Cyclists are to revive the golden age of Ilkley Cycling Club by adopting a new version of the original club colours.

Scores of people turned up at the first general meeting of the new Ilkley Cycling Club on Sunday, and voted on their preferred choice of strip.

Various colourful designs were put forward, but in a close vote, members picked a modern take on the original club’s traditional black jersey with a green band across the front.

The jersey was worn by the first Ilkley Cycling Club, which had a strong presence in the town up until the 1950s.

A white version of the jersey has been developed as a summer strip.

The club has also taken charge of more relics of its past.

A former teenage member of the original club, Alan Wilson, unexpectedly came forward and presented one of the old club’s trophies, awarded to past winners of the Ilkley to Ingleton Road Race.

Alan also had in his possession one of the original club badges, which was donated by an old club member who has died, but wanted the badge to find its way back to one of the original club members.

The club is keen to re-establish connections with the old body and is interested to hear from past members to learn more about the original club. It hopes to appoint a historian to uncover more of its heritage.

Key rides are to take place on Monday mornings, Thursday evenings and Sundays.

The first club ride is planned for the evening of Thursday, May 5. An official launch event is also planned for May and will be open to new members and anyone else wishing to learn more about the club.

The club says it is open to all, from elite racers, or riders and families who would prefer a more leisurely-paced ride to the Cavendish Pavilion and back.

Rides will be structured to ensure that beginners are catered for and looked after by more experienced riders.

For more information, contact paul@olooney.com, or membership secretary, Simon Fern, at simonjfern@ gmail.com.