sandy not had three punctures during the race, who knows how well he might have done. 1954 Jim Nixon won the 1954 Scottish Road Race Championship riding in a Thistle jersey and then went on to ride as an independent semi-pro for Viking Cycles.

1955 The Thistle Club still had its own room, the large wooden building in Milton Street. Some improvements had been made over the years – the installation of a toilet and a small cupboard that was used as the club tuck shop. In addition, gas radiators lining both walls now heated the hut.

Meetings were held on Thursday evening at 9pm and bike shop owner Jack Nicholson (Nicholson’s Cycles can still be found on Forfar Road) was Chairman by this time, and later the treasurer. He also acted as a timekeeper and organized the Wednesday night training races.

In the winter the club opened on Tuesdays and Thursdays about 7pm for activities such as table tennis, darts, training on rollers and weightlifting. They even had a real boxing ring with ropes as one of the members, Nobby Clinton, was also an amateur boxer.

Two members from this time, who did stay riding and remained involved with the club after successful racing careers, were Jim Nixon and Geordie Penman. Jim worked for Myles on the Hilltown, an electrical shop that also sold bikes. Their slogan was ‘Ride for miles on a Myles bike’. Jim and Geordie taught many of the young ‘lads’ like Barry Carnegie how to ride a bike properly. They also led groups most Sundays.

The clubs all met at Camperdown Gates on Sundays, sporting their individual club jerseys. Club runs then were all day affairs, leaving 9am or 10am and not returning home until 7pm or 8 pm. The routes were usually the Moulin Moors, Sma’ Glen and Blair Lochs, but occasionally they would head over to Callander and Loch Earn, Lochearnhead and Loch Tay. Even longer were the Moors, Trinafour and Schiehallion.

1965. The sixties saw a strong young group of ‘Thistle’ racers. The spell around the 60s and 70s was a good period for club riders like Big Jim Lindsay, Stuart (Fred) Allan, Dave Coull, Barry Carnegie, Lionel Wylie, Ian Menzies and Mac Hastie. As young lads they had a string of wins in all branches of the sport.

Left to Right. Jim Lindsay, Ian Menzies, Barry (Ned) Carnegie, Stuart (Fred) Allan. Front left, the late John Rice, Jim Jeffrey and Li Wyllie. Between them victories in Scottish BAR, 12 hour Championship, Hill Climb Championship, Runner up Road Race BAR. Inverness to Elgin, Spring Grand Prix, Dundee Road Race Champs, East of Scotland Road Champs, Trophy and many other events. The Scottish Best All Rounder Champion in 1965 was our own Li Wylie. Under pressure from his club mates, Wylie entered the Scottish championship 100, East of Scotland, with a view to improving his 100 performance, but his An article from Cycling (Cycling Weekly) 1965, written by Ian Morrison, anxiety was such that he slept in and missed the event! describes perfectly Li Wylie who is still very much an active club member and the same laid back character. The BAR position remained the same, with Wylie riding local events and Kirk chasing ’50’s. Wylie waited calmly for the last ‘100’ of the season, promoted WYLIE, A NATURAL FOR SCOTLAND by Dundee RC. On the day of the event it looked as if his luck might be out as You couldn’t hope to meet a more unassuming or easy-going character than there was a strong breeze and the course was unsheltered. But at 75 miles he Lionel Wylie of Dundee Thistle RC, Best All-Rounder for 1965. His approach to was five minutes up on Kirk, who retired and Lionel finished in 4-19-4, enough the racing game is somewhat different from most riders of his calibre, for up by two minutes to put him at the top of the table. Two weeks later, to clinch until this season he only raced because all his friends did. the title, he finished a ’50’ in 1-59 and this modest 21-year-old apprentice compositor was BAR (Best All Rounder) of Scotland. His training is hard and He started his racing career, reluctantly, in 1961. He would have preferred to practical, and consists of an evening time trial of 16-20 miles on Tuesday, a carry on with week-enders hostels, but his mates raced, so he raced. Whatever confined road race on Wednesday, and the local track league on Thursday. he thought of his early efforts, his club was enthusiastic, for he was obviously a natural. In 1962 he won the Dundee Centre junior championship, in 1963 he He pays no attention to diet just eating what his mother puts before him, a was second in the Centre short-distance championship, and the following year credit to her choice of food perhaps. His nonchalant approach to the game is he went on to take the title. always a topic of conversation at the races - he is envied for his relaxed riding Even then he showed comparatively little enthusiasm for the racing side of the and effort-less pedalling. For the record, his 1-59 was done on an 86in fixed sport. As soon as the racing season was over he was off on his weekend tours. and his 256.74 mile ’12’ on an 81inch, and both events were ridden on a seven-year-old, second hand tracker. Next season he plans to tackle At the beginning of the 1965 season his ambitions extended no further than massed-start racing seriously - we can only wish him all the best. another crack at the Centre short-distance championship, only smiling and shaking his head at the suggestion of riding ’12’. He carried on as before, riding all the local events and winning most of them. In May he rode the Centre race, and became Dundee’s champion, but had no urge to race away from home until the end of June, when the Scottish 50-mile championship was held at the Alloa Rally, and even then because he had no choice. There wasn’t a race anywhere else in Scotland, and besides, everyone else was going. Although it appeared that the social side of the rally was more of an attraction for Wylie, it was that ’50’ that changed his whole outlook. He finished fourth in 1-59-55, his first under two hours and he realised that he was capable of taking the BAR.

