Roland Atkins

Founder of Atkins Cycles Wholesale ( the forerunner to Ride) came to Coventry in 1933. He was a keen racing cyclist and was a prolific winner of many local time trails hill climbs and rough stuff events . Ron as he is more commonly known, was a dedicated servant to cycle sport and worked on many committees to promote cycling and cycle racing throughout the country. He was a founder member of the BCCA (British cyclo cross association) and also a founder member of the Coventry Road Club.

Ron met his future wife to be Edith while riding home from work 1937. They were married in 1940 and had two children, John in 1942 and Joy 1944. John enjoyed a fantastic cycling career and also established John Atkins cycles in Far Gosford street Coventry. Joy emigrated to Australia and became the first computer operator in Brisbane where she settled.

Ron supported Edith in all her cycling record rides and even re mortgaged their home to allow them time to plan and go for the records which they did with great success.