Dundee ThistleCycling Club. A Celebrationof 90 years.

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A Celebration of 90 years. Dundee Thistle Cycling Club.Founded in 1929 and still going strong.

ForwardAs Chairman of this great Cycling Club, it has given me real pleasure to ‘pull’ this history together.

The content has been gleaned from press cuttings, club reviews, minutes of meetings and personal memories. It could not have been completed without previous Club Chairmen, especially Jack Nicholson, having made sure records were kept and old scrapbooks and photographs saved. Hopefully the new mediums of social media and internet will protect our Club’s continuing story for future generations. We are celebrating our 90th year, not only by narrating the history here, but also with our display at the Dundee Transport Museum. Still a very active club, with lots of challenges and events to suit differing abilities, we look forward to the next ten years!

N.B. If you feel I have missed out people, moments or events from the club history, which you believe should have been included, then please let me know so that it can be added to our 100 years’ celebrations.

As always, many thanks go to the incredible members who are the Dundee Thistle Cycling Club. I am very proud to be a ‘Jaggie’ and part of one of Scotland’s oldest cycling clubs.

AliAlasdair Chisholm, Chairman of the great Dundee Thistle.

A. Hendry racing at Lumley Den in theDundee Thistle Road Race 1947.

Early Scottish Cycling and how it all began.

The National Clarion Cycling Club was founded 1895, with the motto ‘Fellowship is life’. The Clarion played an important role in the birth of the Independent Labour Party (ILP) and the fellowship of the cycling club was partly intended to win people to the cause, ‘making socialists’.

It was part of a great number of social changes. Multitudes of people were escaping jobs in heavy industry, the massive growth rate and over population of inner cities and, of course, the horrors and sacrifices of the First World War.

By 1931 the sport of cycling had grown to the point where the Scottish cycling clubs formed a loose association named the Scottish Amateur Racing Association (SARA), which concerned itself with the organization of amateur road time trials.

In 1936, a meeting of all the Scottish clubs resolved to form a new body to represent all road time-trialling. This body, the Scottish Amateur Cycling Association (SACA), took over from the SARA in 1937.

In the same year, the National Cyclists’ Union (NCU) formed a Scottish section to regulate mass-start road and track cycling. Racing on the open road had been discouraged by the NCU since the 19th century for fear that it would jeopardise the place of all cyclists on the road. Mass races were held on private circuits and consequently there were few races.

A desire to race on the open road led some clubs to affiliate to the rival British League of Racing Cyclists (BLRC) in 1945. The following year, the Scottish section of the NCU re-formed itself into an autonomous body affiliated to the NCU, the Scottish National Cyclists’ Union (SNCU). In response, in 1947, the Scottish BLRC reconstituted itself into the Scottish Cyclists’ Union (SCU), an autonomous body affiliated to the BLRC. The inaugural meeting, at the Clarion Rooms in Queen’s Crescent, Glasgow, on 8 December 1946, resolved to ask the Union Cycliste Internationale, the world governing body, for recognition as the governing organisation in Scotland. The first president was Tom Cook, Member of Parliament for Dundee.

In 1952 the SCU, SNCU and SACA amalgamated into a single body, which kept the Scottish Cyclists’ Union name. This has since been shortened to Scottish Cycling (SC).

The Dundee Thistle are one of a select few old clubs that are still active in Scotland today.

Royal Albert Founded in 1887Glasgow United Founded in 1900Glasgow Wheelers Founded in 1923Glasgow Ivy Founded in 1923Glasgow Nightingale Founded in 1925Johnstone Wheelers Founded in 1926Dundee Thistle Founded in 1929Fife Century Founded in 1931

1929. The Dundee Thistle from the very start was a force in cycling.

The Thistle was really an old club under new colours. The new name was adopted when the membership of the Independent Labour Party (ILP) Cycling Club, which flourished between 1926 and 1929, had become the largest cycling body in the city. The club decided they needed to divide into two groups. The female section formed the Heatherbell C.C. while the male group became the Dundee Thistle R.C.

George Dawson and John Clark, leading lights of the old club (ILP CC),commenced in the Thistle as president and general secretary respectively.John Clark was succeeded by D. K. Ferguson shortly after.

Dundee Thistle 1930’s

The Dundee Law has been at the heart of Dundeeand cycling hill climbs from the very beginning.

The Dundee Law has been used throughout the club’s history and in the1930s it was used as a short hill climb by local riders, although at that time the road was not tarmac as it is today.

Massed start hill climbs up Dundee Law started in 1923. The roadway was constructed by the city, along with the Memorial on the summit of Dundee Law. Rising 571ft from the centre of the jute city it was very quickly used by cyclists for hill-climbing contests. First massed-start was during National Bicycle Week in 1923, but in 1933, 1936 and 1937 a timed system was adopted. In 1938 the National Cyclists Union (North of Scotland Centre) reverted to the massed star and, on a Wednesday evening, 30 club riders contested the heats. There were four semi-final heats, and a final with four contestants. J. Briggs, Dundee Thistle, won by a length from R. Keith, Dundee R.C. Fastest times for the course of 506yds, with gradients 1 in 20 at the start and 1 in 10 at the finish, were 54 secs by Briggs in the heats and Keith in the semi-finals. The record had been held by G. Crichton, Dundee Thistle, 53 secs, which he set in 1936.

The mass start system was possible back then, with the lack of cars and the fact that the road was not then a public highway. It was not uncommon to have crowds of over 1000 watching, and the Police had to keep the road clear of spectators.

It has also featured in national events. In1989 it was used for the Tour of Britain Prologue, which started in the town centre and was won by Malcolm Elliott (Teka), and more recently as part of the Dundee Thistle Stage Race that ran annually between 1993 and 2014.

In 2018 it was used for an ‘Everesting’ Challenge for charity by Sean Douglas. To achieve the 29,000ft and140 miles required, Sean had to climb the Dundee Law 139 times, starting at 3am in darkness. He completed the challenge, still in darkness, with his Grandad waving the finish flag. He stopped briefly for a group photo, managed a smile for the first time that day, then headed straight for the car. Sean raised in excess of £1,100 for charity.

Of course, today there’s a STRAVA segment to chase. Not the same starting point and includes a circuit of Law Crescent before the ascent, the current STRAVA record sits at 4:13, set by Lewis Oliphant on the 16th of May 2015.

Harry Briggs (1940)on the lower slopes of The Law.

Top picture.Brian Sproul (2004)reaching the top of The Law.

Bottom pictureSean Douglas (2018summits The Law.

Allan Mill (2010)climbing The Law

As cycling developed so did the gear.

Throughout the history of Dundee Thistle Cycling Club not only the bikes but also the clothing has gone through dramatic changes. Even from the very earliest days, club cyclists desired the best frames, wheels and equipment that money could buy.

Initially cyclists relied on the local shops such as the custom frame builder ‘D.W. Lindsay’ who was on Victoria Road, Dundee. Pat Reilly on the Perth Road, established in 1890, was famous at the time for his five pounds ten shillings delivery bikes. More recently we had Robertsons Cycles in Lochee, Western Cycle Depot in the Hawkhill area of Dundee and of course Nicholsons, whose owner Jack, was Thistle club Chairman for many years.

In October 1900, David Rattray and his sister Agnes opened their first shop in McAslin Street, Glasgow. In doing so, they laid the foundations of a company that would go on to produce Scotland’s premier lightweight bicycle, “The Scot”, or perhaps better known as “The Flying Scot”.

By the time the Second World War had ended, club riders looked abroad for the latest gear. Breakthroughs came from companies, such as Simplex, founded by Lucien Juy a French bike shop owner in Dijon who launched Le Simplex derailleur in 1928. By the early 1930s many racers were using Le Simplex.

Simplex played an important role in the bicycle derailleur’s development, over many variations and models, and were most successful in the 1960’s. In 1962 Lucien Juy, the head of Simplex, took a radical decision to make his entire derailleur range from a new wonder material - plastic. He did not do things by halves - it was a bold, dynamic, modern and, ultimately disastrous move as the new material continually failed. The company went into receivership in 1988.

