Club President Rodney Kennison remembers his first road race in 1954.

I was out for a ride when I met Don Sutherland, secretary of the Rochester Olympic Cycling Club, he asked me if I would like to ride a mass start that he was organising. In those days these events were called mass starts, no mention of road races. I only had one bike a Holdsworth track bike with 46×18 fixed wheel and one brake. I was a member of Medway Wheelers in those days, most members rode fixed wheel bikes, especially for time trials.

In my bits and pieces I found a Constrictor rear mech , the gear hanger had a hole in it which fitted over the wheel axle and was secured by the wheel nut, there was just room for a 3 speed block 14,15,16 teeth, I also fitted a rear brake.

The mass start event for juniors started at the top[ of City Way up the A229 to the top of Bluebell Hill, straight on to Sandling before taking the right turn along Forstal Road to Aylesford, then it was back up Bluebell Hill to the top of City way and down towards Chatham, left at Partten’s Lane and back on to City Way. On the third lap at Bridgewood near Buckmore Park I broke away alone, I had to pedal like crazy on the tiny 46 x 14 top gear. On the final climb from Aylesford to the finish at the top of Bluebell Hill the 46×18 gear was perfect.

I was elated to finish first in my debut race. Back then cash prizes were not permitted, so I was even more happy to receive a small brown envelope containing a generous amount of cash for my efforts!