Clubbing together to give cycling a home

Photo: JASON OXENHAM

PEDAL POWER: Grammar Cycling Club supporters, from left, Richard Kerby, Alex Ray, Dale Johnson and Adam Smith are calling for more members to join up.

Central Auckland bike enthusiasts now have a local place to call home thanks to a new cycling club based at Auckland Grammar School.

Before the formation of the Grammar Cycling Club earlier this year, Counties Manukau and North Harbour were the only two clubs in the city.

With nowhere local for cyclists to train and socialise, the school's master in charge of cycling, Dale Johnson, decided to use its large network of old boys to get a new centrally-based club going.

"We've got a strong tradition in the sport, with so many old boys still actively cycling. It's a way to keep them engaged."

The school's top cycling team continued a tradition of success coming second at the National Secondary Schools team time trial championship behind Saint Kentigern College earlier this year.

While the old boys and current students make up most of the club's members, Johnson says they're keen to get the general public involved.

"We want to make cycling grow and open it up to
everybody."

Both competitive cyclists and those who jump on a bike for fun are being encouraged to join.

Year 11 student Adam Smith, 16, who is on the school cycling team, says he's planning on joining the club to improve his performances in competitive racing.

"It'll increase my number of races and experience."

Bike enthusiast and old boy Richard Kerby hopes the club will help cyclists in a number of ways.

"In forming a club we can share ideas, technology and costs."

Another old boy Alex Ray, 19, who recently claimed victory at the Auckland champs, also says he's keen to join the Grammar club.

"It was great racing for the school and I want to continue that. Me and a few other guys are looking at heading overseas, so when we come back it'll be good to be able to race with your mates."

For more information on the club visit www.grammarcycling.com.