Designers who worked for Suntour (developers of the first indexed system) and Shimano took the ideas of Simplex and developed the gearing that led to the systems we use today.

Throughout our clubs 90 years we have always looked to be bold and competitive.

Barry (Ned) Carnegie Dan McKay and Stuart MacCallum

1929. The beginning of the road to winning ways.After its foundation the Thistle club members spent the winter of 1929-30 consolidating the club.The club officials and members at the time took over a store in Rosebank Street (now demolished) where the early meetings were held in candlelight.However, the Thistle moved into the premises at 97 Hilltown (now demolished) during the 30’s and by 1934 had 95 members. John Runcie became racing secretary in 1934.

From these early years the club made no secret of their aspirations.Success seems to have followed Dundee Thistle and, in one form or another, the laurels regularly fell to the young and eager Jaggies.

In the club’s racing debut, a handicap medal was taken from the Monkland Wheelers 25. In 1930 the Thistle promoted an open 25 which J. R. Martin (Douglas) won. So began a long and proud history of Time Trial success.

A club 100-mile event with a difference.A club ‘100’ was held with the bold experiment of starting at the unheard of hour of 3am. Unfortunately, the Thistle’s novel approach was met with rain, wind, and a level-crossing gate that was locked closed against (as described at the time) the ‘plucky’ early riders. The event had its lighter touch, however as a motorist approaching the start in the darkness got a scare when his headlights showed up two men at the edge of the road in ‘a state of nature’ (Not entirely sure what that description meant back then).

1930 was a Road and Track success story.George Crichton was one of the club’s original members and in 1930 he caused a sensation locally by winning a novices 25 Time Trial with 1-10-5, a fast time for a novice. Later, he won the 25 TT Club Championship, in a gale, with 1-13-43 followed by placing third in the Forfarshire 25 with 1-8-55.For the later part of that year he did not ride in any meetings or races, instead being keen on touring with the club. In 1931 he started training seriously and leapt right into the forefront again. Clocking 1-15-20 he was second in the Strathmore Low Gear 25, and then won our club championship 1-7-3. There followed a remarkable run of successes. In the Forfarshire open 25 he was second to G. Sherry, of the Glasgow Ivy, who clocked 1-5-32. Crichton and Sherry both riding course records. He continued this with wins at the Western open, despite a fall at the start, with a time of 1-5-52, He then won the Dundee 25 with 1-6-8, also the Strathmore open 25 1-8-4. All these with a 77” gear considered very low.

Note. How you calculate gear inches. If the front chainring has 48 teeth and the rear sprocket has 24 teeth, then each turn of the pedals produces two turns of the rear wheel. That gear is said to be “52 gear inches.”

1931 and 1932 were a real coming-out year for Thistle racers.Mainly through the brilliant riding of George Crichton and Harry Alan, Jaggies began to win on a regular basis.

In 1932 George Crichton concentrated on grass events with immediate success. Riding in 18 events he secured 11 firsts, 3 seconds, and 1 third, falling in the other events. He also won the North of Scotland N.C.U. Grass Mile Championship that year. In 1933 he got married to a local girl cyclist, and consequently did not ride on the road, except for club events.He continued, however, his grass prowess. Again he competed in 18 events, winning 14 of them, and followed this up by winning the Scotland Mile again, creating a record for club and rider by winning it 2 years in succession.He was never unplaced in an event in which he rode. Described in the local paper as ‘He rides a 73” gear on the grass, and is a very beautiful rider, having a neat action which arouses comment from the terracing’.

The next enterprise for the club was the Team Championship of Scotland a ‘25’ TTT for the John Bull Trophy. 13 teams competed, the trophy going to a crack Douglas trio, Poustie, Martin and Forbes. By 1933 the club’s speed men were more concerned with the all-rounder contests and track interest.

1933 we were considered the foremost track club outside Glasgow.Successes came the Thistle way with the ‘speedy’ George Crichton, a 25mile course record holder on the road, who by this time had turned his attention to grass track events. In 1933-34 Crichton carried all before him at North-East meetings, and with the strong support of Mark Crowe, Alan Lowson, Norman Farquharson and J. Birnie, the Thistle became the foremost track club outside Glasgow. 1934 was a record year, the club winning 70 prizes, George Crichton taking the lion’s share.

1935

By 1934 track racing had grown in popularity and stature.A series of successful Track Meetings in Dundee proved popular with riders and spectators alike. Held at the Dundee Police Sports grounds at Dens Park and the M. S. W. Welfare Grounds, Kingsway. Track racing meetings were held for the purpose of running of heats preliminary to the N.C.U. North of Scotland one-mile amateur Championship.

The club enjoyed great loyalty and support from its many members.The club remained large with around 300 enthusiastic members who were described back then as ‘Loyal to the cause’. In 1936 a One mile Track Trophy was donated by Miss Isobel Huggins who had emigrated to Canada shortly after the club was formed. Isobel was referred to as the club’s Canadian ‘Sweetheart’.Another Loyal club member who gets mentioned was Peter Garthly who was described as a valuable club member from the early days. An ex-army physical instructor who served throughout the First World War, Mr Garthly acted as trainer and adviser to the club racing members. He prepared them for the season by weekly gymnastic classes, massages and advice to keep the track and roadmen trim during the racing season.

The Cyclist V Harriers race had its first outing.A new race was begun in 1934-35 by the Hawkhill Harriers Running Club the Cyclists vs. Harriers, and this race still takes place every year. The first winner was M.Crowe a cyclist but, over the years, due not only to the course but also the weather conditions, the winner has been a runner as often as a cyclist. Dundee Thistle riders still compete in this annual event, which takes place in Caird Park, between Christmas and New Year. In 2017 there were threeJaggies in the top five. Scott Taylor was third, while Ali Merry was fourth and Brian Sproul was fifth.

1939. Thistle riders began to enjoy their recognition.Local trackmen were becoming aware of ‘dress appeal’, as it was described then, or distinctive club kit to get them noticed. The previous year the crash helmets and star-design vests of Crichton and his racing partner had tickled the crowds at theHighland Games, where they competed at thegrass track. Because of this interest, for the 1940 season each club decided to adopt distinctive colours. Forfarshire Roads were to be black and white, Dundee Roads black and gold, the Thistle all black and Strathmore blue and white. With the demise of the Forfarshire, the Thistleeventually adopted the Black and white Jersey.

Thistle ‘Star’ design 1947G. Penman and D. Thomsonat the start of race in Aberdeen.

Harry Briggs and George Penman at the front (1940)

The Kingsway in 1945 was still on the outskirtsof Dundee.and very rural.

Despite World War II the club continued to grow in the 1940s.That year’s Thistle Road Club’s Social Presentation, despite the altered situation caused by the war, suffered very little, if any. Conforming to blackout regulations provided novelty rather than inconvenience and in the circumstances theaudience of 300 compared well with the previous year’s peak.Quite a proportion of members and several prize-winners were absentbecause of wartime duties. Thistle absentees did not forget their club, however, and telegrams of good wishes were sent from those in the Forces.

The lack of Dundee Thistle’s success in road sport during this period was down to many of the members having answered the country’s call and signing up for military duties.

The club members at the time took pride in several achievements, the rise in members, the haul of 50 prizes and two championships and, most notably, the purchase of the club hut in Milton Street (now demolished). The hut required a lot of work and all club runs were cancelled for a month to allow members to give their time to work on the hut.

1945 saw the end of the war and a revised passion for cycling.By 1947 and after the Second World War the Thistle got back to full speed at Track Championships run on North End Park, Dundee. G. Scott, winner of the Arbroath Australian Pursuit Race, adapted himself equally well to the track, notwithstanding a strong challenge from Jack Nicholson and Joe Pray, and went on to win the club championship. The Novice prize went to W. Johnstone, who finished fourth.The Championship was won by G. Scott with Jack Nicholson taking second, with the same pair coming first and second again at the Half Mile Handicap.

Jack Nicholson in his early 20’s and 30’s, Big Nic, as he was affectionately known, was one of Dundee’s best competitive cyclists, and was crowned Dundee District best all-rounder in 1940.

