Support quality, independent, local journalism…that matters

From just £1 a month you can help fund our work – and use our website without adverts. Become a member today

Sunday June 11 marked 54 years since Caerphilly motorcyclist Malcolm Uphill’s record breaking Isle of Man TT win.

To mark the occasion, the South Wales Classic Motorcycle Club held its annual charity memorial ride in Malcolm Uphill’s memory – with more than 90 riders taking part.

Uphill grew up on Second Avenue, Trecenydd and went on to enjoy success in the Isle of Man TT. He passed away in 1999, aged 64, and is buried in Machen cemetery.

The ride began at Caerphilly’s Wetherspoons pub, which is named after Uphill – before heading towards Pontypool, over to Usk and then passing through Abergavenny and Brecon en route to Llandovery, before heading back.

Club chairman Alwyn Dart told Caerphilly Observer: “We ride the route Malcolm used to ride. Ninety-four of us took part this year – it’s growing every year.

“We started this before Covid and the club has been going five years now.”

Each year, the ride raises money for a different charity. This year’s ride has so far risen more than £500 for the Falklands Veterans Foundation.

The charity offers accommodation to veterans and their families, free of charge, so they can visit the Falklands.

Falklands veteran Simon Weston, from Nelson, is a member of the club, and was in attendance at the start of the race, as was Caerphilly town mayor Mike Prew.

While the weather was sunny for most of the ride, a few of the riders towards the back did get caught in a heavy shower near Brecon, Mr Dart said.

Speaking about the club itself, he said: “We meet up every fortnight at the Green Lady pub in Caerphilly. There’s usually more than 30 of us who attend.

“The club started off for members with classic motorbikes 25 years or older, but we’ve relaxed it since and now anyone with any bike can join.”

He said the group is made up of “all sorts of people” and a range of different ages, with members regularly attending bike shows and rallies together.

Visit the South Wales Classic Motorcycle Club’s website for more information on the club.