The Last Post

The Last Post

To the members and friends of PSCC,

In 2013, I was a "young" whipper-snapper of 46. I was also tipping the scales at a massive 24 stone, buried in a sedentary management role for one of the Big 6 energy firms. My "lightbulb moment" didn’t come from a boardroom meeting; it came from three flights of stairs. I had to visit a director in his penthouse office, and by the time I reached the top, I was blowing like a gale. That was the day I decided to reclaim my health.

It wasn't an easy start. My thyroid had packed in, and my cholesterol was through the roof. The statins the GP gave me made me feel like death, so I found a different medicine: a seat at Slimming World and an old 8-speed Orbea Aqua. Before buying the second hand Orbea i visited Daves cycles. I remember being coy at the bike shop, half-expecting them to say the frames would snap under me, but the lads there were nothing but supportive. On those first 5-mile rides to my weigh-ins at slimmers world, I felt like Lance Armstrong—minus the pharmacy, of course.

me before cycling and me after.

By the winter of 2013, a mate and I started heading out on weekends. Over the next year, I dropped 8st 7lb. We formed the "Shire Oak Leisure Riders," and by 2015, we felt like absolute gods for managing a 14-mile trek to Lichfield before midday. We had a traditional looking Kit and i was as proud as punch.

As the club grew members wanted a more racey looking kit. They also wanted a rebranding losing the Leisure riders tag to be become Shire Oak Cycling Club. The formal SOCC, I found my true passion wasn't just in the pedaling, but in the people. I loved bringing newcomers into the fold. My own speed would go up and down like a yo-yo because I’d always sacrifice my "edge" to stay back and help a new member find their legs. Seeing someone go home beaming after their first club ride was worth more than any Strava segment.

When the "loud and fast high energy" members eventually directed the group towards a more aggressive racing focus, I realized my tenure as Chairman was coming to an end. However, I had become fit and participated in my first track race, finishing in 3rd place. Shortly after resigning from the chair at SOCC, I entered a time trial, covering 5 miles at 25.5 mph, which wasn't too shabby, I suppose. From those beginnings, Pelsall Social Cycling Club was established.

PSCC has been a true labor of love though i have never been an elected comittee member by choice. i was given the title of Honourary President. We survived the Covid years to become a "drinking club with a cycling habit," and I couldn't be prouder of the community we've built. A massive part of that heart and soul comes from our formidable female membership. The club is incredibly well-represented by the ladies who call themselves the "Hellcats." These women, coming from all walks of life, haven't just conquered the roads; they've formed life-long friendships that prove this club is about so much more than just carbon fiber and Lycra.

Watching the rise of riders like Olivia King has also been a highlight. I remember riding with her on her very first outings; to see her now as a point-scoring machine for this club is a testament to the journey we’ve all been on.

Nonetheless, I'm essentially a traditionalist. Recently, I've noticed the club's enthusiasm for short, social "leisure" rides starting to decline in favor of a quicker pace. Instead of clashing or imposing my "old-fashioned" views on the new generation, I've chosen to take a step back. The club is now led by a very capable new Chairman who will select new committee members. It doesn't require my input from the sidelines.

I’m going to take a few months to nurse my knees (which is purely an injury issue and definitely not weight-related, honest!) and get myself ready for the new bike I ordered three weeks ago—my first new rig in six years.

I was never much for public speaking, but I’ve truly enjoyed sharing my thoughts on this website. I know there are plenty of literary wizards in our ranks who will fill this space far better than I ever could.

It’s been a hell of a ride. Keep the rubber side down, look after the new starters, and I’ll see you out on the road soon.

Over and out,

Warren