The son of the head of Dundee’s CID, Jack attended Morgan Academy. He was bitten by the cycling bug in his first job, a wholesale firm which dealt in motor and cycle accessories.Jack was eventually called up for wartime service as an RAF wireless operator based in various locations all over the world. However, his mind was always on the Moulin Moors, Deeside, Loch Tay and other 100 mile round trips he had enjoyed on his bike before the war.

When he came home a bike business was available on Arbroath Road and Jack grabbed his chance and bought it. As cycling took off, he was later to transfer his business to Stobswell, where Nicholson’s Cycle centre became a Mecca for both serious and recreational bikers. Jack was possibly the longest serving Chairman and Treasurer in the club’s History and was an active club member up to the 1980s.

Jack Nicholson

1950. Winning was becoming a habit.‘Thistle Scoop the Pool’ as the local newspaper headline put it. Dundee Thistle Road Club took every prize at the Dundee Centre Road Race Championship. P. Coupar and A. Marr (Sandy), both Dundee Thistle riders, won the senior and junior titles respectively. This event was described at the time as having a thrilling sprint finish with Charles Star riders, A. Benning and P. Symons.

Club members were also competing in France, representing Scotland.The Paris - Douai race was organized for the first time since 1933 under the patronage of the municipality of Douai. This was held on 18th of September 1950 and described as ‘The ‘beautiful’ race’ Paris-Douai. A local French paper covered the race and reported it as ‘From the start of the race, a battle, started by guys who had nothing to lose, but with the aim to win the pleasure of winning for the honour of their club and their reputation’. It was an amateur race and as reports said at the time ‘Riders would next day resume work at the factory or mine, with no contract’. Although an amateur event, the race was considered to be equal to those of professional races.The race was one by1. Lemay (Lysoise Pedal). Covering the 248 km in 6 hours 37 minutes 2. Alix (USS Metro)3. Giraux (Lavalette Sport)4. Rea ran (Lysoise Pedal)5. Vennemen (Pedale, lysis ise)

The best of the Scottish riders finishing tenth. As was normal back then you rode these races representing your country and not your club.10. Hendry (Scotland)12. Maxwell (Scotland)25. Storrie (Scotland)26. Geordie Penman (Scotland and Dundee Thistle)

1952. Competing abroad became a more regular thing.Alex (Sandy) Marr from the Dundee Thistle, a twenty year old at the time, left for Paris in May that year to race along with lan Steele (Glasgow) and Ian Greenfield (Edinburgh), where they represented Scotland in a 150-mile road race from Paris to Lyons with the last 70 miles on cobbles.

Scotland won the team prize with Ian Steele, who had recently won the Warsaw-Berlin-Prague race, almost completing the double. He was beaten into second place by five lengths by Belgian Van Mermen. lan Greenfield was eighth and Sandy Marr finished thirty-eighth. Had Sandy not had threepunctures during the race, who knows how well he might have done.

This must have been an amazing time for young Sandy who lived in Broughty Ferry and worked with the Caledon Shipbuilding & Engineering Company as an apprentice plumber. Sandy’s selection for Scotland was a bit of a surprise at the time but he was in great form. The previous year he won the 40-mile Angus road race, 65-mile Thistle road race, Dundee and District massed start championship, and the 45-mile Kingsway pursuit.

In addition, Sandy won all his club’s grass track trophies and broke numerous course records. In the same year that he went to France he had already won the Charles Star road race, the Edinburgh Spring Grand Prix, a 10-mile and a 25-mile time trial. Riding with J. Nixon and G. Penman, Sandy also won a 50-mile team time trial in Glasgow breaking the course record by 6 minutes. Until this Thistle success the trophy had never left Glasgow.

After the Paris trip Sandy aimed to compete in some of the big events in England during his summer holidays.

Sandy Marr

1954Jim Nixon won the 1954 Scottish Road Race Championship riding in a Thistle jersey and then went on to ride as an independent semi-pro for Viking Cycles.

1955The Thistle Club still had its own room, the large wooden building in Milton Street. Some improvements had been made over the years – the installation of a toilet and a small cupboard that was used as the club tuck shop.In addition, gas radiators lining both walls now heated the hut.

Meetings were held on Thursday evening at 9pm and bike shop owner Jack Nicholson (Nicholson’s Cycles can still be found on Forfar Road) was Chairman by this time, and later the treasurer. He also acted as a timekeeper and organized the Wednesday night training races.

In the winter the club opened on Tuesdays and Thursdays about 7pm for activities such as table tennis, darts, training on rollers and weightlifting. They even had a real boxing ring with ropes as one of the members, Nobby Clinton, was also an amateur boxer.

Two members from this time, who did stay riding and remained involved with the club after successful racing careers, were Jim Nixon and Geordie Penman. Jim worked for Myles on the Hilltown, an electrical shop that also sold bikes. Their slogan was ‘Ride for miles on a Myles bike’.Jim and Geordie taught many of the young ‘lads’ like Barry Carnegie how to ride a bike properly. They also led groups most Sundays.

The clubs all met at Camperdown Gates on Sundays, sporting their individual club jerseys. Club runs then were all day affairs, leaving 9am or 10am and not returning home until 7pm or 8 pm.The routes were usually the Moulin Moors, Sma’ Glen and Blair Lochs, but occasionally they would head over to Callander and Loch Earn, Lochearnhead and Loch Tay. Even longer were the Moors, Trinafour and Schiehallion.

1965. The sixties saw a strong young group of ‘Thistle’ racers.The spell around the 60s and 70s was a good period for club riders like Big Jim Lindsay, Stuart (Fred) Allan, Dave Coull, Barry Carnegie, Lionel Wylie, Ian Menzies and Mac Hastie. As young lads they had a string of wins in all branches of the sport.

Left to Right. Jim Lindsay, Ian Menzies, Barry (Ned) Carnegie, Stuart (Fred) Allan.Front left, the late John Rice, Jim Jeffrey and Li Wyllie.Between them victories in Scottish BAR, 12 hour Championship,Hill Climb Championship, Runner up Road Race BAR. Inverness to Elgin, Spring Grand Prix, Dundee Road Race Champs, East of Scotland Road Champs, Tay Road Bridge Trophy and many other events.

The Scottish Best All Rounder Champion in 1965 was our own Li Wylie.

An article from Cycling (Cycling Weekly) 1965, written by Ian Morrison, describes perfectly Li Wylie who is still very much an active club member and the same laid back character.

WYLIE, A NATURAL FOR SCOTLANDYou couldn’t hope to meet a more unassuming or easy-going character than Lionel Wylie of Dundee Thistle RC, Best All-Rounder for 1965. His approach to the racing game is somewhat different from most riders of his calibre, for up until this season he only raced because all his friends did.

He started his racing career, reluctantly, in 1961. He would have preferred to carry on with week-enders hostels, but his mates raced, so he raced. Whatever he thought of his early efforts, his club was enthusiastic, for he was obviously a natural. In 1962 he won the Dundee Centre junior championship, in 1963 he was second in the Centre short-distance championship, and the following year he went on to take the title. Even then he showed comparatively little enthusiasm for the racing side of the sport. As soon as the racing season was over he was off on his weekend tours.

At the beginning of the 1965 season his ambitions extended no further than another crack at the Centre short-distance championship, only smiling and shaking his head at the suggestion of riding ’12’. He carried on as before, riding all the local events and winning most of them. In May he rode the Centre race, and became Dundee’s champion, but had no urge to race away from home until the end of June, when the Scottish 50-mile championship was held at the Alloa Rally, and even then because he had no choice. There wasn’t a race anywhere else in Scotland, and besides, everyone else was going. Although it appeared that the social side of the rally was more of an attraction for Wylie, it was that ’50’ that changed his whole outlook. He finished fourth in 1-59-55, his first under two hours and he realised that he was capable of taking the BAR.

The very next week he rode his first 100, with disastrous results. He finished in 4-30-54, not quite a championship-class ride. But the unflappable Wylie was unperturbed, although seeds of doubt as to his ability at distance racing was sown in the minds of many. He soon removed all doubt the following week with a 256.74-mile ride in his first 12-hour BAR beating the then BAR leader Andy Kirk by three miles. Still he was behind Kirk in the table. Kirk had by this time left Velo Sportiv to join Wylie in Dundee Thistle RC.