The very next week he rode his first 100, with disastrous results. He finished in 4-30-54, not quite a championship-class ride. But the unflappable Wylie was unperturbed, although seeds of doubt as to his ability at distance racing was sown in the minds of many. He soon removed all doubt the following week with a 256.74-mile ride in his first 12-hour BAR beating the then BAR leader Andy Kirk by three miles. Still he was behind Kirk in the table. Kirk had by this time left Velo Sportiv to join Wylie in Dundee Thistle RC. Racing and Time Trials were still going strong in the 60s and 70s and the Thistle were showing well. In 1968, there were 6 clubs in the Dundee and District Centre - Angus CC, Dundee Thistle RC, Dundee Road CC, Forfarshire RC, Heatherbell Ladies CC and Perth United CC. At the time Centre officials were Dave McCallum, Treasurer, and Bill McLennan who organized district Time Trials.

Time Trials were a big part of the season and there were 14 registered time trial courses in the District. Perth 10, Dundee 10, Forfar 10, Arbroath 10, Dundee 15, Perth 25, Dundee 25, Perth 30, Dundee 30, Perth 50, Dundee 50, Perth 100, Dundee 100 and Dundee 12 hours.

The years between 1966 and 77 were Stuart Allan’s (Fred) best years for results. On the Track he won the Scottish 5k championship (1966), Dundee sprint and 5 mile Champion (1967-69), 5 champ. On the road he placed well at the Scottish Junior RR Championships Silver Medallist (1966); North of Scotland Cycling Association RR Champion (1976/77) with many other wins including Isle of Man (1967). Stuart also competed in Time Trials over the same period with various wins with PBs of 10TT 23.26; 25ml 58.30; 50TT 1.57.36.

Stuart, Ned and Li raced incredibly hard and developed a real reputation for racing but at the same time they made sure they enjoyed themselves. There was no science behind their diets and often no real plan for the racing season other than to go out, race and win if possible. Stuart Allan allegedly got the nick name ‘Fred’ while eating out one night when the waitress brought an extra meal by mistake. As there was an empty place by Stuart he quickly said ‘Oh that’s for Fred’ and then happily consumed a second meal and gained a nickname! Their exploits in the off season or when touring are legend and often included a good few beers at local pubs before sneaking back into Youth Hostels or B&Bs long after curfew. Somehow of course they continued to do well often at the disbelief of others.

Top Picture. Ned Carnegie on the track Club presentation in December 1965 Middle Picture. in Blairgowrie. David Coull Fred Allan; John Phillips; John Colville; Harry Brown; Bottom Picture. Peem Brewster; Dave Coull; SCOTTISH BAR WINNING Jim Adams; lan Menzies; TEAM 1965 Andy Kirk; John Pope; Harry Brown; Li Wylie; (Geordie Jim Lindsay; Li Wylie; Crichton); Dave Coull at the Jim Millar; Dave Husband; Club presentation in December Jim Law. 1965 in Blairgowrie. The 1967 Scottish 50 TT Championship. Andy Kirk another Dundee Thistle rider from that era worth a mention, won that years championship with 2:2.15 by just five seconds. (Andy had joined from Velo Sportive the year before).

In 1969 Barry Carnegie won the Scottish hill-climb championship. The unique Dundee Thistle combination of Barry Carnegie on Dave Thomson’s bike won the Scottish hill-climb championship by the unprecedented margin of 18.4 seconds. For his first Scottish National Championship win Barry was in a class of his own when he covered the new championship hill, 1.4 mile Purrinden Hill, Fife, in 8:52.4 on a borrowed bike.

Barry also brought off a shock win in the Chandy- sponsored Spring Grand Prix. Showing his trackman’s sprint after 85 hard miles, Barry hurled his cycle ahead of George Findlater (Wallacehill) near the Maybury roundabout on the Glasgow Edinburgh Road to cross the finishing line in 3hrs 40mins. A great win. You can’t imagine racing on those roads now a days with the volume of traffic.

Barry’s memories of his early years in the club and racing are now part of a permanent display on the ‘Thistle’ and early Dundee cycling put up by the Above. Barry (Ned) Carnegie club at the Dundee Transport Museum. in full flight.

Standing Picture. Ian Menzies with Ned.

Below. Thistle Juniors 1955 Left to right Ned with Dave McCallum Barry (Ned) Carnegie, Ginger Chalmers, Ian Hunter, Ian Auchterlonie, Alan Conela, ? , on his wheel. Donald Robbie, Frank Somerville, Norman Norrie, Crystal.

Barry’s SpringGrand Prix meday won in 1969.

After a few years the group moved on to different challenges. Big Jim went to work abroad, Fred went to study law, Dave went to live in , Ian went down south, Barry unfortunately, although a few years away, began to feel the effects of arthritis and Lionel and Mac went on to the highland games grass track circuit. Li, Fred and Barry remained then as now still very active members of the club. 1971. Setting new records. A new Scottish 10 mile time trial record was set by Dundee Thistle clubman P.Templeton in a time of 22 minutes 14 seconds.

This was also the year the First Sportive was held in Europe leading to a new and popular challenge for cyclists. Considered to be the Queen of Granfondos, the ‘Nove Colli’, was the first ever Sportive with it’s first outing in 1971. Held on the Italian Adriatic Coast. This was Pantani country. The Sportive was open to amateur riders of all ages, abilities, and was, as now, run on closed roads with the type of support only previously available to the professional rider while racing.

Top left. Cycling changed a fair bit between the 1980s and 1990s Middle of group- Stewart The clubrooms at this time comprised a large wooden hut in the grounds Allan and Dave McGowan . Top right. of Lochee United Junior Football Club (now demolished). The club had used Harry Ross. these premises for a good few years but by now they were beginning to show Bottom left. their age. Brian Sproul on right. Bottom right. Eric Schlordt on far left. We were still all riding mainly steel bikes, although the exotic Carbon Fibre frame began to make an appearance from companies such as LOOK, who had also introduced the quick release pedal system which proved very popular and, very quickly, brought about the demise of toe clips and straps.

