History

The Brunswick Cycling Club Novice Junior Clinic was established by the late Henry Hill around 1948.

Due to the rules of racing back then riders under the age of 16 were not able to compete. Henry took it upon himself to introduce those who were interested in competitive cycling by conducting a clinic to teach them the skills and experience the thrill of track racing around the oval at Allard Park.

This was the original location of the track built in 1935 by sustenance labour. The site is now home to the Brunswick Cricket Club as well as the Brunswick Bocce Club.

In 1956 a new banked track was constructed on the old tip site at the bottom of the hill only a stones throw from Allard Park. Imagine the excitement of the riders moving from a 400+ metre flat cinder track to a 320 metre bitumen surfaced “speed dome”.

The clubrooms were an old army hut that was sited next to the front gate and would be filled to capacity for the monthly club meeting. Yes, before the electronic age we would go to the clubrooms on the first Monday of every month and sit before the committee and hear the news and discuss what had been happening over the previous 4 weeks…..believe it or not it was kinda fun!

Around 1962 the kiosk was built and has withstood graffiti, vandalism and attempts of demolition. It stands resplendent painted in its “aerosol” livery, a mural of the track that covers 3 sides with the “track side” having a brilliant reproduction of the portrait of club members that hangs in the current clubroom. The inspiration, artwork and effort were provided by local artist and keen cyclist Marc Burstall.

1965…ish saw the track get a make over with the bitumen surface removed and a concrete one poured. While in the mid 70’s the current clubrooms were built.

Since 1948 five outstanding Brunswick Club members have volunteered their time to ensure the Clinic has been able to operate each summer:

It’s founder Henry Hill, Stewart Doyle, Ray Bowles, Alan Grindal and Cam McFarlane.

Alan’s effort is made all the more remarkable because he was introduced to cycling through the clinic around 1952, joined the Brunswick club and represented Australia at the 1960 Rome Olympics. Alan conducted the clinic for over 25 years handing over the reigns in 2006.

Some other Brunswick members who started at the clinic and have gone on to achieve significant success are:

John Beasley, Russell Beasley, Narelle Peterson, Lyndelle Higginson, William Walker and Mitchell Docker.

Other prominent riders include Gary Niewand, Shane Kelly and Leigh Howard.