So that was 2019. Some lovely rides, some hugely enjoyable nights out and lots more in-between. Here are the highlights from our third year in the red, white and black. Continue reading BCC On-road and off-road: 2019 Year In Review
We’ve managed to get our hands on the 1947 Rough Stuff entry form, guidance notes, start list, directions and map for the event. Continue reading BACKPEDAL: 1947 Rough Stuff cancelled during record breaking cold snap
In delving into the history of The Balham Rough Stuff we’ve got our hands on medals, race reports, race cards, photos and route descriptions but never a route map. Not until now that is. Continue reading MEMORABILIA: Rough Stuff Route Map
If 2016 was the year of thumbing through vintage cycling annuals and resurrecting the Balham CC story, then 2017 was the year of the ride. The year a niche cycling blog morphed into a cycling club. Here’s our year in review. Continue reading From History Blog to Cycling Club: 2017 in Review
One of the most famous rides in London cycling history returns to the sporting calendar. Continue reading Balham Rough Stuff returns 92 years after first ride
A Balham CC contingent travelled to Herne Hill Velodrome for a taste of fixed wheel, single-speed, no brakes velodrome cycling. The iconic South London venue has a strong connection with the club. Continue reading Balham CC return to Herne Hill Velodrome
The 1935 Balham Rough Stuff race report in Cycling Magazine is clearly written by a frustrated novelist. Read on for fine use of the words ‘dint’ and ‘gambolled’ Continue reading BACKPEDAL: The Season Begins – SM Butler Again Wins the Balham Rough and Tumble ‘25’
An extract from the memoirs of former Balham CC secretary and Gazette club magazine editor Ken Smith, covering 1936-1939. With little editing, it gives an insight into the lives of a group of young men from the Balham and South London cycling community having fun before the second world war would change their lives forever. Continue reading KEN SMITH MEMOIRS: Cycling offers a great escape from 1930’s South London
A swirling blizzard that raged for nearly two hours, reducing visibility to almost a few yards, was the lot of the riders in the 1937 Balham Rough Stuff 25 Continue reading BACKPEDAL: Raging blizzard reduces visibility at 1937 Balham Rough Stuff
Cheryl Button, the daughter of former Balham Cycling Club (BCC) secretary Ken Smith, was in London in November and she had a surprise gift for the soon to be relaunched club. Ken was a member of the BCC between 1936 and 1957 and before his death in 2013, compiled a scrapbook of his most treasured club mementoes and photos. It also included his memoirs spanning 21 years of life as a South London cyclist. Continue reading 21 years of momentoes, photos and memoirs presented to Club by family of former secretary