The end of the Boilly Up. By the middle 80s the tradition of ‘boilly ups’ was fast disappearing mostly due to the fact small cafes were popping up all over and they offered a far easier, drier and warmer way to enjoy something to eat. Some of the favourites over the years were ‘Kate’s cafe’ in Birnam by Dunkeld, and ‘Visocchi’s’ in Kirrimuir.

The ‘boilly up’ required each rider to bring with them a spoon, tin of soup, tin opener, tea bag, matches and fire lighter. They would then have to locate one of the limited number of areas where it was possible to safely set a fire. This, of course, also required a good source of dry firewood.

They all had nicknames like ‘The Flower Pots’ or ‘Wyllie’s Bilee’, named after Li (Lionel) who discovered the boilly up spot.

The last one I remember was at Drumore Loch where, on a pouring wet day, Brian Sproul and myself (Ali Chisholm) tried and failed to get a fire going, so it was a case of cold soup out of the tin, and a tuna roll, while trying to shelter from the rain under a tree. The other issues were, of course, once you had a good fire going, keeping it fed with wood, and also trying to avoid getting your clothing burnt as you balanced your tin in and around the flames. Boilly Up in the 1980s Training in the 90’s 1995 - 2000 Training nights back then left from the Thistle ‘shed’ in the grounds of Lochee This five-year period would probably be best described as pretty lean and saw Boys Football ground. These were shared with the Fairport Triathlete Club. membership numbers dwindle. This was across all clubs and the two strongest The format was pretty simple ‘hang on as long as you can’. The route was out clubs left in Dundee, the Thistle and the Wheelers, combined Sunday runs but from Lochee and down to and along Dundee Road until the Occidental Bar even then they struggled to muster more than 6 or 8 riders. Mountain Biking junction where you turned left to head back along the Kingsway to Lochee. had taken off in a big way around this time and many riders new to the sport Those roads are now far too busy to train on safely but in those days there was saw road clubs as something from the past. The main characters who in the only one set of traffic lights to hold you up, and a lot less traffic. Bicycle lights main kept the club runs going both on road and off were Brian Sproul, Phil at that time were very heavy and shed very little light on the road in front of Morris, David McGowan, Ali Chisholm, Doug Wilson and Lionel Wylie while you, so it was safer to train under street lights. others Like Stuart Allan and Ned Carnegie kept the club meetings going. Other than the fast Tuesday night group ride we also had a Thursday climbing run up through Knapp Village and out at the top of Tullybaccart to sprint back In 1998 Brian Sproul was re elected chairman, Alasdair Chisholm became Vice down to Dundee via Muirhead. Chairman, Rab Rennie Secretary, Phil Morris Treasurer and Li Wylie became Club captain replacing Doug Wilson. In the 1990’s Weekenders and cycling abroad became very popular. Thistle weekenders were held annually to Killin and Fort William, which was Phil Morris, better known as ‘Wee Phil’ as he is small in stature but a very 125 miles there on Saturday, and then 125 miles back home on the Sunday. strong rider and fast on hills, was still racing but in 1999 a crash at the 55 mile As with all weekenders, in those days you carried everything you needed Mearns Road Race, at Fettercairns, saw him left with a broken collarbone. in panniers on the bike. You had to be totally self-sufficient as there was no That ended Phil’s season and really his road racing although he did return to support van following you. Cycling holidays abroad were also becoming more off road racing and has recently returned to time trials. common. Given the Scottish weather early season holidays became more popular, often to Spain, in particular Majorca or Italy and, of course France. Brian Sproul road the Scottish Cycling Union 50TT Championships in 1999 to take 18th place in a time of 1:54:31. Brian Bluff, who sadly died young not long The club also had to move meeting premises in 1993 when we had to vacate after, also rode that year and got 30th in a time of 1:56:46. It was won by Chris the club hut in the grounds of Lochee United Junior Football Club, Thomson Isats, Berwick Wheelers in 1:47:27. Park. For the Thistle Stage Race that year the club had used the Lochee Boys Club (Lynch Centre) in Wellbank Lane, off Loon’s Road, Lochee, and this was In the club at that time there were three Brian’s then used for club meetings. riding TTs Brian Bluff, Brian Petrie but Brian Sproul was developing into the In 1993 Track League at Caird Park was proving very popular. strongest time trialist and was declared With over 50 riders taking part in the 10 event series with separate events for the District BAR Champion in 2000 the 27 on track bikes and 31 on road bikes. After a highly competitive series, with excellent times for a 100, 50 and 25TT. Jock Hardie riding for the GS Modena proved to be too strong, and too consistent, and claimed the league and the magnificent Centre Trophy with 2000 was also the year that Peem Brewster 128 points. Andrew Johnston, the clubs young flier, rode very well for his years, closed his shop ‘Brewsters Cycles’ which he first 16 at the time, and took second position with 94 points. opened in 1983. Peem was a regular on club runs and weekenders and many a cyclists new his shop well. He always said he’d have joined the Thistle but as Jack Nicholson, of Nicholsons Cycles was a long-standing member he opted for the ‘Dundee Wheelers’.

