The dedicated partnership of Barbara and Mike Penrice, whose combined efforts have shaped cycling in Yorkshire for decades, has been formally recognised with a prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award. The honour was granted by the Court of Trustees of the Charles Arthur Rhodes Memorial, celebrating more than a century of their shared administrative, supportive, and competitive contributions to the sport.
Building a Cycling Legacy in Leeds and Beyond
Barbara first entered the cycling scene in the 1950s, participating with various clubs around Leeds. Her most significant impact came in 1975 when she was the driving force behind founding the Seacroft Wheelers club. By actively welcoming newcomers and promoting diversity—a unique approach at the time—she helped grow it into one of the region's largest and most successful clubs, a status it maintains today.
Mike began his cycling journey with the Huddersfield Star Wheelers. After marrying Barbara, he joined Seacroft Wheelers, where he played a crucial role in its expansion by leading group rides and organising competitive races.
Administrative Pillars of Yorkshire Cycling
As the club flourished, Barbara turned her talents to the wider Yorkshire Cycling Federation (YCF). She served as its treasurer for an impressive 26 years, also taking on roles such as luncheon organiser, competitions secretary, and race organiser—including the significant RTTC 100 Miles Championship in 1989. Known as an 'ideas person', she was instrumental in encouraging the federation's renaissance.
Mike used his own racing experience as a foundation for organisation and mentoring. He has promoted events across road racing, cyclo-cross, and time trials, served as a British Cycling Federation commissaire, and is currently a timekeeper for Cycling Time Trials.
Record-Breaking Tandem and Continued Service
The couple began riding a tandem in the 1980s, starting for leisure before competing in time trials. They went on to set national veterans' age records at 15, 30, 50 miles, and 12 hours. Barbara finally stopped racing in 2018, holding the distinction of being the oldest woman still competing in the Veterans Time Trials Association (VTTA).
Since relocating from Leeds to Selby, they have remained deeply involved with the VTTA. Mike has promoted races for the association and has acted as its National Magazine Editor for the last nine years, while also managing their local Age Adjusted Points Competition.
Throughout their long involvement, Barbara and Mike have consistently supported each other's endeavours. Their unwavering partnership has left an indelible and beneficial mark on the landscape of cycling across Yorkshire.