Under pressure from his club mates, Wylie entered the Scottish championship 100, East of Scotland, with a view to improving his 100 performance, but his anxiety was such that he slept in and missed the event!

The BAR position remained the same, with Wylie riding local events and Kirk chasing ’50’s. Wylie waited calmly for the last ‘100’ of the season, promoted by Dundee RC. On the day of the event it looked as if his luck might be out as there was a strong breeze and the course was unsheltered. But at 75 miles he was five minutes up on Kirk, who retired and Lionel finished in 4-19-4, enough by two minutes to put him at the top of the table. Two weeks later, to clinch the title, he finished a ’50’ in 1-59 and this modest 21-year-old apprenticecompositor was BAR (Best All Rounder) of Scotland. His training is hard and practical, and consists of an evening time trial of 16-20 miles on Tuesday, a confined road race on Wednesday, and the local track league on Thursday.

He pays no attention to diet just eating what his mother puts before him, a credit to her choice of food perhaps. His nonchalant approach to the game is always a topic of conversation at the races - he is envied for his relaxed riding and effort-less pedalling. For the record, his 1-59 was done on an 86in fixed and his 256.74 mile ’12’ on an 81inch, and both events were ridden on aseven-year-old, second hand tracker. Next season he plans to tacklemassed-start racing seriously - we can only wish him all the best.

Racing and Time Trials were still going strong in the 60s and 70s and the Thistle were showing well.In 1968, there were 6 clubs in the Dundee and District Centre - Angus CC, Dundee Thistle RC, Dundee Road CC, Forfarshire RC, Heatherbell Ladies CC and Perth United CC. At the time Centre officials were Dave McCallum,Treasurer, and Bill McLennan who organized district Time Trials.

Time Trials were a big part of the season and there were 14 registered time trial courses in the District. Perth 10, Dundee 10, Forfar 10, Arbroath 10, Dundee 15, Perth 25, Dundee 25, Perth 30, Dundee 30, Perth 50, Dundee 50, Perth 100, Dundee 100 and Dundee 12 hours.

The years between 1966 and 77 were Stuart Allan’s (Fred) best years for results.On the Track he won the Scottish 5k championship (1966), Dundee sprint and 5 mile Champion (1967-69), Tay Bridge 5 champ. On the road he placed wellat the Scottish Junior RR Championships Silver Medallist (1966); North of Scotland Cycling Association RR Champion (1976/77) with many other wins including Isle of Man (1967).Stuart also competed in Time Trials over the same period with various wins with PBs of 10TT 23.26; 25ml 58.30; 50TT 1.57.36.

Stuart, Ned and Li raced incredibly hard and developed a real reputation for racing but at the same time they made sure they enjoyed themselves.There was no science behind their diets and often no real plan for the racing season other than to go out, race and win if possible. Stuart Allan allegedly got the nick name ‘Fred’ while eating out one night when the waitress brought an extra meal by mistake. As there was an empty place by Stuart he quicklysaid ‘Oh that’s for Fred’ and then happily consumed a second meal and gained a nickname! Their exploits in the off season or when touring are legend and often included a good few beers at local pubs before sneaking back into Youth Hostels or B&Bs long after curfew. Somehow of course they continued to do well often at the disbelief of others.

Club presentationin December 1965 in Blairgowrie.Fred Allan; John Phillips; John Colville; Harry Brown; Peem Brewster; Dave Coull; Jim Adams; lan Menzies; Andy Kirk; John Pope; Jim Lindsay; Li Wylie; Jim Millar; Dave Husband; Jim Law.

Top Picture.Ned Carnegie on the track

Middle Picture.David Coull

Bottom Picture.SCOTTISH BAR WINNING TEAM 1965Harry Brown; Li Wylie; (Geordie Crichton); Dave Coull at theClub presentation in December 1965 in Blairgowrie.

The 1967 Scottish 50 TT Championship.Andy Kirk another Dundee Thistle rider from that era worth a mention, won that years championship with 2:2.15 by just five seconds. (Andy had joined from Velo Sportive the year before).

In 1969 Barry Carnegie won the Scottish hill-climb championship.The unique Dundee Thistle combination of Barry Carnegie on Dave Thomson’s bike won the Scottish hill-climb championship by the unprecedented margin of 18.4 seconds. For his first Scottish National Championship win Barry was in a class of his own when he covered the new championship hill, 1.4 mile Purrinden Hill, Fife, in 8:52.4 on a borrowed bike.

Barry also brought off a shock win in the Chandy- sponsored Spring Grand Prix.Showing his trackman’s sprint after 85 hard miles, Barry hurled his cycle ahead of George Findlater (Wallacehill) near the Maybury roundabout on the Glasgow Edinburgh Road to cross the finishing line in 3hrs 40mins. A great win.You can’t imagine racing on those roads now a days with the volume of traffic.

Barry’s memories of his early years in the club and racing are now part of a permanent display on the ‘Thistle’ and early Dundee cycling put up by the club at the Dundee Transport Museum.

Thistle Juniors 1955 Left to rightBarry (Ned) Carnegie, Ginger Chalmers, Ian Hunter, Ian Auchterlonie, Alan Conela, ? , Donald Robbie, Frank Somerville, Norman Norrie, Crystal.

Above. Barry (Ned) Carnegiein full flight.

Standing Picture.Ian Menzies with Ned.

Below.Ned with Dave McCallum on his wheel.

Barry’s SpringGrand Prix meday won in 1969.

After a few years the group moved on to different challenges. Big Jim went to work abroad, Fred went to study law, Dave went to live in Australia, Ian went down south, Barry unfortunately, although a few years away, began to feel the effects of arthritis and Lionel and Mac went on to the highland games grass track circuit. Li, Fred and Barry remained then as now still very active members of the club.

1971. Setting new records.A new Scottish 10 mile time trial record was set by Dundee Thistle clubman P.Templeton in a time of 22 minutes 14 seconds.

This was also the year the First Sportive was held in Europe leading to a new and popular challenge for cyclists. Considered to be the Queen of Granfondos, the ‘Nove Colli’, was the first ever Sportive with it’s first outing in 1971. Held on the Italian Adriatic Coast. This was Pantani country. The Sportive was open to amateur riders of all ages, abilities, and was, as now, run on closed roads with the type of support only previously available to the professional rider while racing.

Cycling changed a fair bit between the 1980s and 1990sThe clubrooms at this time comprised a large wooden hut in the grounds of Lochee United Junior Football Club (now demolished). The club had used these premises for a good few years but by now they were beginning to show their age.

We were still all riding mainly steel bikes, although the exotic Carbon Fibre frame began to make an appearance from companies such as LOOK, who had also introduced the quick release pedal system which proved very popular and, very quickly, brought about the demise of toe clips and straps.

Boilly Up in the 1980s

The end of the Boilly Up.By the middle 80s the tradition of ‘boilly ups’ was fast disappearing mostly due to the fact small cafes were popping up all over and they offered a far easier, drier and warmer way to enjoy something to eat. Some of the favourites over the years were ‘Kate’s cafe’ in Birnam by Dunkeld, and ‘Visocchi’s’ in Kirrimuir.

The ‘boilly up’ required each rider to bring with them a spoon, tin of soup, tin opener, tea bag, matches and fire lighter. They would then have to locate one of the limited number of areas where it was possible to safely set a fire. This, of course, also required a good source of dry firewood.

They all had nicknames like ‘The Flower Pots’ or ‘Wyllie’s Bilee’, named after Li (Lionel) who discovered the boilly up spot.

The last one I remember was at Drumore Loch where, on a pouring wet day, Brian Sproul and myself (Ali Chisholm) tried and failed to get a fire going, so it was a case of cold soup out of the tin, and a tuna roll, while trying to shelter from the rain under a tree. The other issues were, of course, once you had a good fire going, keeping it fed with wood, and also trying to avoid getting your clothing burnt as you balanced your tin in and around the flames.

Top left.Middle of group- Stewart Allan and Dave McGowan .Top right.Harry Ross.Bottom left.Brian Sproul on right.Bottom right.Eric Schlordt on far left.

