FROME Cyclist Touring Club (CTC) celebrated its 40th birthday this month, with the man who set it up in 1977 still riding regularly.
Local man Paul Truscott held the club’s first ever ride on 8th January 1977, ending up at Avoncliff. Every Sunday morning since, a group of members have ridden out from Frome in all weathers, exploring quiet lanes and frequenting many cafes in the local area. Paul remains the life president of the club and is still an active member, and on 8th January the club celebrated its 40th Anniversary with 12 members cycling the same original route to Avoncliff.
Club chairman Richard Hounsell said, “We are all very grateful to Paul for his dedication to Frome CTC for 40 years. Cycling is now very popular, and our membership is at an all time high. 20 years ago, however, the club could easily have folded and it is thanks to Paul that he kept it going through those difficult times and we are seeing the benefit of his vision all those years ago.”
The club meets at 9am every Sunday morning at the Cheese and Grain for a 30-35 mile cycle ride with an average pace of 10-13 miles an hour. New members are always welcome.
In 2015 the club went on a tour of the Mosel Valley in Germany and, this year, 16 members are going to the Alps to ride some of the classic Tour de France mountain climbs.
Planned forthcoming cycle runs are listed on www.ctc.org.uk/local-groups/frome and the ‘CTC Frome’ Facebook page.