Committee – Vale of Belvoir CC

Committee Members

Our club is run by a group of friendly volunteers; helping to make things run as smoothly as possible.

Peter Robinson - Chairperson

After playing sport for most of my life I decided to start cycling when I reached 60yo. My first bike was a Merida Cross and I regularly rode 5 to 10 miles around West Bridgford. A house move to Saxondale and then Whatton introduced me to the country lanes when I made my first ‘proper’ bike purchase and updated to a Giant road bike. I still think this was the best £950 I ever spent for the pleasure it gave me. After a few years of travelling into Nottingham to ride with the West Bridgford clubs I was introduced to the Vale of Belvoir CC operating out of Bingham. This was much closer to home for me so joined the club in 2015 – and the rest is history.

I was invited to join the committee in 2017 and became Chairman of the Club in 2019. My aim for the club has always been to make it a friendly, social club that is accessible to as many people as possible, of all abilities.

Philippe cassabois - Secretary

I started road cycling in 2019 after I lost vision in my left eye during a neuro-surgical operation. I needed to focus my mind on a positive objective and I signed up for a week of riding in Normandy in June that year, raising money for a charity. As part of the preparation, I joined a local club to learn the tricks of group riding and build up my stamina.

The week away in June 2019 was a revelation for me: road cycling is the best way to visit places, with a manageable pace riding on small roads, day after day.

I joined VBCC in May 2023 and have since thoroughly enjoyed the rides for the social banter and the gradual building of my stamina. The club genuinely helps women and men riders to build up their strengths to ride faster and better with many rides available every week.

I have been on the committee since 2024.

Lynn Millard - Vice Chair/rider Representative

I started cycling with the club seven years ago, regularly cycling 12 miles on my Hybrid Bike, but soon began to increase my distance cycling with other members. Upgraded my bike to a road bike and with the encouragement of my fellow members my mileage increased and have recently managed a 158 mile ride to the seaside and back in one day! All due to the support, coaching and most importantly the friendships I have gained through VBCC.

Cycling is my way to relax and escape the stresses of everyday life. I feel lucky to get the chance to join many of the different types of rides on offer and now I’ve been appointed a position on the committee my main aim is to listen to members views, help the club grow and support new ideas.

Mark Richardson - Treasurer

Forensic Accountant and Former Military Intelligence Officer.

A Serious illness in 2009 with the Pancreas, I was then introduced to cycling by the Surgeons to help raise money for the HPB unit by doing charity bike rides.

Started cycling on an old mountain bike, said to the guy in the shop I need to tune it up a bit to get from here to Hunstanton a hundred miles, he said “you were lucky to get here on it!”

My cycling career began, when I was lucky enough to meet fellow cyclist (Andrew) out Belvoir way who introduced me to the club, with the words ‘everyone’s great and no politics’. Andrew passed on after a short painful illness but his words live on, everyone’s great and we don’t have any politics.

Something for everyone here, to enjoy life!

Alan gupwell - Club welfare officer

My cycling journey started 9 years ago, my son Alex goes to Ash Lea School in Cotgrave, and the then Head Dawn Wigley needed to raise money for the school.

Never ridden a bike for 20 years, so a 50 mile charity ride was a challenge. Borrowed a bike, got all my gear from Aldi for £35, fell off 7 times as was clipped in – loved it and we raised £700 for the school.

My best mate Martin did the ride with me and then sold me his Cannondale, and suggested I join a cycling club which was the game changer, with the support and encouragement of all the members, I was hooked, then a Boardman Carbon, then all the clothing, now a Factor Ostro 7.5kg, I just enjoy the cycling, but most of all the people, the banter, – the Tribe that is VBCC.

As the CWO I have passed the British Cycling courses and have an extended DBS certificates, meaning we can now accept riders under 18 into the club, and I’m the point of contact for any members with any welfare concerns.