The Court of Trustees has adjudged George Lee Barker worthy of special recognition for his contribution to cycling in Yorkshire and in particular the Yorkshire Cycling Federation for over 50 years.
A born and bred Yorkshireman was given his first cycle at the age of 7 yrs. George Barker, Pennine C.C., commenced youth hostelling as a teenager and started racing after joining the R.A.F, being a member of the winning R.A.F. St. Athan team in the R.A.F. mass start championship in 1951 and also riding time trials and N.C.U. events.
However George’s greatest achievements have been as an administrator. Joining Pennine C.C. in 1952, he became treasurer in 1961 and President in 1999, a position he still holds. He has been a prolific time-keeper since the 1960’s, including officiating in 25, 50, 100 and 12 hour R.T.T.C./C.T.T. National Championships. George has organised and marshalled many time trials, including events run by Pennine C.C., Y.C.F. and Harrogate Festival. He is on the C.T.T. District Committee, having previously acted as auditor, and has been a member of the V.T.T.A. for over 30 years.
George’s main contribution has been his association with the Y.C.F. Apart from running the Federation’s 25 mile time trial event for 36 years he was a key member of the committee ensuring the Y.C.F.’s survival in the 1960’s and has been President since 1983.
George has given exceptional service to Yorkshire cycling over many years and is justly entitled to this award.
24th February 2008