Ace Cycles

Lorne “Ace” Atkinson

The founder of Ace Cycles, Lorne “Ace” Atkinson , had a life-long history with cycling.  Lorne’s father, Charlie Atkinson, was a professional cyclist/coach from Scotland nurtured Lorne’s interest in road racing at a young age and supported him in his long history of competitive cycling.

Ace represented Canada at several international competitions from 1948 to 1954, including the 1948 Olympics in London. In the 1950 British Empire Games  he not only competed, giving Canada a 5th place finish in the 10 Mile Track Championship, but also managed and coached the Canadian cycling team.

For the 1954 British Empire games, Lorne served on the committee that established the China Creek Cycling Track, assisted in the organization of the cycling events, captained the Canadian team, and placed 4th in the 10 Mile track event (again, Canada’s best showing). His hand-build track bike is on display at the shop.

In 1962, Lorne became President of the Vancouver Bicycle Club, and was made a Life Member two years later.

He went on to coach Canada’s 1967 Pan Am Games cycling track team, and BC’s team at the 1982 Canadian Championships. In between, he saved the China Creek track from the bulldozer in 1972, and served as a member of the society that operated the track until 1976.

Legendary in cycling circles, Lorne was always available to athletes of all levels for advice and training tips. Ace was the “go-to” guy for information on cycling history as he spend many hours researching and documenting the history of cycling in British Columbia.

	Ace was inducted into the BC Sports Hall of Fame in 1997. Lorne was proud to be part of the “Hero in You” education series. This series of lessons aims to motivate children to find the champions within themselves. The lessons act as a springboard for students to find a passion in life and to reach for their individual success.
	In 2006 he was a recipient of the British Columbia Community Achievement Awards . This award recognized Lorne Atkinson, then 84, for the work he had done in the province as a mentor, a coach and a dedicated small business owner. As the owner of Ace Cycles in Kitsilano for the past 64 years, Lorne’s name was synonymous with cycling in British Columbia. He has voluntarily trained and coached more cyclists in BC than any other person involved in the sport. He was always available to athletes of all levels for advice and training tips. He was truly a leader and a legend
	At 88, Lorne’s mind remained razor sharp though his body was experiencing the effects of age and chronic disease.  Ace spent his time working on completing his cycling scrapbooks, visiting with friends and telling tales of times long ago with a clarity that is as clear as the twinkle in his eyes. The Ace Cycles tradition in providing friendly and professional service to the cycling community is proudly carried on by George Inglis and Jan Atkinson, his son-in-law and daughter. Ace passed away in his home  April 23rd  2010. He will be missed by all. Thanks to Tom Hawthorn of the Globe and Mail for this outstanding tribute.

.