The Tenby Aces Cycling Club has been running for over a year now, and to mark the first anniversary, club members met outside Laston House near the harbour recently to recreate a photograph taken back in the late 1880s. A key figure in cycling back in the early days was George Ace, originally from Swansea; he moved to Tenby and was Welsh Cycling Champion from 1879-1889. The Tenby Wheelers Cycling Club was formed in 1884, with George Ace as captain and hon. secretary. It had its headquarters at the Royal Hotel, and from then until 1893, annual cycling championships were held each August. Cycling became very popular in Tenby and across the UK around this period, and in 1898 two new cycling clubs appeared, The Tenby United Cycling Club and The Westgate Cycling Club, the former stating it had many lady members. Around this time, George Ace set up a cycle repair shop in Warren Street, and before long this enterprising cyclist was to be a pioneer of motoring and car sales in Tenby. The Observer offices in Warren Street and the dentist opposite were once George's showrooms. George Ace died within two days of his 82nd birthday, at his home in Warren Street, following a fall and then a seizure. His penny-farthing bicycle, on which he set many records, can still be seen in Tenby Museum on Castle Hill. 

The pictures in the Tenby Observer show some of the original members of the Tenby Cycle Club in 1887 outside Laston House near the harbour, and the current Tenby Aces members with their bikes in the same spot (seen above).

The new club has gone from strength to strength and is already recognised throughout Wales and parts of England, having taken part in some high profile events such as The White Horse and Dragon Ride Sportives. Time trialing has also become more popular with some of the club members, and the Tenby Aces name can been seen on the start sheet of many open time trial events across Wales. The club is also locked in a friendly battle with Pembrokeshire Velos and Pembrokeshire Tri Club, having completed two of a three-race time trial challenge between the clubs.

Whether you are looking to compete or perhaps just looking for some company out on your bike, you are welcome to join in with them and give it a go. Details of the weekly club runs and contact details can be found on their web site: http://www.tenby">www.tenby- aces.co.uk