Over 130 years of club history

Royal Albert Cycling Club is believed to date back to 1887 in Larkhall and a medal was produced for that year.

The club wasn’t active in 1914 due to so many men enlisting for the First World War, but John B. Campbell restarted it in 1926 and served as club secretary and treasurer for 40 years.

In 1948 the trustees of the Olympic Games awarded him an Olympic Torch Trophy. John’s sons Jack, Charlie and Richard were all club members, with Jack running the cycle club, midweek tie trials and club Sunday outings.

All three have passed away but Jack’s son John helps run the club which boasts over 100 members and around 200 in the Clydesdale Colts section.

The Royal Albert Cycling Club Saturday rides are dubbed‘the Breakfast Club’and offer the perfect environment for newcomers to group riding and club riding, as well as those seeking to develop or build base fitness on the road.

In addition, lessons in road bike craft are passed on from experienced members of the club to aid in riders’ development and enjoyment of the sport. Rides leave from Tesco car park in Lesmahagow at 12.30 most Saturdays and typically take in 25 to 40 miles in and around the quieter roads of South Lanarkshire, with a no-drop policy rigorously enforced.

Anyone interested in joining them for a spin should contact the club via their Facebook page or email royalalbertcc@hotmail.com.

Mid-week training rides with experienced road cyclists leading the groups meet at Garrion Bridge on Tuesdays at 10.30am for a run up the Clyde Valley, through Lanark to Hyndford Bridge, Pettinain, Carnwath for lunch a the Apple Pie, then on the Yieldshields and Braidwood.

Wednesday at 10.30am at Blackwood Cross features a run to Coalburn and Carmichael and back to Pathhead Cafe for lunch, via Hawksland.

If you want to join in, email dwhite@ scotgenes.com.

Should any children wish to join Clydesdale Colts, they can do so by calling lead coach Celia Tennant at celia@inspiringscotland.org.uk.