IN the latest of my profiles of cycling clubs in the region I speak with Mike Drake of Darlington Cycling Club

Why and when was the club formed?

Darlington Cycling Club has a long history; archive photographs show club meets of the Darlington North Eastern Cycling Club as far back as 1912. In the mid 1960s, Darlington North Eastern amalgamated with Richmond CC to form Richmond & Darlington CC. Members of Richmond & Darlington CC voted to rename the club Darlington CC at the 2008 AGM. Membership has risen from low 20s to 100-plus in recent years.

What are the aims of the club?

If you live in or around Darlington and you're interested in road cycling, this is the place to be. With four club runs every week, and six from May until September, there's always an opportunity to ride with a group. If you would like to get involved, join us on a club run or ride with us on one of the Darlington Cycling Festival Tourist Trails.

DCC is affiliated to British Cycling - controlling road and track racing - and to Cycling Time Trials - controlling road time trials.

We are keen to get more youngsters into the club and to encourage competitive cycling in time trials, road racing and cyclocross.

When do you meet and where at?

All club rides start from close to Blackwell Post Office and we meet next to the little green there. Rides start at either 9am, 9.30am or 6pm in the evenings.

Between April to August we also have a weekly time trial on Wednesday evenings near Scorton.

Club meetings are held on the first Monday of every month at The Hole in the Wall or the Dolphin Centre, in the Market Place, Darlington. If it's a Bank Holiday, the meeting is held on the following Monday.

What type of riders does your club appeal to?

We cater for experienced riders and those relatively new to cycling with a basic level of fitness, mainly on road bikes, although some do ride mountain bikes.

How much does it cost and what do you get for your membership?

Before you apply for membership, we ask that you join us on some club runs. This gives you the opportunity to meet club members and decide if Darlington CC is the club for you. You'll also need two members to propose and second you. Under 18s must complete a parental consent form.

If you decide to join, submit a completed membership form at one of the monthly club meetings with a membership fee of £10 - £5 for under 18s - and either proof of third party insurance, or a £24 fee to cover affiliated membership of Cycling UK.

How can people get in touch?

For general enquires about the club, please email wilf.mcnaughton@gmail.com or call Mike Drake on 01325-488 066 or 07702 311 081 or Steve Fullerton on 07527 671 781.