Training in the 90’sTraining nights back then left from the Thistle ‘shed’ in the grounds of Lochee Boys Football ground. These were shared with the Fairport Triathlete Club. The format was pretty simple ‘hang on as long as you can’. The route was out from Lochee and down to and along Dundee Road until the Occidental Bar junction where you turned left to head back along the Kingsway to Lochee. Those roads are now far too busy to train on safely but in those days there was only one set of traffic lights to hold you up, and a lot less traffic. Bicycle lights at that time were very heavy and shed very little light on the road in front of you, so it was safer to train under street lights.Other than the fast Tuesday night group ride we also had a Thursday climbing run up through Knapp Village and out at the top of Tullybaccart to sprint back down to Dundee via Muirhead.

In the 1990’s Weekenders and cycling abroad became very popular.Thistle weekenders were held annually to Killin and Fort William, which was 125 miles there on Saturday, and then 125 miles back home on the Sunday. As with all weekenders, in those days you carried everything you needed in panniers on the bike. You had to be totally self-sufficient as there was no support van following you. Cycling holidays abroad were also becoming more common. Given the Scottish weather early season holidays became more popular, often to Spain, in particular Majorca or Italy and, of course France.

The club also had to move meeting premises in 1993 when we had to vacate the club hut in the grounds of Lochee United Junior Football Club, Thomson Park. For the Thistle Stage Race that year the club had used the Lochee Boys Club (Lynch Centre) in Wellbank Lane, off Loon’s Road, Lochee, and this was then used for club meetings.

In 1993 Track League at Caird Park was proving very popular.With over 50 riders taking part in the 10 event series with separate events for the 27 on track bikes and 31 on road bikes. After a highly competitive series, Jock Hardie riding for the GS Modena proved to be too strong, and too consistent, and claimed the league and the magnificent Centre Trophy with 128 points. Andrew Johnston, the clubs young flier, rode very well for his years, 16 at the time, and took second position with 94 points.

1995 - 2000This five-year period would probably be best described as pretty lean and saw membership numbers dwindle. This was across all clubs and the two strongest clubs left in Dundee, the Thistle and the Wheelers, combined Sunday runs but even then they struggled to muster more than 6 or 8 riders. Mountain Biking had taken off in a big way around this time and many riders new to the sport saw road clubs as something from the past. The main characters who in the main kept the club runs going both on road and off were Brian Sproul, Phil Morris, David McGowan, Ali Chisholm, Doug Wilson and Lionel Wylie while others Like Stuart Allan and Ned Carnegie kept the club meetings going.

In 1998 Brian Sproul was re elected chairman, Alasdair Chisholm became Vice Chairman, Rab Rennie Secretary, Phil Morris Treasurer and Li Wylie became Club captain replacing Doug Wilson.

Phil Morris, better known as ‘Wee Phil’ as he is small in stature but a very strong rider and fast on hills, was still racing but in 1999 a crash at the 55 mile Mearns Road Race, at Fettercairns, saw him left with a broken collarbone.That ended Phil’s season and really his road racing although he did return to off road racing and has recently returned to time trials.

Brian Sproul road the Scottish Cycling Union 50TT Championships in 1999 to take 18th place in a time of 1:54:31. Brian Bluff, who sadly died young not long after, also rode that year and got 30th in a time of 1:56:46. It was won by Chris Isats, Berwick Wheelers in 1:47:27.

In the club at that time there were three Brian’s riding TTs Brian Bluff, Brian Petrie but Brian Sproul was developing into the strongest time trialist and was declared the District BAR Champion in 2000 with excellent times for a 100, 50 and 25TT.

2000 was also the year that Peem Brewster closed his shop ‘Brewsters Cycles’ which he first opened in 1983. Peem was a regular on club runs and weekenders and many a cyclists new his shop well. He always said he’d have joined the Thistle but as Jack Nicholson, of Nicholsons Cycles was a long-standing member he opted for the ‘Dundee Wheelers’.

Graeme Obree at Caird Track being held by Brian Sproul.

Left picture. Andy Johnston being held by his dad Rod Johnston.right picture. Stuart Allan and Dickie Scott beside car at Caird Track.

Every year the club members would look for a big challenge.From the early 1980s many riders likePhil Morris, Nick Kopp andEarle Wilson were heading to theFrench Alps to experience the painof climbs that normally sort out the“Le Grand Boucle”.They also visited Spain and suffered in the heat and severity of the climbsused in the “Vuelta” and,not forgetting trips to the Ardennes inBelgium to ride the roads used in some of the most famous “Classics”.Majorca was also visited many times and is still an annual trip.

2004 Tour De France EtapeThis was the year that 5 Thistle riders took part in the Tour de France ‘Etape’, the stage of the Tour de France open to amateurs to ride. 7,245 riders had signed up for the 239km (almost 150 miles) of racing from Limoges to St. Flour. The Col du Pas de Payrol (1,589m) after180km of the race, proved to be where a lot of cyclists got off and pushed. In total some 6,555 riders finished.

The five Thistle riders finished in: Li Wylie 8 hours 55; Brian Sproul 8 hours 59; Alasdair (Ali) Chisholm 9 hours 16; Steve King 9 hours 32; Brian Davidson 10 hours 56. Three Days later, Richard Virenque tackled the same route as part of the Tour de France for a solo French Victory on Bastille Day. He took just over 6 hours!

Phil Morris touring in the French Alps in 1996 near the Cormet de Roseland.

Left to right. Brian Sproul, Stephen King, Alasdair (Ali) Chisholm and Chris McClements

In 2008 a group of Thistle and Wheelers travelled down south for the Dave Lloyd Mega Challenge.Described as the hardest challenge for the amateur rider. The route was 140 miles long with 4000 metres of climbing. As a simple illustration of how tough it actually was 600 were down to start with only 400 actually starting and only 171 finishing the 140 miles route.

I’m glad to say that all the club riders who had travelled down from Dundee finished but it was a long day in the saddle.Brian Sproul 9:36:28; Stephen King 9:50:24; Neil Crawford 9:53:42;Alasdair Chisholm 10:54:49; Chris McClements 11:45:48.

The Sportive format has continued to grow in popularity with thousands of amateur cyclists taking part in events, like the Tour De France Etape de Tour.

The first fully closed route for a sportive in the UK was the Etape Caledonian, which was based around Pitlochry. Since it debuted in 2007, Thistle riders have taken part, along with thousands of riders from all corners of Britain.

As sportives and cycling have grown in popularity so has impatience from some drivers and local residents. This became evident when the 2019 Étape Caledonia sportive was stopped for about 90 minutes so tacks could be swept from part of the course. Luckily none of the club riders were injured by this action, which was described by Tayside Police as “reckless and irresponsible”. The race was subsequently resumed and most of the 3,700 riders finished, although about 500 received punctures from the tacks.

We returned to the Cairngorm Classic 2010 for the second year running. The route is 100 miles with 2222m of climbing and a finish at the Cairngorm Ski Station. The first 90 miles was breathtaking scenery the last ten simply took your breath away and left you fighting to the finish.Alasdair Chisholm 05:38:24; Stephen King 05:22:02; Eric Schlordt 05:19:30; Philip Morris 05:05:28; Brian Sproul 05:02:13; Billy McCord 04:54:49.

2011Thistle rode the Etape Caledonia in May and then headed to Sothern Ireland to ride the sister event The Etape Hibernia sportive in August.

Left to right. Joy Chisholm, Alasdair Chisholm, Neil Crawford and Brian Sproul.

Further afield in 2010 Billy Warden and Steve King took part in a MTB cross country event in Canada. The TransRockies is an annual 7-day, 400 km mountain bicycle race from Fernie, British Columbia to Canmore, Alberta.Described as the “toughest mountain bike race on earth”, the TransRockieshad a reputation for tough climbs, long days, relentless mud and highly changeable weather. The two found it very challenging indeed.

Five Dundee Thistle riders embarked on a trip to France in 2018 to climb Mont Ventoux in the south of the country and tackle the Club des Singlés du Mont-Ventoux challenge.

