Thursday, 28 March 2024
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Doris Swinnerton, co-owner of Swinnerton Cycles, passes away

Doris Swinnerton, a long-time member of the cycling industry and co-owner of bike retail outfit Swinnerton Cycles has passed away, aged 94.

With her late husband Roy, they bought Swinnerton Cycles from Roy’s parents in 1954, expanding it over the years to become a highly successful and well regarded cycle shop in Stoke-on-Trent.

Doris loved riding her bike, but she devoted her life to supporting others; firstly Roy, a National Grass Track and North Staffordshire sprint champion who also managed international racing teams, and then to her 7 children who amassed records and medals on the world stage. She also helped many international racing cyclists in the 1960s and 70s.

Doris became a legend on the local cycling scene having supported countless young cyclists, giving her time to organise road races, time trials, and the Newcastle Track league which, with husband Roy, she helped to form and run for many years, as well as the North Staffordshire Cycling Association. Both were qualified timekeepers and handicappers, and so helped the other clubs with the running of events.

When the Lyme Racing Club was founded, Doris was asked to help as President. It was similar with Stoke AC Cycling Section. There was hardly anything that went on the local cycling scene that Doris didn’t have something to do with.

At reliability rides, year after year, she would be there, in her van, handing out hot drinks and food to any riders who wanted it, always helping people.

After passing the shop on to the next generation to run, Doris never really retired, and was there most days well into her eighties. Even in her nineties she loved talking shop, watching the races on TV, and would always have a Cycling Weekly on the table.

As well as her 7 children, Doris had 22 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren through whom her spirit and passion for cycling lives on.

Doris’ funeral is due to take place on Wednesday 25th September 2019 at St Gregory’s RC Church, Longton, Stoke-on-Trent at 11am.

Doris’ Grandson, Kevin Griffiths, now owns and operates BikeZaar, an online marketplace that seeks to assist independent bicycle shops compete online.