Left picture. Andy Johnston being Graeme Obree at held by his dad Rod Johnston. Caird Track being right picture. Stuart Allan and Dickie held by Brian Sproul. Scott beside car at Caird Track. Phil Morris touring in the French Alps in 1996 near the Cormet de Roseland. Every year the club members In 2008 a group of Thistle and Wheelers travelled down south for the would look for a big challenge. Dave Lloyd Mega Challenge. From the early 1980s many riders like Described as the hardest challenge for the amateur rider. The route was 140 Phil Morris, Nick Kopp and miles long with 4000 metres of climbing. As a simple illustration of how tough Earle Wilson were heading to the it actually was 600 were down to start with only 400 actually starting and only French Alps to experience the pain 171 finishing the 140 miles route. of climbs that normally sort out the “Le Grand Boucle”. I’m glad to say that all the club riders who had travelled down from Dundee They also visited Spain and suffered finished but it was a long day in the saddle. in the heat and severity of the climbs Brian Sproul 9:36:28; Stephen King 9:50:24; Neil Crawford 9:53:42; used in the “Vuelta” and, Alasdair Chisholm 10:54:49; Chris McClements 11:45:48. not forgetting trips to the Ardennes in Belgium to ride the roads used in some of the most famous “Classics”. Majorca was also visited many times and is still an annual trip.

2004 Tour De France Etape This was the year that 5 Thistle riders took part in the Tour de France ‘Etape’, the stage of the Tour de France open to amateurs to ride. 7,245 riders had signed up for the 239km (almost 150 miles) of racing from Limoges to St. Flour. The Col du Pas de Payrol (1,589m) after180km of the race, proved to be where Left to right. Brian Sproul, Stephen King, Alasdair (Ali) Chisholm and Chris McClements a lot of cyclists got off and pushed. In total some 6,555 riders finished.

The five Thistle riders finished in: Li Wylie 8 hours 55; Brian Sproul 8 hours 59; The Sportive format has continued to grow in popularity with thousands of Alasdair (Ali) Chisholm 9 hours 16; Steve King 9 hours 32; Brian Davidson 10 amateur cyclists taking part in events, like the Tour De France Etape de Tour. hours 56. Three Days later, Richard Virenque tackled the same route as part of the Tour de France for a solo French Victory on Bastille Day. He took just over The first fully closed route for a sportive in the UK was the Etape Caledonian, 6 hours! which was based around Pitlochry. Since it debuted in 2007, Thistle riders have taken part, along with thousands of riders from all corners of Britain.

As sportives and cycling have grown in popularity so has impatience from some drivers and local residents. This became evident when the 2019 Étape Caledonia sportive was stopped for about 90 minutes so tacks could be swept from part of the course. Luckily none of the club riders were injured by this action, which was described by Tayside Police as “reckless and irresponsible”. The race was subsequently resumed and most of the 3,700 riders finished, although about 500 received punctures from the tacks.

We returned to the Cairngorm Classic 2010 for the second year running. The route is 100 miles with 2222m of climbing and a finish at the Cairngorm Ski Station. The first 90 miles was breathtaking scenery the last ten simply took your breath away and left you fighting to the finish. Alasdair Chisholm 05:38:24; Stephen King 05:22:02; Eric Schlordt 05:19:30; Philip Morris 05:05:28; Brian Sproul 05:02:13; Billy McCord 04:54:49. Further afield in 2010 Billy Warden and Steve King took part in a MTB cross country event in Canada. The TransRockies is an annual 7-day, 400 km mountain bicycle race from Fernie, British Columbia to Canmore, Alberta. Described as the “toughest mountain bike race on earth”, the TransRockies Five Dundee Thistle riders embarked on a trip to France in 2018 had a reputation for tough climbs, long days, relentless mud and highly to climb Mont Ventoux in the south of the country and tackle the Club changeable weather. The two found it very challenging indeed. des Singlés du Mont-Ventoux challenge.

2011 Angus Wilson, Brian Sproul, Jim Walker (OCD) Alasdair Chisholm and Martin Thistle rode the Etape Caledonia in Lawson drove from Dundee in a van and then cycled up the 1,909m (6,263ft) May and then headed to Sothern mountain three times, using the three alternative roads to the top. Cycling a Ireland to ride the sister event The total of 137km and 4269 metres in just under 8 hours. Etape Hibernia sportive in August. They are now members of the elite Club des Singlés du Mont-Ventoux, which has just 88 members from Scotland and 11,441 worldwide. Left to right. Joy Chisholm, Alasdair Chisholm, Neil Crawford and Brian Sproul. Club member Jim Walker (OCD) described it as a “cracking challenge”, adding: “As you reach the top the feeling of accomplishment overwhelms you and you can’t believe you have done it.” The beginning of a revised image for road cycling. Luckily for road cycling the image changed with the likes of Obree, Boardman, Chris Hoy and Wiggins making the headlines.

Graeme Obree, nicknamed The Flying Scotsman, twice broke the world hour record, in July 1993 and April 1994, and was also the individual pursuit world champion in 1993 and 1995. Known for his unusual riding positions and for the Old Faithful bicycle he built which included parts from a washing machine. This incredible story made him headline news, while the UCI continually banning his innovative riding ideas only helped raise his profile and the image of track and road cycling.

