GRAFTON CYCLE CLUB HISTORY
Est. 1892
Grafton Cycle Club was established in July 1892, with G H Varley serving as the founding President, supported by Vice Presidents F T McGuren and J T McKittrick. The late 19th century saw a significant change in cycling with the introduction of the safety bike into Australia in the 1880s. Unlike the earlier penny-farthing bicycles, the safety bike featured a modern triangle-shaped frame, offering cyclists a much more comfortable and practical ride.
This innovation sparked a cycling boom, and as the popularity of bicycles grew, Grafton became known as a "bike town." By the early 1920s, Grafton had welcomed its first bike shops, supporting the expanding cycling community. During the same period, track racing emerged in the area, initially held at Fischer Park before moving to McKittrick Park, further cementing Grafton's strong cycling culture.
WHEELMEN OF THE CLARENCE
The "Wheelmen of the Clarence" were legendary cyclists from the Grafton, NSW area, particularly from the mid-20th century, who were closely associated with the Grafton Cycle Club. This group included prominent figures such as the Green brothers, Ron, Greg "Nugget," and Athol Green along with Kevin Brindle, Roger Green, Popeye Casey (Caley), Kevin Betteridge, and their mentor Cec Gilmore.
These cyclists were known for their dominance in local and state cycling competitions and were especially famous for their endurance in challenging races like the Grafton to Inverell Classic and the Goulburn to Sydney race. Their achievements marked a vibrant era when cycling was a prominent and celebrated sport in the Clarence region, earning them a lasting legacy as some of the finest riders of their time. Castnet Productions have produced a video titled, Wheelmen of the Clarence - Grafton Cycle Club History. Its worth a watch!
