John Leigh
John has been involved in cycling almost all his life.
He started racing aged 18 in his home town of Orange, making a name for himself around the track racing scene of western NSW. The severe winter weather and lack of modern day clothing meant riding the road seasons was never a priority, as winter was the only time road races were held, however John did ride many road races with some success.
After a short break from the sport but still maintaining a passive interest due to the commitments of a young family, John once again became active when his sons David and Robert started racing. During this time John was a masters competitor, commissaire, coach, commentator and race organiser. Through the 1980’s John became a member of the Bathurst club, as the Orange club ceased due to lack of numbers, and continued to compete through masters divisions around NSW.
In 1988, John moved to Port Macquarie, joining the then fledgling club that had been kicked off by Graham Seers a couple of months earlier.
After moving to Port, John became actively involved with the club, running the weekly club races at the various venues, and took a particular interest in junior racing and development. This extended to travelling with families such as the Mortons to races throughout NSW where he would provide advice on racing strategy and tactics.
John was also active in assisting and marshalling in later years when commissaire rules changed meaning he was no longer able to be the primary official. John was also for many years the club handicapper and grader. He was often on the end of a broom or a weed killer spray maintaining the course for racing.
John retains his interest with the club to this day, attending most race meetings and has attended the iconic Grafton to Inverell race every year for many years, although now without his great mate Jack Griffin.