AS we enter Nov with Winter not long away, Chard Wheelers are looking back at a good year of racing and social riding on all levels. And also looking ahead to a new incentive designed to lure riders to the exciting world of bike racing.

The club was represented at Thruxton raceway later in the Summer by new rider George Whitlock. Earlier in the Summer George took a win at Henstridge circuit race and later rode alongside club racing stalwarts at the Wiltshire racetrack and took enough points to claim his 3rd Category race licence.

Tristan Ellis, Jamie Caswell and Julian Wilkes again took the helm in organising the very successful annual Cricket St Thomas cyclocross event. The October off road race pulls in big fields every year and is part of the South West Cyclocross League. All 3 riders along with Molly and Fran Caswell, Eva Ellis and Mark Handley have represented the club at rounds across the South West and beyond, are all a credit to the club. Keep it going guys!

Hill climb specialists Daniel Eastment and Wiebke Rietz have also been busy pushing their machines uphill. Representing the club in the steep race against the clock at Peak Hill in Sidmouth, Bristol Universities Belmont Hill and Bristol South CC's Burrington Combe.

Are you looking to join Chard Wheelers and try racing for yourself? The club recently agreed a new incentive to offer members who race their bikes. Press secretary Mark Hughes says; “The club recognised the mounting cost of living and the impact it now has on races becoming less essential. Chard Wheelers will now refund race entries for riders who race for the club. The club tries to do what it can to promote racing for all abilities so this will hopefully help drive that.” Exciting times indeed for a club who are willing to look ahead and back their riders.

To become a member of Chard Wheelers and hit 2023 with a bang and even try racing for yourself, just visit their website for more details at www.1stchardwheelers.org.uk