Page

Alan was born in the outskirts of the village of Burnopfield, County Durham, where he still lives. After a grammar school education and national service in the Royal Air Force he settled into a career in the chemical industry.

His first experienced serious cycling after joining the Dunston Couriers Cycling Club – locally known as the “couriers” – during 1948. He tried track, tandem and time trials before ending the alliteration to ride road races. However, clubs runs and week ends with members were his forte, where his friendship and considerate riding were a hallmark of his character.

Like many he took a break from the sport and returned as a member of the Tyne Vélo Cycling Club and then in 2002 he helped form the Tyne Valley Cycling Club. Club runs and cycling holidays in France with members remain his steadfast pastime. He has been responsible for organising many cycling holidays for fellow members whilst a member of the Tyne Velo and Tyne Valley clubs. These have included holidays in the UK, France, Italy and Spain. His favourite areas are Provence and the Pyrenees, where he has conquered many of the legendary Tour de France climbs.

Off the bike he has retained a family interest in all things apiarian; he is a devotee of Bacchus and can wax lyrical on the delights of the Cote de Rhone wines of southern France. Horticulture is a re-emerging interest; his tomatoes and beetroot are frequent gifts to friends.