Sky pro cycling team was founded in 2010. In 2012, Bradley Wiggins won the Paris–Nice, the Tour de Romandie, the Critérium du Dauphiné, and became the first British cyclist to win the Tour de France and the time trial at the Olympic Games. This all helped redress the balance back to road cycling albeit to the older male, with younger riders still enjoying the excitement of the more youthful mountain bike scene. Dundee Thistle celebrated 75 years with a Civic Reception in 2005 2005 in the City Chambers with many older club members attending. Alasdair (Ali) Chisholm became Chairman, with Phil Morris remaining Treasurer We also held Receptions in 1970 and 1980. and Chris McClements taking over as Secretary from Steve King. Brian Sproul remained Club Captain. 75th anniversary, 12th of January, 2005 From back to front the people we can identify are: Cyclists V Harriers race in 2005 first held in 1934. Large image. Barry Wilson. Top left. Steve King behind Brian Norman Robertson (Citizen of the Year); Les Nicholson; Dave Husband; Sproul. Bottom left. Phil Morris. Top Right. Li Wylie and Andy Fenwick. Bottom Right Ali Chisholm. Victor Cavin; Charlie Mathers; Li Wylie; Bob Kilhooley; Jim Jeffrey; Dave Thomson; Peem Brewster; Phil Morris; Marie Brewster; Joyce Mathers; Bill Mclennan; Ally Birse; John Bowes; Dave Husband; John Morris; Anne Morris; Phil Forte; Rod Johnston; Rose Johnston; Graeme Robertson; Gregor Drumm; Gordon Taylor; Dave MacGowan; Duncan Leith; Paddy Fenwick; Andy Fenwick; James Auchterlonie; Ally little; Bruce Mackie; Lawrence Morgan; Barry Wilson; Ian Rivans; Chris McClement; John Green; Sheila MacGowan; Stan Smith; Isobel Nicoll; Bill Nicoll; George Penman; Eric Schlordt; Peter Miller; George Scott; Garry Willis; Earle Wilson; John White; Maurice Laing; Sandy MacGregor; Dave McCallum; Colin Buick; Bryn Williams; Gordon Maxwell; Elie Carnegie; Iris Wylie; Jim Millar; Barry Carnegie; Martin Harris; Jackie Bremner; John Bremner; Garry Kilcullan; Steve Donnelly; Len Agley; Vic Polanski; Steve King; Frank Dailly; Ian Anderson; Norma Scott; Betty Taylor; Marie Rice; Dicky Scott; George Kermode; John Rice; Mac Hastie; Doug Wilson; Brian Sproul; Margaret Williams; Conny (?) Linda Allan; May Miller; Mark Wilson; Lord Provost; John Letford; Alasdair Chisholm Les Crichton; Maurice Anderson; Irene Nicholson; Stuart Allan. By 2008 the club was starting to see membership revive. 2017. The club was still facing up to and tackling the challenge of a Although the mountain bike remained an interest, for most members there changing society. was a revival in riders wanting to test themselves at time trials. In the age of websites and social media, where club news is available almost as it happens, it was decided by the club members to no longer hold weekly This was when the Wheelers still organized events so we didn’t have to travel club meetings at Lochee Boys Club. This was not just down to the likes of far to compete on a fairly regular basis and, with some successful results, the Facebook but the fact very few members attended these evening meetings. interest in competing only grew. So, sadly, the Thursday night club meetings, which had happened almost throughout the club’s history, were ended. On a more positive note, a once Dundee Wheelers CC 10TT on 21st May 2008 was won by Mark Atkinson a month meeting has now begun, taking place in Thorntons Investments city Sandy Wallace Cycles in 21.22 but there was a good showing from Thistle centre office in Dundee, to allow club members the opportunity to meet off riders. 3rd Brian Sproul 22.38; 8th Barry Wilson 24.17; 14th Phil Morris 25.21; the bike and discuss club business. 28th Neil Young 26.32; 31st Steve King 27.49; 37th David Martin 29.16. Reviving an old club jersey. After several iterations for our club jersey we decided that this was a good time to return to the club jersey of the 1950s and 60’s. The cycling brand Rapha had been at the forefront of making the historic cycling clothing designs of the 50s and 60s back in vogue, so our old jersey had come back into fashion. It was based on the National Dutch jersey of the time and had an orange body with red, white and blue bands running across the chest. Although we went with modern, easy drying fabrics, and not the traditional wool, the reinstated jersey proved very popular, especially as it was given free From left to right. Chris McClements, Brian Sproul, Steve King, Barry Wilson with the £20 annual membership fee. This was just one of several initiatives the 2010. club introduced to boost membership. 5 years later we celebrated 80 years of the Dundee Thistle with a second Civic Reception which was held at Dundee City Chambers and hosted by the Lord Provost, Helen Wright. Too many club members turned out to give them all a mention, but they went from one of the oldest, Les Crichton, who joined in 1930 right through to younger members at the time, like Ryan Rennie, who put in a great deal of effort in tracing and contacting past members.

Stuart Allen became Chairman in 2010 until 2012. With Phil Morris remaining Treasurer, Chris McClements Secretary and Brian Sproul Club Captain. In 2012 Alasdair (Ali) Chisholm became Chairman again. Several club riders began to show real promise through this period. New to the club Becky Nixon (later Durrell) was making waves on the Track and circuit racing, Angus Wilson was beginning to Above. Group shot of club memebers to mark the launch of the new jersey on board the RRS Discovery. Below. Various club jerseys over the years. Original 1960s, 80th Aniversary, the 80s, 90s, and the 2017 revised design. show great form at 10, 25, 50,100mile TTs, While The Club Hill Climb was won by Niel Doug Scott who was also doing well road racing.

