Livingston Cycling Club was formed in the late 1970s, early 1980s, by a small group of cycling enthusiasts who met at Craigsfarm, Craighill, Livingston. The club was run by husband and wife team, Joe and Marie McGraw supported by others including George Black (an Edinburgh CTC member), and Willie Barr who was multiple times Senior Club TT champion. The club secretary at the time was Joe (unfortunately his surname has been forgotten through time).

 

Although the club meetings were poorly attended and paid-up members low in numbers, the club runs had an enthusiastic following. The Sunday club runs leave from outside the "wee shop" next to the Livi Inn (Livingston Inn) with two rides comprising of social and training groups. As "social" would have it, this group often filled there saddle bags with provisions, stopping at the roadside for a drum-up, raising fire and getting the soup and tea on the boil (unheard of nowadays). Meantime, the faster training group would be miles away and stopped at a cafe somewhere. 

 

A few members were also members of other local clubs including The Dale (Armadale Road Club) or The Forth Valley Road Club which was essentially an offshoot of the Livingston Club. Members including Scott Simpson, still a member of the new club also raced as a junior for the Livingston CC at the Meadowbank Velodrome and in local TTs.

 

Even though the club was small, they still had their own colours consisting of an orange and black striped, wait for it, "woollen" jersey. The emblem was a rams head which was basically a sewn-on patch. The photo opposite shows Scott Simpson competing at the Meadowbank velodrome representing.

 

The club itself was affiliated to the SCU (The British Cycling Association Scotland). Registered as a mid-Scotland club it fell into the East of Scotland territory and came under the auspices of the ESCA East of Scotland Cycling Associations section of the SCU.

 

Sadly due to a tragic accident, the Club disbanded in the late 80's however it has recently reformed under the same ethos of the original club to provide a fun and enthusiastic welcome to cyclists of all abilities.

 

Around 2010 former members, Mr Thomson, Gordon Thomson Jnr, Scott Threlfall and Scott Simpson considered re-forming the club and wanted to gain interest within the community for a "social" cycling group. Notices advertising an open night at Craigsfarm were posted around the area with a total of six people turning up, including Mr D Charleston who became heavily involved in forming the new club. Agreeing to pay £5 per week, the new Livingston Cycling Club was formed and things got underway to organise new club kit. Thankfully as time has moved on, this wouldn't be woollen jerseys.

 

Weekly meetings at the Livingston Inn became a talking shop for anything and everything including organising club rides. At this time the members met up with owners of Scot Cycles who had recently started a new business in Dedridge, Livingston and invited them to the Club meetings. After a year or so, the new club logo was designed with a modern style, retaining the traditional feel. 

 

Through word of mouth, social media and the support of Scot Cycles, the club membership is increasing rapidly with riders new to cycling, social cyclists and a large group of experienced cyclists.

 

We believe the success of the club since its reformation is due to the social, welcoming environment and this continues to be the ethos of the club throughout its journey.