In the 1960s and 70s, The Bradford Racing CC was the North's top Cyclo
Cross Club, boasting such
riders as Professional Harry Bond, John Rawnsley, Brian Hawkes and Phil
Norfolk, but Calder Clarion
were amongst the pack snapping at their heels. Calder's squad (see photograph
below) which also
included Jim Blankley, was occasionally boosted with our outstanding
Road and Track riders such as
John May and Alan Sturgess who used Cyclo Cross to keep fit in the winter.
In those days, Cross courses tended to be strength sapping slogs over
very rough terrain
with long hills, unlike today's fast, technical circuits.
The club's 'venue' for our home fixtures was Heath Common, which ussually
ended up being
a mud bath with no post race showers to warm freezing limbs.
1950s.
Four 'evergreens' (George Masson, Jim Blankley, Steve Burton and Peter Milsom) from
the heady days of the 1960s and 70s, when we were a force to be reckoned with in
the North are still very active cyclists today.
The Milsom name has become synonymous with Calder Clarion's association with Cyclo Cross.
Peter took part in his 20th Three Peaks race in 2003 when he crossed the line ahead of sons
Paul and Richard, though Peter had 30 minutes start with the veterans. He and Paul took 2nd
Father and Son award
Calder Clarion Open Cyclo Cross Event 1974 (Photographs Paul Gittins)
Steve Burton Photographs
George Masson Photographs
Peter Milsom, George Masson, Dougie Dunbar and Steve Burton.