“We’re going to Burnsall Café” declares Buckden Cycling Supremo Kilvington       

Gordon Kilvington, founder and chairman of Buckden Wheelers, is a man with a mission. “It’s time the villagers of Buckden got back on their bikes”, he says. “We all know how to ride a bike; we all have an old bike in our garage. It’s time we got pedalling again”.

Gordon is determined to lead a cycling revolution in Upper Wharfedale and has founded Buckden Wheelers to encourage an interest in the sport of cycling. The club is open to cyclists of all abilities, and Gordon assures us that the wearing of lycra is not compulsory. The intention is to run a programme of rides which will start off with a gentle trip around the triangle, move on to a return run to Kettlewell and then venture to Grassington and beyond.

 “Clearly, the ultimate destination is Burnsall Café” says the Wheeler’s Director of Cycling, Gordon Kilvington. “Every cyclist knows that it’s all about Burnsall Café – they do the definitive bacon sandwich”. I asked Gordon whether the routes might take in any local hostelries – Gordon assured me that when he is cycling a drop never touches his lips – from which I deduce that last night he must have been on foot!

It is also proposed  to have a vintage cycling section of the Wheeler’s – by this stage, things were becoming confused and it was unclear whether “vintage” related to the cyclists, their bikes or what Gordon was drinking. Nonetheless, Buckden Wheelers Chief Engineer, Gordon Kilvington, is planning to help Dick Walker restore his 60 year old Sun bike and is happy to offer advice to any Wheeler who is unsure about the finer technical points of bike design and maintenance. Indeed even at last night’s inaugural meeting, Gordon got into a discussion about saddles which, with hindsight, is an area best left unexplored!

Plans are already afoot for the first ride. Gordon Kilvington, the Events Secretary explained “I have narrowed it down to during the week - either that, or at weekends. I think one of those two would be the best, but if that doesn't work for people, we may have to think again”

Anyone wishing to join the Wheelers should call Membership Secretary, Gordon Kilvington, on (01756) 760246 – but if you are going to call today, please don’t ring too early and please speak quietly. To download an application form, click here. Completed forms should be sent to Membership Secretary, Buckden Wheelers, c/o Keeper's Cottage, Buckden, Nr. Skipton, Nth. Yorks, BD23 5JA