Angus Wilson, Brian Sproul, Jim Walker (OCD) Alasdair Chisholm and Martin Lawson drove from Dundee in a van and then cycled up the 1,909m (6,263ft) mountain three times, using the three alternative roads to the top. Cycling a total of 137km and 4269 metres in just under 8 hours. They are now members of the elite Club des Singlés du Mont-Ventoux, which has just 88 members from Scotland and 11,441 worldwide.

Club member Jim Walker (OCD) described it as a “cracking challenge”,adding: “As you reach the top the feeling of accomplishment overwhelms you and you can’t believe you have done it.”

The beginning of a revised image for road cycling.Luckily for road cycling the image changed with the likes of Obree, Boardman, Chris Hoy and Wiggins making the headlines.

Graeme Obree, nicknamed The Flying Scotsman, twice broke the world hour record, in July 1993 and April 1994, and was also the individual pursuit world champion in 1993 and 1995. Known for his unusual riding positions and for the Old Faithful bicycle he built which included parts from a washing machine.This incredible story made him headline news, while the UCI continuallybanning his innovative riding ideas only helped raise his profile and the image of track and road cycling.

Sky pro cycling team was founded in 2010. In 2012, Bradley Wiggins won the Paris–Nice, the Tour de Romandie, the Critérium du Dauphiné, and became the first British cyclist to win the Tour de France and the time trial at the Olympic Games. This all helped redress the balance back to road cyclingalbeit to the older male, with younger riders still enjoying the excitement of the more youthful mountain bike scene.

2005Alasdair (Ali) Chisholm became Chairman, with Phil Morris remaining Treasurer and Chris McClements taking over as Secretary from Steve King. Brian Sproul remained Club Captain.

Cyclists V Harriers race in 2005 first held in 1934. Large image. Barry Wilson. Top left. Steve King behind Brian Sproul. Bottom left. Phil Morris. Top Right. Li Wylie and Andy Fenwick. Bottom Right Ali Chisholm.

Dundee Thistle celebrated 75 years with a Civic Reception in 2005in the City Chambers with many older club members attending. We also held Receptions in 1970 and 1980.

75th anniversary, 12th of January, 2005From back to front the people we can identify are:Norman Robertson (Citizen of the Year); Les Nicholson; Dave Husband;Victor Cavin; Charlie Mathers; Li Wylie; Bob Kilhooley; Jim Jeffrey; Dave Thomson; Peem Brewster; Phil Morris; Marie Brewster; Joyce Mathers;Bill Mclennan; Ally Birse; John Bowes; Dave Husband; John Morris; Anne Morris; Phil Forte; Rod Johnston; Rose Johnston; Graeme Robertson; Gregor Drumm; Gordon Taylor; Dave MacGowan; Duncan Leith; Paddy Fenwick; Andy Fenwick;James Auchterlonie; Ally little; Bruce Mackie; Lawrence Morgan; Barry Wilson; Ian Rivans; Chris McClement; John Green; Sheila MacGowan; Stan Smith; Isobel Nicoll; Bill Nicoll; George Penman; Eric Schlordt; Peter Miller; George Scott; Garry Willis; Earle Wilson;John White; Maurice Laing; Sandy MacGregor; Dave McCallum; Colin Buick; Bryn Williams;Gordon Maxwell; Elie Carnegie; Iris Wylie; Jim Millar; Barry Carnegie; Martin Harris; Jackie Bremner; John Bremner; Garry Kilcullan; Steve Donnelly; Len Agley; Vic Polanski; Steve King; Frank Dailly; Ian Anderson;Norma Scott; Betty Taylor; Marie Rice; Dicky Scott; George Kermode; John Rice;Mac Hastie; Doug Wilson; Brian Sproul; Margaret Williams; Conny (?) Linda Allan; May Miller; Mark Wilson; Lord Provost; John Letford; Alasdair ChisholmLes Crichton; Maurice Anderson; Irene Nicholson; Stuart Allan.

By 2008 the club was starting to see membership revive.Although the mountain bike remained an interest, for most members there was a revival in riders wanting to test themselves at time trials.

This was when the Wheelers still organized events so we didn’t have to travel far to compete on a fairly regular basis and, with some successful results, the interest in competing only grew.

Dundee Wheelers CC 10TT on 21st May 2008 was won by Mark Atkinson Sandy Wallace Cycles in 21.22 but there was a good showing from Thistleriders. 3rd Brian Sproul 22.38; 8th Barry Wilson 24.17; 14th Phil Morris 25.21; 28th Neil Young 26.32; 31st Steve King 27.49; 37th David Martin 29.16.

2010.5 years later we celebrated 80 years of the Dundee Thistle with a second Civic Reception which was held at Dundee City Chambers and hosted by the Lord Provost, Helen Wright. Too many club members turned out to give them all a mention, but they went from one of the oldest, Les Crichton, who joined in 1930 right through to younger members at the time, like Ryan Rennie, who put in a great deal of effort in tracing and contacting past members.

Stuart Allen became Chairman in 2010 until 2012.With Phil Morris remaining Treasurer, Chris McClements Secretary and Brian Sproul Club Captain. In 2012 Alasdair (Ali) Chisholm became Chairman again.

Angus Wilson being held up at the start of a 10TT by fellow club member Charlie Marr.

From left to right. Chris McClements, Brian Sproul, Steve King, Barry Wilson

2017. The club was still facing up to and tackling the challenge of a changing society.In the age of websites and social media, where club news is available almost as it happens, it was decided by the club members to no longer hold weekly club meetings at Lochee Boys Club. This was not just down to the likes of Facebook but the fact very few members attended these evening meetings. So, sadly, the Thursday night club meetings, which had happened almost throughout the club’s history, were ended. On a more positive note, a once a month meeting has now begun, taking place in Thorntons Investments city centre office in Dundee, to allow club members the opportunity to meet off the bike and discuss club business.

Reviving an old club jersey.After several iterations for our club jersey we decided that this was a good time to return to the club jersey of the 1950s and 60’s. The cycling brand Rapha had been at the forefront of making the historic cycling clothingdesigns of the 50s and 60s back in vogue, so our old jersey had come back into fashion. It was based on the National Dutch jersey of the time and had an orange body with red, white and blue bands running across the chest. Although we went with modern, easy drying fabrics, and not the traditional wool, the reinstated jersey proved very popular, especially as it was given free with the £20 annual membership fee. This was just one of several initiatives the club introduced to boost membership.

Above. Group shot of club memebers to mark the launch of the new jersey on board the RRS Discovery.Below. Various club jerseys over the years. Original 1960s, 80th Aniversary, the 80s, 90s, and the 2017 revised design.

Several club riders began to show real promise through this period.New to the club Becky Nixon (later Durrell) was making waves on the Track and circuit racing, Angus Wilson was beginning to show great form at 10, 25, 50,100mile TTs, While The Club Hill Climb was won by Niel Doug Scott who was also doing well road racing.

Over the years there have been many Thistle riders of note. Riders who often made a large contibution to the club both on and off the bike.

George Crichton Who in the 1930 was very successful on track and road but also a keymember of the club.Sandy Marr Alex (Nickname was Sandy) Marr in the early 1950s represented Scotland racing in France and won all the club’s grass track trophies and broke numerous Course Records having already won several road race.Jack Nicholson in 1945 after returning from war service became a key member of the clubeventually becoming chairman. His cycle shop also became a mecca for club cyclists to meet and of course buy equipment.Jim Nixon in 1954 won the Scottish Road Race Championship and went on to ride as anindependent semi-pro for Viking Cycles.

Thistle legends, and still active club members, Stuart ‘‘Fred’ Allan, a prolific winner in the North back in the 70’s on the road, track and in time trials.Barry ‘Ned’ Carnegie, a top Scottish road star ‘back in the day’ and if I’m not mistaken, Scottish Hill Climb Champion. Lionel ‘Li’ Wylie who won the BAR in 1965 with great TT times.

Phil Brown raced wearing the Thistle Jersey from around 1993 to 1999 but his talent soon saw him move on to sponsored teams as a Cat 1 rider by 2008 he was riding with Velo Eccosse and Deeside Thistle. In 2000 he rode The FBD Milk Ras in Ireland riding for Union Transport and took third on stage seven.

