It is with a sense of shock and huge sadness that I wirte to say that former Gillingham Wheelers Chairman and current committee member, Geoff Percival, went for a ride on Saturday but never returned home.
Geoff was a long standing clubman. Although his cycling activities had reduced over the last few years as he spent more time looking after his wife Susie and their grandchildren, Geoff was an integral part of the Saturday Pink Group and an occassional time trialist.
Geoff bought an old Falcon racing bike a few years ago and would use this at the club time trials. A lasting memory is him riding the Sturminster course and crossing the finish line with one crank arm in his hand and pedalling one legged!
Another is his battle to take a Strava KoM in Ashmore Woods ……………………………………. from a horse! Whereas many of us would have just flagged the horse ride, Geoff was determined to beat the time with pedal power! I am pleased to be able to say that after a number of attempts, Geoff succedded in this aim a month or so ago.
Geoff went to Mallorca on a number of the trips organised by the Club as well as sportives in France and Flanders and also joined us on two Alpine adventures, conquoring a number of Tour de France and Giro climbs in the process. He was also a strong supporter of the club’s Zwift racing teams.
Geoff spent most of his life looking out for others before himself, and was heavily involved in his local community, not just the Gillingham Wheelers.
When I know details of how his life will be celebrated I will let people know, but now our thoughts are with Susie and their two daughters and son.
