News & Features

Riders travelled from across the South East – and even further afield – for the Tricycle Association South East Region Mike Ducker Memorial 10-mile Time Trial, held on Sunday 26 July on the Q10/51 course at Chilham, Kent.

Fastest rider on the day was Mark Vowells (San Fairy Ann CC), whose impressive time of 24:47 was one second quicker than his winning ride in the same event on the same course in 2025.

The handicap competition was won by David Biggs (Chelmer CC), who made the journey from Essex on the morning of the event. His actual time of 30:11, combined with a handicap allowance of 10:30, gave him a winning net time of 19:41.

Visiting from New Zealand, Andrew Nye (Ashford Wheelers) enjoyed an excellent ride while on holiday with his wife, Caroline. Starting as first rider away, Nye recorded 35:41, good enough for fifth fastest on the day and a significant improvement on his ride in the same event last year.

There was another personal milestone for Roger Lyons (CC Bexley), who, in his first season racing a tricycle, was delighted to break the 30-minute barrier for a 10-mile time trial for the first time with a ride of 29:48.

Richard Bailey (Redhill CC), National President of the Tricycle Association, finished fourth fastest in 30:46, while Terry Fearn (Thanet RC) completed the course in 39:04.

The event was held on the Q10/51, a new Racing Course featuring a fast downhill start. As such, times recorded do not count towards local or national competitions. Nevertheless, the course continues to prove popular, with riders appreciating the quicker times and the fun, friendly nature of tricycle time trialling.

The event was once again expertly timed by Dave Abbotts (Gravesend CC), with Paul Mepham (CC Bexley) acting as turn checker and timekeeper at the 6.7-mile point. Mike Ducker's daughters, Liz and Jill, marshalled at the turn alongside Malcolm Strickland (CC Bexley).

Back at event headquarters, Fay Vowells and Debbie Boxall kept riders and helpers refreshed, while Richard Boxall managed the live results using CTT Live. Official photographer Barry Adams (CC Bexley) captured the day's action, including a group photograph of everyone present outside the headquarters.

Following the event, a sale of cycle parts was held in aid of the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, a charity that Mike Ducker supported for many years. After the TA South East Region AGM, a group of 15 members rounded off the day with an enjoyable lunch at The George Inn, Molash.

The Mike Ducker Memorial honours the memory of a passionate tricyclist and dedicated supporter of the Tricycle Association. Mike, who passed away in 2011, first took up riding on three wheels in the 1950s alongside Bill Finch, John Healey and other contemporaries who are also sadly no longer with us. His enthusiasm for the sport and commitment to the Association continue to be remembered through this annual event.