John Norton White a surveyor from nearby Stalybridge gathered together 10 of his friends who had an interest in cycling for a meeting at the Astley Coffee Tavern in Dukinfield and on 17th March 1885 the club was born. The first President was Lord of the Manor Sir A. W. Nicholson of Arisaig with three other MP’s as Vice Presidents. Originally members were encouraged to ride for Standard medals over specified distances and times but on September 14th 1889 the clubs first time trial miles was held over 25 miles on a course around Macclesfield, Monks Heath and Congleton.