Best Cycling Event Finalist - CTC Grampian's 30th Anniversary Big Bike Ride

By Tom Page
The members of CTC Grampian celebrate their 30th anniversary!
The members of CTC Grampian celebrate their 30th anniversary!
Fifty-two riders, friends and family gathered back in March 2019 to celebrate CTC Grampian's three decades of cycling.

Since it's formation in 1989 CTC Grampian, originally known as Grampian District Association, has gone from strength to strength and this year it celebrated its 30th birthday. From modest beginnings, with 43 riders attending its inaugural meeting, the group now has over 450 members and offers multiple rides a week to people of all ages and abilities in the stunning scenery around Aberdeen in North East Scotland.

“It was wonderful to see so many people from all walks of life out cycling, spanning the generations, everyone enjoying the company and of course the cake!

Emma Roberts, Cycling UK's Big Bike Revival Development Officer in Aberdeenshire

To celebrate the groups 30th anniversary four rides of varying intensity were organised, all converging at the Easter Anguston Farm café. The youngest attendee of the celebrations was just 10 months old! The group's Chair, John Baghurst, spoke about the growth of the group and its activities, from a membership of 156 in 1989 to 450 at present. Cindy Blackmore, a founder member and the most regular ride attendee and active ride leader, along with founder-member Sandy Cormack, were then invited to cut the celebration cake. 

 

Long-term Cycling UK volunteer Sheila Tuckwood says: "I have been CTC Grampian club Secretary since 1996, with a short break for two years in 2016. I have developed and delivered our in-house ride leader training courses, led a number of club tours, and was part of a small group whose concern for serious cycling accidents led to the formation of Aberdeen Cycle Forum. We have held many social evenings in our home to which all club members, friends and family are invited." Sheila has previously been recognised in our Volunteer Awards with a win for Best Volunteer Achievement back in 2016.

We'd like to say a big thank you to all the volunteers who made this day possible, with a special mention to Gerard Vlaar. Gerard was one of CTC Grampian's long-term members and sadly passed away shortly after the event.

 

Cycle touring Volunteering for Cycling UK