For more than 125 years, Camden Cycle Club has been part of the cycling fabric of Western Sydney.
The Camden Bicycle Touring Club was established by a group of enthusiastic local riders back in 1899, when they ran fortnightly races.
Riders from the Camden Bike Club pose for a photo in 1930.
Now, through its Camden Rockets Junior Cycling Program, the club is helping shape the next generation of racers in the Macarthur region.
Founded in 2022, the Camden Rockets was created to give young riders a safe, welcoming and structured introduction to cycling.
Since then, more than 100 riders have engaged with the program through skills sessions, social rides, racing pathways and come-and-try opportunities.
The club has a strong membership base of junior riders.
Held most Sunday mornings at Narellan Sports Hub, the sessions focus on the fundamentals of cycling, including bike handling, cornering, bunch riding and building confidence around other riders.
When it comes to progression, Camden Cycle Club doesn’t shy away from its competitive DNA.
While the Rockets environment is family-friendly and inclusive, the club fully embraces the racing side of the sport, helping juniors progress from their first laps through to junior competition and club representation.
Junior riders contest road races, time trials and criteriums.
“The Camden Rockets Junior Cycling team is about giving kids a safe and welcoming place to start, but also a clear pathway into racing,” Camden Cycle Club committee member Andrew Garas said.
“We want young riders to build confidence, learn the skills, enjoy being part of a team and discover the excitement of competition. For us, junior development and senior racing belong together.”
Supported by coach Mark Saliba and a strong group of parent volunteers and club members, the program has developed a genuine community feel that keeps families connected.
The 'Clubs in Focus' series showcases the outstanding things that our clubs are doing for grassroots cycling and riding.
Featured photos: Supplied