Angus Wilson being held up at the start of a 10TT by fellow club member Charlie Marr. Over the years there have been many Thistle Rachel Crighton who rode the Schwarzwald Super riders of note. Riders who often made a large Gold route in Germany in 2016. Rachel cycled 150 contibution to the club both on and off the bike. miles and climbed 27,000 feet in one day in a time of 10 hours and 30 minutes. She showed incredible George Crichton Who in the 1930 was very endurance, ability and strength on one of the successful on track and road but also a key hardest days in the saddle for any amateur rider. member of the club. Sandy Marr Alex (Nickname was Sandy) Marr in the early 1950s represented Scotland racing in Rebecca Durrell From riding crits while in a Thistle France and won all the club’s grass track trophies jersey in 2014 to National Crits Champs jersey in and broke numerous Course Records having 2019. Becky turned up for her first Sunday run already won several road race. looking to get up to speed for a charity ride from Jack Nicholson in 1945 after returning from war Newcastle to London. With that goal accomplished service became a key member of the club she soon moved on to racing, in a Thistle jersey eventually becoming chairman. His cycle shop also she borrowed from Phil Morris, before moving became a mecca for club cyclists to meet and of south to progress with Fusion RT, thereafter, course buy equipment. moving to Drops Cycling. Becky is now one of Jim Nixon in 1954 won the Scottish Road Race the UK’s top female riders racing for Team Brother Championship and went on to ride as an UK - Tifosi. As Becky recently said, “Once a thistle independent semi-pro for Viking Cycles. always a thistle, I’ve such fond memories of where it all began, couldn’t have wished for a better Thistle legends, and still active club members, introduction to the sport.” Stuart ‘‘Fred’ Allan, a prolific winner in the North back in the 70’s on the road, track and in time trials. Mark stewart Mark first got involved with the Barry ‘Ned’ Carnegie, a top Scottish road star Thistle as a member of Discovery Junior Cycling ‘back in the day’ and if I’m not mistaken, Scottish Club. He ‘cut his teeth’ on long rides with the Hill Climb Champion. Lionel ‘Li’ Wylie who won Thistle Sunday club runs. the BAR in 1965 with great TT times. In 2014, Mark was accepted onto ’s Olympic Academy Programme. Over the years Phil Brown raced wearing the Thistle Jersey from since he has won Bronze, Silver and Gold medals. around 1993 to 1999 but his talent soon saw him In 2017 he became a double European under-23 move on to sponsored teams as a Cat 1 rider champion, picking up victories in both the by 2008 he was riding with Velo Eccosse and individual pursuit and omnium. Deeside Thistle. In 2000 he rode The FBD Milk Ras Mark won a sensational gold medal for Scotland in Ireland riding for Union Transport and took third at the 2018 and in 2019 on stage seven. joined Ribble Pro Cycling.

Brian Sproul Joined the club as a schoolboy Neil Doug Scott Was a Cat 1 rider in 2014 riding originally mainly a touring cyclist Brian also proved for Dundee Thistle where he wa a very prolific racer an excellent bike handler off and on road. Also as and won the last outing of the Thistle Stage Race. a strong time trialist he was declared the District Eventually moving to live in Aberdeenshire and BAR Champion in 2000. Brian remains a very active joining the Deeside Thistle with whom he still rides club member. and races. Today we have the likes of Ali Merry, a prolific Angus Wilson is known for a analytical mindset, as racer, slight of build and very modest, he’s more he measures everything he can including cadence than happy to let his bike do the talking especially and wattage, never mind speed. Angus who in at hill climbs. In 2018 he came 3rd in the Scottish 2019 turned 50, has a PB of 19:55 for 10TT and Hill Climb Championship and 50th in the National had just completed ‘The Team Swift’ 2019 12 hour Hill Climb Championship although the time TT posting 268.91 miles for 1st overall. This was margins were very close across the field so followed by the Scottish National 100TT Champs actually an excellent result. More recently he has at Invergordon. been placing well in TT and road racing. Angus and Stuart MacCallum took on the 100 Ali finished 2nd at the Menteith APR in 2018 and mile course on the busy A9 near Invergordon in 7th at the Ali Speed Memorial 50-Mile TT 2019 in a the Highlands. The course has a bit of everything, time of 1:56:16. He continues to be a prolific racer, a few climbs, rough roads, long drags, exposed still under 23 in 2019, he had ridden nearly 30 races windy sections and a few fast, smooth sections as in the discipline of TT, Road, Hill Climb and Cross well. The weather was kind so decent conditions. with a good proportion of top tens. Angus was 11th with 4.09.28 (24mph) and a PB which is impressive after his epic 12hr TT only one week earlier.

Stuart MacCallum is a fairly new member to the club but has taken to time trialling in a big way. A military background has given him the kind of discipline and competitive nature required to succeed in racing and TTs. Stuart was 6th with a 4.04.24 (24.6mph) on his first Stewart Irvine is without doubt the strongest attempt at a 100TT at the Scottish National 100TT Short distance time trialist in the club, although Champioships at Invergordon in 2019. It was won you’d be forgiven for wondering if that was actually by Andy Underwood (Carse Velo) with a course the case. Stewart is a big guy with a big ginger record of 3.50.14. beard so not surprisingly he is often referred to as the ‘Big man’ or ‘Big Stewart’. The club is part of Sonya Drummond came 6th at the 2017 Best All the Fife Cycling Association, so all our club riders Rounder TT Scottish Championship Tables with PB are able to compete in the FCA mid week series times of 2:17:48 for a ‘50’, 1:04:12 for a ‘25’, 24:58 and Stewart for the second year running has won for a ‘10’. Sadly back issues put her racing on hold the overall 2019 series. but later in 2019 she has again begun to slowly Other winning times in 2019 for Stewart began with return to form. a 2 up Time Trial, The Ice Breaker 2 up in deepest darkest Aryshire, riding with Angus Wilson, to take Alan Davidson in recent years since joining the 3rd place. Riding solo, Stewart posted some great club has shown a rapid improvement in TT times times in 2019, such as a 19:21 for a ‘10’ and 10:32 the last two seasons hitting a peak at the National for a ‘5’. 25TT with a big PB of 53.59. Unfortunately he’s also know for being very messy, with none of his kit clean of oil stains, and dubious bike maintenance despite originally being a ships engineer. The Club has and continues to organize national and local events. In 2004 Stuart Allan organized the 50th Anniversary Track Meeting The Thistle introduced a three-day stage race in 1993 that quickly grew in at Caird Park Stadium, Dundee including popularity. Sponsored by and named the Cox-Johnston Trophy (Stage Race) the Scottish 15km Championship. it was organized by Dave McGowan, Stuart (Fred) Allan and Alasdair Chisholm. Many exciting events had been held on the Sponsorship was raised from Cox-Johnston who, as a property developer, was track over the years with riders such as the developing the Stack Leisure Park in Lochee. We had Rod Johnston, who was now Sir Chris Hoy and Graeme Obree the brother, and Andy Johnston, the nephew, of the owner of Cox-Johnston competing. Recently the track got a massive Property Developers in the club. upgrade thanks to the efforts of Martin Harris (Discovery Junior CC) so will hopefully continue to be a fantastic asset to Dundee.

