Quietly spoken and shy of praise, it was Eddie Barron’s passion and dedication to cycling and it’s racers for which he remains most revered.

Born in York in 1920 and raised in nearby Daliak, Eddie showed early talent by winning the Schoolboys Championship in 1933. Depression era austerity forced a family move to Kalgoorlie where Pop Barron found work in a grocery store and running two up games.

Eddie married Joy in Fremantle in 1938 and in 1942 commenced war service that saw him posted to Queensland and Borneo, the role of Tech Storeman suiting his fastidious nature.

Returning to Midland in early 1946, the stocky Eddie quickly established himself as a prominent senior professional cyclist and noted sprinter, winning the York Wheel Race, Fremantle Cycling State 100 Mile Race - becoming State Champion in the process - and setting fastest time in WA’s most prestigious road race, the Beverley to Perth.

Eddie rode to work each day, first to Swansea Cycles in Fremantle and later Lucas Cycles in the city. In 1947, he opened Flash Cycles in Midland. For a few years, the rooms above this cycling hub doubled as a home for his extended family and meeting rooms for his beloved Midland-Bassendean Cycling Club.

Employing and sponsoring three generations of racers, he often spent weekends scoping race routes or approaching Midland businesses to raise money and donations for prizes. Despite supplying sashes, trophies and sponsorship, Eddie was hard to find come presentation time, returning late from race day marshalling.

Both he and Joy were made honorary life members of the Midland Bassendean Cycling Club and Eddie was named Shire of Swan Citizen of the Year. In recognition of his role in the administration of the sport of cycling racing, the road to the world class Midvale Velodrome was named Eddie Barron Drive in 1989. Eddie passed away in 1995 leaving wife Joy and children Shirley, Bevan and Linley.

Images courtesy of Linley Munro and Bevan and Pat Barron.