The Torbay Velopark Veterans’ Group (Velovets for short), started early in 2017 following a suggestion by Mid-Devon Cycling Club (MDCC) member Ken Robertson. He had noted that, while a number of his club mates used the Paignton circuit, they often met only by chance. Calling his initiative ‘Bike & Banter’, the idea was that a twice monthly meeting should be scheduled where like-minded riders could get together for an hour’s sociable chitchat and exercise.

Following the first few sessions, a trio of unaffiliated cyclists asked if they may join in and they were warmly welcomed into the group. As the months passed others tagged along, some from the MDCC, some from other organisations, such as the Torbay Triathlon Club and the Cyclists Touring Club, while others were independent leisure riders. Most however had things in common, such as being former racing cyclists, having a background in long distant touring or being regular club riders.

Over the past few years a pattern has become established. Meeting at 2:00 pm on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month, the group set out to ride together for an hour at a tempo which allows some conversation. Generally, and dependent on the weather, the overall pace is approximately 15 mph, resulting in the completion of about 16 circuits of the track. Those who find it a little too fast can always take one of the two short cuts and rejoin the group at their leisure, form a slower partnership with others or simply take time out. Any competitive element is restricted to the final lap, when there is often a late charge for a virtual finish line: which satisfies the ageing memories of the former racers. 

Since its inception, about seventy individuals (men and women) have, at one time or another, ridden with the group and their attendances vary. Once, on a cold, wet and windy afternoon, only one brave sole was prepared to face the elements, while on a bright summers day, over two dozen have enjoyed an hour of riding side by side sharing their stories.

After the hour is up, some choose to continue riding, others head for the leisure centre’s cafe, to carry on socialising, and a few depart for late afternoon commitments.

The clue to the ages of those who ride with the Velovets is in the name. In cycling‘s competitive terms, anyone over the age of 40 is a veteran. However, the average age of the Velovets group is much higher: some are in their 5Os, most are in their 60s or 70s while a number are in their 80s.

Other than those set for the general public by the Torbay Leisure Centre, there are no membership fees or payment for riding with the Velovets group, which only requires that riders are experienced and responsible for themselves.