SOCIAL cycling group Gawler Wheelers marked its 10-year anniversary on Saturday.

Riders celebrated by taking the traditional “GW Route No. 1”, which is the track founding members Wilson Devo and the late Frank Fragnito started with back in 2011.

Wilson joined in for the ride, along with many riders past and present, travelling largely along the Stuart O’Grady Bikeway, with a loop back via Edinburgh.

The group finished at the Exchange Hotel to share in a birthday cake, as well as announce a new Gawler Wheelers’ initiative, involving raising money for the Amy Gillett Foundation for cycle safety.

There are also plans to establish an annual Gawler Wheeler’s Award.

Member Paul Koch said Wilson and Frank created an enduring legacy.

What started as just an idea and had now grown to be one the largest social cycling groups in South Australia.

“Across the 10 years, many have taken on different roles from leading rides, being the ‘tail-end Charlie’ and taking on the administrative duties,” he said.

“This commitment has ensured the group has kept rolling along.

“Also, many business have supported the group, especially after the rides, to allow the group to recover and socialise over a drink or two.

“The Gawler Wheelers are very proud of their achievements and look forward to many more years of taking in the wonderful and challenging cycling environs this area offers cyclists.

“They feel well and truly a part of the Gawler community.”

The Gawler Wheelers ride each Saturday from about 7.30am, offering three routes (and difficulty levels) for it riders.