The Thistle ran the 2015 Scottish National 10TT organized by David Martin on the Arbroath Road. Which since has proved a popular course and continues to be used by the club for mid-week TTs run in conjunction with the Fife Cycling Association.

Over three years, 2017, 18 and 19, the Thistle ran the Scottish National 25TT Championships. Left picture. Phil Brown, winner 1983 with Mr Rose from Cox-Johnston Properties. In the background is Dave McGowan. Middle picture. The riders being led out in a neutralised start. Right Picture. Neil Doug Scott winner 2014. Organized by Alasdair Chisholm and Angus Wilson on the A90 Road north of Forfar. On it’s first outing in 2017 record after record fell with Junior Female, Men’s Team, Veteran Male and the Holy Grail at this distance, Graeme Obree’s The stage race ran over a Saturday and Sunday with a climb to the top of the national record of 23 years standing! Law Hill as the criterium, followed by a 45-mile race outside Dundee. Georgia Mansfield (RT23) became Scottish Junior female 25-Mile Champion, Sunday was a 70-mile race, again to the North of Dundee. The stage race Ross Thomson (Dunfermline CC) posted a 56:24 to take Junior male 25-Mile later became known simply as the Dundee Stage Race. Brian Sproul took Championship. over as organizer of the event for the later years and the last time the club Jon Entwistle (GTR) with a time of 49:27 took a new national veteran record. ran the event was 2014. By chance it was won by Neil Doug Scott, to match John Archibald (Pro Vision Scotland) with his time of 47:57 smashed Graeme Phil Brown, who won the first outing way back in 1993 both of course being Obree’s 23 year old record to win the 25TT Scottish Championship. Dundee Thistle riders. In July of 2018 the Thistle ran for the second year The list of winners over the years illustrates the popularity of the event for the Tour of the Glens Road Race, Part of the Scottish riders from all corners of Scotland. Sadly, records of the winners between 1994 Alba Series on behalf of Scottish Cycling. Organized by and 2003 have been lost and the event did not go ahead in 2013. Angus Wilson this event was open to first, second and Neil Doug Scott, Dundee Thistle 2014; Ronald McWilliam, VC Lincoln 2012; third cat riders and has developed a real popularity Liam Cowie, Endura/Pedal Power 2011; Peter Murdoch, East Kilbride RC 2010; amongst riders despite the route being considered Robin Wilkins, Stirling BC 2009; Chris Thomson, VC Astar 2008; seriously tough. In 2019 the course used for the TOG Callum Wilkinson, Pedal Power 2007; Raymond Reidy, 2006; road race out the back of Aylth formed the basis for Jack Woodward, Bicycle Works 2005; Jonathan Copp, Deeside Thistle CC the men and womens Scottish National Road Race 2004; Phil Brown, Dundee Thistle 1993. Championship again hosted by the Thistle.