Brian Sproul Joined the club as a schoolboy originally mainly a touring cyclist Brian also proved an excellent bike handler off and on road. Also as a strong time trialist he was declared the District BAR Champion in 2000. Brian remains a very active club member.

Rachel Crighton who rode the Schwarzwald Super Gold route in Germany in 2016. Rachel cycled 150 miles and climbed 27,000 feet in one day in a time of 10 hours and 30 minutes. She showed incredible endurance, ability and strength on one of thehardest days in the saddle for any amateur rider.

Rebecca Durrell From riding crits while in a Thistle jersey in 2014 to National Crits Champs jersey in 2019. Becky turned up for her first Sunday run looking to get up to speed for a charity ride from Newcastle to London. With that goal accomplished she soon moved on to racing, in a Thistle jersey she borrowed from Phil Morris, before moving south to progress with Fusion RT, thereafter, moving to Drops Cycling. Becky is now one of the UK’s top female riders racing for Team Brother UK - Tifosi. As Becky recently said, “Once a thistle always a thistle, I’ve such fond memories of where it all began, couldn’t have wished for a betterintroduction to the sport.”

Mark stewart Mark first got involved with theThistle as a member of Discovery Junior Cycling Club. He ‘cut his teeth’ on long rides with theThistle Sunday club runs.In 2014, Mark was accepted onto British Cycling’s Olympic Academy Programme. Over the years since he has won Bronze, Silver and Gold medals. In 2017 he became a double European under-23 champion, picking up victories in both theindividual pursuit and omnium. Mark won a sensational gold medal for Scotland at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and in 2019 joined Ribble Pro Cycling.

Neil Doug Scott Was a Cat 1 rider in 2014 riding for Dundee Thistle where he wa a very prolific racer and won the last outing of the Thistle Stage Race. Eventually moving to live in Aberdeenshire and joining the Deeside Thistle with whom he still rides and races.

Today we have the likes of Ali Merry, a prolific racer, slight of build and very modest, he’s more than happy to let his bike do the talking especially at hill climbs. In 2018 he came 3rd in the Scottish Hill Climb Championship and 50th in the National Hill Climb Championship although the timemargins were very close across the field soactually an excellent result. More recently he has been placing well in TT and road racing.Ali finished 2nd at the Menteith APR in 2018 and 7th at the Ali Speed Memorial 50-Mile TT 2019 in a time of 1:56:16. He continues to be a prolific racer, still under 23 in 2019, he had ridden nearly 30 races in the discipline of TT, Road, Hill Climb and Cross with a good proportion of top tens.

Stewart Irvine is without doubt the strongest Short distance time trialist in the club, although you’d be forgiven for wondering if that was actually the case. Stewart is a big guy with a big ginger beard so not surprisingly he is often referred to as the ‘Big man’ or ‘Big Stewart’. The club is part of the Fife Cycling Association, so all our club riders are able to compete in the FCA mid week series and Stewart for the second year running has won the overall 2019 series.Other winning times in 2019 for Stewart began with a 2 up Time Trial, The Ice Breaker 2 up in deepest darkest Aryshire, riding with Angus Wilson, to take 3rd place. Riding solo, Stewart posted some great times in 2019, such as a 19:21 for a ‘10’ and 10:32 for a ‘5’.

Angus Wilson is known for a analytical mindset, as he measures everything he can including cadence and wattage, never mind speed. Angus who in 2019 turned 50, has a PB of 19:55 for 10TT and had just completed ‘The Team Swift’ 2019 12 hour TT posting 268.91 miles for 1st overall. This was followed by the Scottish National 100TT Champs at Invergordon.Angus and Stuart MacCallum took on the 100 mile course on the busy A9 near Invergordon in the Highlands. The course has a bit of everything, a few climbs, rough roads, long drags, exposed windy sections and a few fast, smooth sections as well. The weather was kind so decent conditions. Angus was 11th with 4.09.28 (24mph) and a PB which is impressive after his epic 12hr TT only one week earlier.

Stuart MacCallum is a fairly new member to the club but has taken to time trialling in a big way.A military background has given him the kind of discipline and competitive nature required tosucceed in racing and TTs.Stuart was 6th with a 4.04.24 (24.6mph) on his first attempt at a 100TT at the Scottish National 100TT Champioships at Invergordon in 2019. It was won by Andy Underwood (Carse Velo) with a course record of 3.50.14.

Sonya Drummond came 6th at the 2017 Best All Rounder TT Scottish Championship Tables with PB times of 2:17:48 for a ‘50’, 1:04:12 for a ‘25’, 24:58 for a ‘10’. Sadly back issues put her racing on hold but later in 2019 she has again begun to slowly return to form.

Alan Davidson in recent years since joining the club has shown a rapid improvement in TT times the last two seasons hitting a peak at the National 25TT with a big PB of 53.59. Unfortunately he’s also know for being very messy, with none of his kit clean of oil stains, and dubious bike maintenance despite originally being a ships engineer.

The Club has and continues to organize national and local events.

The Thistle introduced a three-day stage race in 1993 that quickly grew in popularity. Sponsored by and named the Cox-Johnston Trophy (Stage Race) it was organized by Dave McGowan, Stuart (Fred) Allan and Alasdair Chisholm.Sponsorship was raised from Cox-Johnston who, as a property developer, was developing the Stack Leisure Park in Lochee. We had Rod Johnston, who was the brother, and Andy Johnston, the nephew, of the owner of Cox-Johnston Property Developers in the club.

The stage race ran over a Saturday and Sunday with a climb to the top of the Law Hill as the criterium, followed by a 45-mile race outside Dundee.Sunday was a 70-mile race, again to the North of Dundee. The stage race later became known simply as the Dundee Stage Race. Brian Sproul took over as organizer of the event for the later years and the last time the club ran the event was 2014. By chance it was won by Neil Doug Scott, to match Phil Brown, who won the first outing way back in 1993 both of course being Dundee Thistle riders.

The list of winners over the years illustrates the popularity of the event for riders from all corners of Scotland. Sadly, records of the winners between 1994 and 2003 have been lost and the event did not go ahead in 2013.Neil Doug Scott, Dundee Thistle 2014; Ronald McWilliam, VC Lincoln 2012;Liam Cowie, Endura/Pedal Power 2011; Peter Murdoch, East Kilbride RC 2010;Robin Wilkins, Stirling BC 2009; Chris Thomson, VC Astar 2008;Callum Wilkinson, Pedal Power 2007; Raymond Reidy, 2006;Jack Woodward, Bicycle Works 2005; Jonathan Copp, Deeside Thistle CC 2004; Phil Brown, Dundee Thistle 1993.

Left picture. Phil Brown, winner 1983 with Mr Rose from Cox-Johnston Properties. In the background is Dave McGowan.Middle picture. The riders being led out in a neutralised start. Right Picture. Neil Doug Scott winner 2014.

In 2004 Stuart Allan organized the50th Anniversary Track Meeting at Caird Park Stadium, Dundee includingthe Scottish 15km Championship.Many exciting events had been held on thetrack over the years with riders such as thenow Sir Chris Hoy and Graeme Obreecompeting. Recently the track got a massiveupgrade thanks to the efforts of Martin Harris(Discovery Junior CC) so will hopefullycontinue to be a fantastic asset to Dundee.

The Thistle ran the 2015 Scottish National 10TT organized by David Martin on the Arbroath Road. Which since has proved a popular course and continues to be used by the club for mid-week TTs run in conjunction with the Fife Cycling Association.

Over three years, 2017, 18 and 19, the Thistle ran the Scottish National 25TT Championships.Organized by Alasdair Chisholm and Angus Wilson on the A90 Road north of Forfar. On it’s first outing in 2017 record after record fell with Junior Female, Men’s Team, Veteran Male and the Holy Grail at this distance, Graeme Obree’s national record of 23 years standing!Georgia Mansfield (RT23) became Scottish Junior female 25-Mile Champion,Ross Thomson (Dunfermline CC) posted a 56:24 to take Junior male 25-Mile Championship.Jon Entwistle (GTR) with a time of 49:27 took a new national veteran record.John Archibald (Pro Vision Scotland) with his time of 47:57 smashed Graeme Obree’s 23 year old record to win the 25TT Scottish Championship.

