The History of the Newmarket Eagles Cycling Club
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40th Anniversary Edition – Updated 2025
2025 marked the 40th anniversary of the founding of the Newmarket Eagles Cycling Club. What follows is a comprehensive history of the club from its beginnings to the present day.
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Founding Years (1985–1986)
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The Newmarket Eagles were founded in May 1985. Tony Osborne, the club’s former president, had opened Eagle Cycle—a bicycle shop located in a strip plaza on Eagle Street—in 1983. Tony and several of his customers thought it would be a great idea to organize group rides. A meeting was held in May to plan these rides, attended by Tony Osborne, Nick Broadhead, Bob Clark, Peter Bikeniks, John Fennell, and Tony Wright.
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At the time, the club was not a formal organization with an executive. It was simply a group of riders who enjoyed the benefits of riding together. As we do today, members rode longer distances on Saturdays and Sundays, and on Tuesday evenings there was a “Hammer Ride,” featuring countless sprints on the way to the “blasted stump” in the Holland Marsh. Rides typically included about a dozen cyclists, and most routes headed west toward the Marsh, as there were few paved roads to the east.
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In 1986, the club began to take shape organizationally, with Bob Clark becoming the first president. The club name was inspired by Tony Osborne’s shop, Eagle Cycle. Tony later served more than 10 years as club president and acted as the unofficial time trial coordinator for many years afterward.
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That same year, Tuesday Night Time Trials were introduced—a tradition that continues today. Thanks to John Fennell’s connections with other clubs, the Eagles participated in an inter‑club race in Owen Sound in 1986, alongside clubs from Owen Sound, Collingwood, and Barrie. The event was a success and eventually grew into the Inter‑Club Series, which ran until 2019. It ended due to COVID‑19 restrictions and has not resumed. At its peak, fields of 50 riders were common.
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Membership grew from about 30 riders in 1986 to 120 by 1990.
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Formalization and Growth (1987–1990s)
In 1987, John Fennell became president. That year, the club became a formal amateur non‑profit organization with letters patent and an executive structure. The Eagles eventually joined the Ontario Cycling Association (OC).
The club’s mission statement, adopted in 1987, was “To Promote the Sport of Cycling.” We have fulfilled that mission exceptionally well. With the surge in road cycling’s popularity, the club now averages more than 200 members.
During the 1980s and 1990s, many members joined specifically to participate in road races, time trials, or the Thursday night Hammer Ride. Several members became provincial road race champions. Club and inter‑club races were run in the Australian pursuit format, which releases groups at staggered intervals based on ability. This grassroots approach allowed riders of all skill levels to participate safely and competitively, learning group‑riding skills at race speeds without the intimidation of a large pack.
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The Eagles also hosted several OC events, including the Provincial Road Race and two Hill Climb Championships. More recently, the club organized the Tour de Speed for more than 10 years—a junior development race that attracted over 120 participants.
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Despite these competitive events, the heart of the club has always been its group rides. Whether racing or riding socially, groups have always been organized by ability so riders can ride with others of similar fitness and experience. Our women’s EGals group continues to grow each year. One constant throughout the club’s history is that nobody gets dropped.
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Time Trials, Racing, and Youth Development
The annual club time trial schedule typically includes more than 30 events, earning the Eagles significant respect within the racing community. The club has produced numerous high‑level racers, including provincial and national medalists.
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Around 2015, the club launched a youth cycling initiative, hosting clinics and the Tour of Speed—one of the first events in the OC Youth Series. It quickly became the model for similar events across the province. Unfortunately, in 2025 the youth program was discontinued due to new provincial requirements that did not exist in earlier years.
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Community, Culture, and Club Spirit
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Group rides and social events continue year‑round and remain the backbone of the club. Many members gather at a local coffee shop after Saturday rides to discuss the morning’s efforts—both strengths and weaknesses. The club’s success has always been driven by its members, who consistently volunteer their time and energy.
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The original founding members have either moved on or accumulated many grey hairs. What began as a group of six riders has grown to more than 200, with membership increasing every year. While people come and go, the club’s work ethic and community spirit remain strong. The Eagles are a shining example of what a volunteer‑driven organization can achieve when fuelled by passion and commitment.
