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We are a husband and wife team from Clonmel. Co. Tipperary. Ireland.
Ray has been involved with bikes for 38 years, and loves all things bicycle. From racing on roads, all around the world, track cycling on velodromes worldwide and mountain biking, he then went off to open his own bike shop and get all the inside industry knowledge, that allowed him the opportunity to offer that information to be passed on to you. Tina comes from a more varied background, from tour guide to retail management, to customer service agent, all of these skills have brought the whole package together. While Tina's idea of cycling is at a more leisurely pace, we feel it's important to cater to every persons interests. |
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From the beginning |
Where we are now |
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Ray started cycling with Clonmel Cycling Club at 12 years of age. Heading out with a beginners spin that was so enjoyable all he wanted was to go again the following week. This led to Ray representing his country on many occasion on the road and on the track. His most prized medal is the National Road Race Medal. There have been many others, but this one is the one that stands out. Ray opened his bike shop - Worldwide Cycles Ltd. - with friend Barry Meehan (bikefitbarry/the cycling blog) in 1999 - and while Barry moved towards a different avenue in the cycling world- Ray stayed with the shop in Clonmel, helping as many people as he could in the surrounding areas to keep cycling. Tina has worked in retail since she could see over a counter, and loves meeting people and making sure they get the experience they deserve.... so the team changed slightly, with Tina joining Ray in the bike shop to assist in any way she can. As a person with a strong personality, she's quite determined to see through any projects that she sets her mind to, which is quite obvious to anyone that knows her - taking part in long distance running & walking events, are what appeal when Tina's not cycling :) |
After completing many training courses with Shimano, and having had the opportunity to visit the Japanese giants in manufacturing in 2016 - Ray can now pass that information on, to allow your bike maintenance experience to be efficient and confident.
He has also completed the Cyctech accreditation Levels 1, 2 and wheelbuilding. He also tries to keep up to date with all of Shimano's training courses, attempting to maintain his 100% record *yes - he's even competitive in this :) As most people during the pandemic in 2020/2021 took time away from their workplaces, bike shops headed into one of the busiest times they had experienced in decades, so we upped our pace in the shop, working 7 days a week ... And as a man that likes a challenge, Ray took this time to tackle the one big fear he had, public speaking. He wanted to be able to pass on knowledge to people - to allow them to help themselves, but didn't have the confidence to create a course and stand in front of a room full of people to give the whole spiel. So off he went and put himself through a course with our local ETB (can't say enough good things about the support from the ETB!), passing 2 level 6 QQI courses with distinction. This is then the lead on to us both taking part in the Cycle Right Course with Cycling Ireland. All during a pandemic :) We're both so grateful to Cycling Ireland for the opportunity to put our enthusiasm and knowledge into practice while helping children to learn how to cycle, safely. They are our future, and if they have the skills and confidence to cycle, we might be able to create our own mini revolution towards a greener country. |
NEWSPAPER CLIPPINGS OF NOTE FROM CYCLING
IRISH EXAMINER
"Clarke achievement a boost for track cycling CLONMEL cyclist Ray Clarke, the former national road race cycling champion, surpassed all expectations and provided a massive shot in the arm for track cycling in Agile, Switzerland yesterday."
THU, 10 JUL, 2003 - 01:00 Finishing third behind two Koreans was enough to get him on the team that will travel to Athens for the Olympic Games next year.
The extraordinary thing about this success is that Ireland has no track facilities of any significance.
The platform for this success can be gauged by the involvement of Ciaran McKenna who brought Chris Boardman from Britain on board to coach a number of cyclists with Athens in mind.
Clarke of Cycleways/Lee Strand has been involved with the squad since it was formed in February.
"Clarke achievement a boost for track cycling CLONMEL cyclist Ray Clarke, the former national road race cycling champion, surpassed all expectations and provided a massive shot in the arm for track cycling in Agile, Switzerland yesterday."
THU, 10 JUL, 2003 - 01:00 Finishing third behind two Koreans was enough to get him on the team that will travel to Athens for the Olympic Games next year.
The extraordinary thing about this success is that Ireland has no track facilities of any significance.
The platform for this success can be gauged by the involvement of Ciaran McKenna who brought Chris Boardman from Britain on board to coach a number of cyclists with Athens in mind.
Clarke of Cycleways/Lee Strand has been involved with the squad since it was formed in February.
CLARKE TAKES 2ND BRONZE WORLD MASTERS
By UCI Results (IrishCycling.com)
17 Sep 2005,
Ray Clarke won another Bronze medal in the points race in 30 - 34 age group at Manchester velodrome last night. He just missed out for silver medal by two points. It was a fantastic race only decided in the final lap, in which Ray took a flyer and won final sprint.
Hugh Davis just missed bronze by a few points in the 56 - 59 age group he finished 4th. It has been a great week for Track Cycling Ireland and we are very proud of these men and all that competed.
BRONZE FOR CLARKE AT WORLD MASTERS (16 Sept)
Ray Clarke, last night finished 3rd in the World Masters Cycling Championship Pursuit (30-34 age group) at Manchester. Results 1st Michael Hutchinson Great Britain 2nd Mick Beers USA 3rd Ray Clarke Ireland
Mens Pursuit (Age group 30-34)
Michael Hutchinson of Great Britain. won the Gold medal in the Men�s 30-34 Pursuit when he crossed the line in 3.23.884 minutes to set a New World Masters Best Time. The Silver medal was won by Mike Beers of U.S.A when he completed the pursuit in 3.29.822 minutes. Ray Clarke from Ireland finished in 3.34.773 minutes to take the Bronze medal.
The Medals:
GOLD Michael Hutchinson Great Britain
SILVER Mike Beers U.S.A.
BRONZE Ray Clarke Ireland
By UCI Results (IrishCycling.com)
17 Sep 2005,
Ray Clarke won another Bronze medal in the points race in 30 - 34 age group at Manchester velodrome last night. He just missed out for silver medal by two points. It was a fantastic race only decided in the final lap, in which Ray took a flyer and won final sprint.
Hugh Davis just missed bronze by a few points in the 56 - 59 age group he finished 4th. It has been a great week for Track Cycling Ireland and we are very proud of these men and all that competed.
BRONZE FOR CLARKE AT WORLD MASTERS (16 Sept)
Ray Clarke, last night finished 3rd in the World Masters Cycling Championship Pursuit (30-34 age group) at Manchester. Results 1st Michael Hutchinson Great Britain 2nd Mick Beers USA 3rd Ray Clarke Ireland
Mens Pursuit (Age group 30-34)
Michael Hutchinson of Great Britain. won the Gold medal in the Men�s 30-34 Pursuit when he crossed the line in 3.23.884 minutes to set a New World Masters Best Time. The Silver medal was won by Mike Beers of U.S.A when he completed the pursuit in 3.29.822 minutes. Ray Clarke from Ireland finished in 3.34.773 minutes to take the Bronze medal.
The Medals:
GOLD Michael Hutchinson Great Britain
SILVER Mike Beers U.S.A.
BRONZE Ray Clarke Ireland
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