Congratulations to Rod Charles, cycling historian extraordinaire (and Cycling Geelong Life Member) for publishing the second volume of A Whirr of Many Wheels.  This volume chronicles cycling in Geelong from 1914 until the end of World War II in 1945.

Rod Charles thanks Neil Mansfield, editor and designer.

Heather, Swee and Peter

Harry Salmon shares some of his exploits

Sales were brisk. Allan snaps up his copy.

Rick

The book was formally launched on Sunday, June 7th at Osborne House, to a large and appreciative audience.  There were many families of cyclists featured in the volume, and one or two of these cyclists themselves.  One of these was Harry Salmon, a founding member of Beeac Cycling Club.  Harry, who is now ninety, told of his exploits in this club and the Colac Cycling Club.

Rod Charles

Harry Salmon from Beeac tells of cycling in the Western District in the 1930s and 40s.

Peter Smith, President of Cycling Geelong, introduced the event, mentioning just how much work there is in researching and writing such a vast undertaking.  He likened each volume to about double the work associated in a Ph.D.

Peter with volumes 1 and 2 of A Whirr of Many Wheels. The book on the podium is a Ph.D. thesis (no photos or maps, and only printed on once side of the page).

Barbara Kilfoyle told of some of her father, Bob Scott’s racing in the Geelong area.  Rod then introduced another veteran of the Geelong cycling world, Frank Conda, whose cycling spanned the volume 2 and volume 3 (yet to be published).

Frank Conda

Barbara Kilfoyle, daughter of Bob Scott

Representatives from most of Geelong’s cycling clubs were also present.  After formally launching the new volume, Peter congratulated Rod, and invited the guests to stay for a sumptuous afternoon tea provided by members of Cycling Geelong.

Rick

Rod Charles thanks Neil Mansfield, editor and designer.

Nancy Jones, of Cycling Geelong, organised a feast for afternoon tea.