In July of 2018 the Thistle ran for the second yearthe Tour of the Glens Road Race, Part of the ScottishAlba Series on behalf of Scottish Cycling. Organized by Angus Wilson this event was open to first, second and third cat riders and has developed a real popularity amongst riders despite the route being consideredseriously tough. In 2019 the course used for the TOGroad race out the back of Aylth formed the basis forthe men and womens Scottish National Road RaceChampionship again hosted by the Thistle.

John Archibald (centre), TOG 2017 winner

One weekend in April 2018 That April weekend saw a lot of Thistle riders at a wide range of events.

Riding the Etape Loch Ness, an amateur sportive, were Ged Hepburn, Dan McKay, Scott McCord. 66 miles around the famous loch starting and finishing in Inverness, with 900m of ascent.

Riding the Kinross Sportive on Saturday were Wilma Davidson, Tony Turvey, and Gordon Fraser riding the 68 mile route, while Chris McClements, Phil Forte, and Richard Davidson rode the black route of 88miles.

Racing that was Angus Wilson who rode the CTT 10 in 22.11 over Erskine way and Ali Merry headed down south near Middlesbrough for a road race.

There was, of course, the usual Sunday club run which, that weekend, was from Camperdown Gates, over the Moulin Moors to Pitlochry and back via a café stop in Dunkeld. 88 miles completed in just over five hours with 1430 metres of climbing.

The 2018 Trophy winners were:

2019 The club todayAlthough we can’t boast a membership of 300, as they did back in the 30’s, the club does still have around 70 active members and also retains the same degree of ambition it has always enjoyed.

We again this year hosted, as a club, the highest level of road races andTime Trials. June saw the club once again hosting the Scottish National 25TT Championships on the A90 Road north of Forfar.

In July the Thistle hosted the Scottish National Road Race Championships for women and men, ‘The Scottish Champs’, and it was the highlight of the Scottish road racing year. We ran it on a course around Glen Isla in Angus. As the course has been used by the club for the Tour of the Glens race the riders knew it was a brutal course. For the ‘champs’ even the neutralized section was tough! Given that the riders enjoyed the superb organization and facilities.

As soon as the flag was pulled in, the attacks started. By lap 2, and a few regroupings, a break of 5 got a gap which steadily went out. John Archibald eventually went solo and on to win by over 4 minutes. Many riders in both the female and male races did well to finish what is said to be one of the hardest Scottish Championships for years.

Mid week APR and TT series remain popular.The Thistle Thursday APR series continues to grow in popularity allowingriders of differing abilities to meet up and compete, if only for fun.Thistle members are also competing at the weekly TT series in Fife although we also run two of the Fife Cycling Association mid week time trials using the 10-mile course on the Arbroath Road at Ethiebeaton.

Thistle racing members.The Dundee Thistle are still going strong, as their times demonstrate, with the likes of club riders, Stewart Irving, Angus Wilson, Alan Davidson, Sonya Drummond, Stuart MacCallum and younger riders like Ali Merry, continuing to put in some great times at a host of events throughout the year.At the same time, the majority of club riders enjoy cycling and supporting some great events.

At one of the last FCA events in 2019 a 5TT there were some great times posted by Thistle riders. The rain had stayed off and conditions were good.The Big Lad (Stewart Irving) was victorious once again with a time of 10.32 to win, The Boy Ali (Merry) was 3rd with a 10.52, Stuart MacCallum was 4th with 11.03, and The Old Man Angus (Wilson) was 6th with 11.12.

APR Trophy Stewart Irving.Best Race Performance Ali Merry.(Student National Hill Climb)

25 TT Trophy Stewart Irving 51.16.50 TT Trophy Angus Wilson 1.59.25.Club Hill Climb Ali Merry 7:40.(Craigowl)

Best Sportive Performance Andrew Woodward (Rise Above Sportive)

Most Improved Rider Stephen Smith(LEJOG Lands End to John O Groats)

Crash of the Year Stuart McCallum.Awarded mostly in fun Stuart won this after coming off on ice during a winter night training run and bouncing off the side

of a van. Luckily little damage was done to Stuart or the van.

Bastard of the Year Phil Morris As a ‘lucky Bastard’ of the year after fully recovering from a

minor heart attack.

Clubman of the Year Alasdair Chisholm(For numerous activities on behalf of the club)

The club still has record breakers.Angus Wilson headed south to the Team Swift 12hr Time Trial with Stewart Irving as support. He won with a PB and set a new Scottish age group record for a 12-hour time trial.

Angus commented after the event ‘It was very close between me and Darren Gough from Barnsley Road Club for the win, he was ahead throughout, but I drew level with him in the final hour. His helpers were timing us as we were 5 minutes apart on the road and they reckoned I got him by about 30 seconds. After the event I could barely walk!’

One weekend in August 2019.As in previous years the club still has members enjoying the full range of challenges that are offered by our great sport.The club ran a 40 mile ‘new recruits’ ride which was well supported by club riders and cyclists new to the club and this has helped the club grow to around 70 members across a wide spectrum of abilities and ages.

A 200 mile challenge. At the other end of the spectrum five club members set off to ride 200 miles in one day. Nadine Keira Reilly whose idea it was,Stephen Smith, Ricky Barlow, Ian Michael Smith, Chris Jepson and Darren Smith, set off at 6am to complete the 200 mile challenge which they did in a little over 12 hours. Scott Taylor also joined them for a while at Kenmore before turning back for home. A lot of time and effort went into plotting the route, however, it was ripped up within the first 30 miles when they began to make it up as they went along. One stretch between Killin and Callander was a bit sketchy but, other than that, some great roads. Multiple stops were required for food and water as the weather was kind but hot. The chips in Glenrothes helped keep them going later in the day. Getting back to Dundee, although by this time dark, was a welcome sight, as they were met by Ricky’s wife and a friend who provided beer and vodka in celebration of a “big day” in the saddle.

Scottish Team Time Trial Championship. Based on a course near Forfar four club riders Big Stewart Irving, Nico Anelli, Stuart McCallum and Angus Wilson took to the start. The first lap was a good pace with efficient changes, marred only by getting held up on the road entering Forfar as one of the Women’s team, who had finished, spread out across the road so they could chat to each other. Lap two was again ridden well but by the turn Angus was feeling the pace his turns were shorter than the rest, so he took up station at the back to survive before dropping off. The remaining 3 pushed on to finish in 1.22.19, for a 27.6mph average and an eventual 5th place.

2019 Club Officials.Alasdair (Ali) Chisholm remains Chairman, Phil Morris Treasurer, Stephen Smith Secretary, Jim Walkers (OCD) Club Captain and Nadine Keira Reilly who took on the new role of Recruitment Lead.

A Race Committee was also formed to deal with the growing number of events the club organizes. The committee was chaired by Angus Wilson with fellow members Stuart MacCallum, Alasdair Chisholm, Jonny May and Sonya Drummond.

The club Continues to look forward while celebrating our great past.As part of our celebrations of the clubs 90 year history in 2018 a display showing the history of our great club, organized by Alasdair (Ali) Chisholm was opened at the Dundee Transport Museum as a permanent display. We also published this history of the great Dundee Thistle’s last 90 years.A special reliability ‘90 for 90’ was organized by Phil Morris in September. Later in the year than the traditional early season reliabilities, but following the traditional format, starting in Muirhead and offering two distances, with a great spread of home baking for the riders to return to.

What next?We look forward to still going strong for many years to come and indeed how we might celebrate being 100 years old.

Top leftIliya Kaftandzhiev.

Bottom leftAlistair Merry.

Top rightAndrew WoodwardandJim Walker (OCD)

Bottom rightStuart MacCallum

Scottish Cycling National TTT Championships 2019. The Dundee Thistle riders are from left to right Nico Aneli, Stuart MacCallum, Stewart Irving, and Angus Wilson.

Dundee Thistle Cycling ClubWe’re a small, very friendly club - big on ambition. We want to spend as much time on the bike as possible, enjoying ourselves, always pushingourselves and happy to help others achieve their full potential on the bike.

www.dundeethistle.co.uk

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