Page 5 - Whitehorse Wheels October 2020 issue_Classical

Club member interview – Bruce Easton
Bruce joined Whitehorse cyclists back in 2002, after retirement from an active
career, and took to riding with our club like a duck takes to water.
He has been involved in many activities in the club, not only riding but leading
many rides, being a support person on rides, and I’m sure welcomed new riders to
our group. Bruce took to cycling from about age seven, and as he was raised in a
suburb with trams, buses and busy traffic, he learnt very early the perils of tram
tracks and traffic. His University vacations were spent acting as a relief postman.
Bruce has participated in many club multiday cycling trips, leading some and a
passenger in others –
• Overseas: France, Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, New Zealand and Sri Lanka.
• Interstate: N.S.W. and South Australia, and Victoria of course
• On top of that, his love of cycling is there to see when you consider he has participated in 17 Great
Victorian Bike Rides, 2 Big N.S.W. Rides, 2 Big S.A. Rides and 1 Great W.A. Ride.
• A couple of extra trips he has done overseas are Alsace in France and John O’Groats to Land’s End in
Britain.
Club membership highlights?
Undoubtedly the highlight of Bruce’s 18 years of riding with the club has been the 1,500 plus local rides
covering over 100,000 kilometres and the enjoyment he has experienced with such a friendly and
enthusiastic group of fellow cyclists. The discussions and banter during our morning coffee breaks have
been just as valuable as the hours in the saddle – “Facebook on Wheels”.
Outings: Never shy to participate in an activity or try something new, here we see Bruce at the Richmond
bike museum atop a penny-farthing.
Any injuries?
Fortunately for Bruce, he had not suffered a significant injury on a club ride – a
slight bruise and graze would have been the sum total. Imagine his chagrin in
June, when emerging from an underpass on the way to a club ride, he
encountered a pedestrian at a blind corner. His speed was less than walking
pace. The pedestrian sprang back up but he incurred a broken leg.
He has missed all the exciting cycling during lockdown!
Official Club Positions?
Club President 2005.
MAD Thursday Ride Co-ordinator for many years
Joint Organiser of many local club trips based in country towns.
What does WCI mean to you?
‘Since retiring from my working life, the club has played a major part of my life.
Riding two or three times per week has been my exercise regime and social outlet.
From day one when I was warmly welcomed on a Thursday ride by the likes of Ken Rushford, Mike Taylor
and Bob Harrington, I have been always impressed with the camaraderie in the club. I have often pondered
whether the lack of a competitive element and the common love of cycle touring results in a harmonious,
supportive group.
Sharing of the workload has also been a feature of the club. Everyone has been prepared to undertake a
role – whether it is serving on the committee, co-ordinating a ride calendar, leading rides, organising trips
etc – many members participate. I am grateful for all the enjoyment I have received from the club.’
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Almoner report

• Good news is that Sally McCluskey’s wrist has healed and she was back on the bike but unfortunately
now has bursitis of Rt shoulder so off the bike again.