John Archibald (centre), TOG 2017 winner One weekend in April 2018 2019 The club today That April weekend saw a lot of Thistle riders at a wide range of events. Although we can’t boast a membership of 300, as they did back in the 30’s, the club does still have around 70 active members and also retains the same Riding the Etape Loch Ness, an amateur sportive, were Ged Hepburn, Dan degree of ambition it has always enjoyed. McKay, Scott McCord. 66 miles around the famous loch starting and finishing in Inverness, with 900m of ascent. We again this year hosted, as a club, the highest level of road races and Time Trials. June saw the club once again hosting the Scottish National 25TT Riding the Kinross Sportive on Saturday were Wilma Davidson, Tony Turvey, Championships on the A90 Road north of Forfar. and Gordon Fraser riding the 68 mile route, while Chris McClements, Phil Forte, and Richard Davidson rode the black route of 88miles. In July the Thistle hosted the Scottish National Road Race Championships for women and men, ‘The Scottish Champs’, and it was the highlight of the Racing that was Angus Wilson who rode the CTT 10 in 22.11 over Erskine way Scottish road racing year. We ran it on a course around Glen Isla in Angus. As and Ali Merry headed down south near Middlesbrough for a road race. the course has been used by the club for the Tour of the Glens race the riders knew it was a brutal course. For the ‘champs’ even the neutralized section was There was, of course, the usual Sunday club run which, that weekend, was tough! Given that the riders enjoyed the superb organization and facilities. from Camperdown Gates, over the Moulin Moors to Pitlochry and back via a café stop in Dunkeld. 88 miles completed in just over five hours with 1430 As soon as the flag was pulled in, the attacks started. By lap 2, and a few metres of climbing. regroupings, a break of 5 got a gap which steadily went out. John Archibald eventually went solo and on to win by over 4 minutes. Many riders in both the The 2018 Trophy winners were: female and male races did well to finish what is said to be one of the hardest Scottish Championships for years. APR Trophy Stewart Irving. Best Race Performance Ali Merry. (Student National Hill Climb) Mid week APR and TT series remain popular. The Thistle Thursday APR series continues to grow in popularity allowing 25 TT Trophy Stewart Irving 51.16. riders of differing abilities to meet up and compete, if only for fun. 50 TT Trophy Angus Wilson 1.59.25. Thistle members are also competing at the weekly TT series in Fife although Club Hill Climb Ali Merry 7:40.(Craigowl) we also run two of the Fife Cycling Association mid week time trials using the Best Sportive Performance Andrew Woodward (Rise Above Sportive) 10-mile course on the Arbroath Road at Ethiebeaton. Most Improved Rider Stephen Smith (LEJOG Lands End to John O Groats) Thistle racing members. The Dundee Thistle are still going strong, as their times demonstrate, with Crash of the Year Stuart McCallum. Awarded mostly in fun Stuart won this after coming off on ice the likes of club riders, Stewart Irving, Angus Wilson, Alan Davidson, Sonya during a winter night training run and bouncing off the side Drummond, Stuart MacCallum and younger riders like Ali Merry, continuing to of a van. Luckily little damage was done to Stuart or the van. put in some great times at a host of events throughout the year. Bastard of the Year Phil Morris At the same time, the majority of club riders enjoy cycling and supporting As a ‘lucky Bastard’ of the year after fully recovering from a some great events. minor heart attack. Clubman of the Year Alasdair Chisholm At one of the last FCA events in 2019 a 5TT there were some great times (For numerous activities on behalf of the club) posted by Thistle riders. The rain had stayed off and conditions were good. The Big Lad (Stewart Irving) was victorious once again with a time of 10.32 to win, The Boy Ali (Merry) was 3rd with a 10.52, Stuart MacCallum was 4th with 11.03, and The Old Man Angus (Wilson) was 6th with 11.12. The club still has record breakers. 2019 Club Officials. Angus Wilson headed south to the Team Swift 12hr Time Trial with Stewart Alasdair (Ali) Chisholm remains Chairman, Phil Morris Treasurer, Stephen Smith Irving as support. He won with a PB and set a new Scottish age group record Secretary, Jim Walkers (OCD) Club Captain and Nadine Keira Reilly who took for a 12-hour time trial. on the new role of Recruitment Lead.

Angus commented after the event ‘It was very close between me and Darren A Race Committee was also formed to deal with the growing number of Gough from Barnsley Road Club for the win, he was ahead throughout, but I events the club organizes. The committee was chaired by Angus Wilson with drew level with him in the final hour. His helpers were timing us as we were 5 fellow members Stuart MacCallum, Alasdair Chisholm, Jonny May and Sonya minutes apart on the road and they reckoned I got him by about 30 seconds. Drummond. After the event I could barely walk!’ The club Continues to look forward while celebrating our great past. One weekend in August 2019. As part of our celebrations of the clubs 90 year history in 2018 a display As in previous years the club still has members enjoying the full range of showing the history of our great club, organized by Alasdair (Ali) Chisholm was challenges that are offered by our great sport. opened at the Dundee Transport Museum as a permanent display. We also The club ran a 40 mile ‘new recruits’ ride which was well supported by club published this history of the great Dundee Thistle’s last 90 years. riders and cyclists new to the club and this has helped the club grow to around A special reliability ‘90 for 90’ was organized by Phil Morris in September. 70 members across a wide spectrum of abilities and ages. Later in the year than the traditional early season reliabilities, but following the traditional format, starting in Muirhead and offering two distances, with a A 200 mile challenge. At the other end of the spectrum five club members great spread of home baking for the riders to return to. set off to ride 200 miles in one day. Nadine Keira Reilly whose idea it was, Stephen Smith, Ricky Barlow, Ian Michael Smith, Chris Jepson and Darren What next? Smith, set off at 6am to complete the 200 mile challenge which they did in We look forward to still going strong for many years to come and indeed how a little over 12 hours. Scott Taylor also joined them for a while at Kenmore we might celebrate being 100 years old. before turning back for home. A lot of time and effort went into plotting the route, however, it was ripped up within the first 30 miles when they began to make it up as they went along. One stretch between Killin and Callander was a bit sketchy but, other than that, some great roads. Multiple stops were required for food and water as the weather was kind but hot. The chips in Glenrothes helped keep them going later in the day. Getting back to Dundee, although by this time dark, was a welcome sight, as they were met by Ricky’s wife and a friend who provided beer and vodka in celebration of a “big day” in the saddle.

Scottish Team Time Trial Championship. Based on a course near Forfar four club riders Big Stewart Irving, Nico Anelli, Stuart McCallum and Angus Wilson took to the start. The first lap was a good pace with efficient changes, marred Top left only by getting held up on the road entering Forfar as one of the Women’s Iliya Kaftandzhiev. team, who had finished, spread out across the road so they could chat to each Bottom left other. Lap two was again ridden well but by the turn Angus was feeling the Alistair Merry. pace his turns were shorter than the rest, so he took up station at the back to survive before dropping off. The remaining 3 pushed on to finish in 1.22.19, for Top right Andrew Woodward a 27.6mph average and an eventual 5th place. and Jim Walker (OCD)

Bottom right Stuart MacCallum Scottish Cycling National TTT Championships 2019. The Dundee Thistle riders are from left to right Nico Aneli, Stuart MacCallum, Stewart Irving, and Angus Wilson. Dundee Thistle Cycling Club We’re a small, very friendly club - big on ambition. We want to spend as much time on the bike as possible, enjoying ourselves, always pushing ourselves and happy to help others achieve their full potential on the bike.

www.dundeethistle.co.uk

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