Our Story
The Chesapeake Wheelmen were founded in 1946 is one of the oldest clubs in the United States and the oldest in the state of Maryland. The club commemorates the founders by naming the club championship trophies after them. Every fall the Wheelmen host a three race series, sometimes over three days, consisting of a time trial, road race, and a criterium with the highest placing rider in the “A” category being awarded the historic “Lauf-Fuller Trophy”, while the “B” category winner takes home the George “Sandy” Sandruck trophy.
Historic Members
- Art Lauf – Born 1921 in Germany, came to the US at 3. Farmer by trade, built houses, father of two girls—Christie and Kathy—married to Millie Lauf. 13 times Maryland State Champion, rode six day races, three times National BAR Champion. Liked hills, rode everyday, could dress and undress on rollers, rode a Harley Davidson motorcycle. Died 1969 of a brain tumor.
- Clyde Nitz – Long time cycling supporter and promoter in the 50’s and 60’s. Still holds the unpaced Baltimore–Philadelphia record. Printer by trade.
- George Clayton Sandruk, Sr. – Ran a bike shop in Baltimore, Maryland; father of George Sandruk.
- George Sandruck, Jr. – Worked as an engineer at Martin Marietta in Baltimore, Maryland. Former district representative, founder and long time officer of the Chesapeake Wheelmen. George passed away in 2000.
CW Timeline
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1946 | Chesapeake Wheelmen founded by Clyde Nitz |
| 1949 | James Lauf wins National Championship |
| 1952 | James Lauf: Olympic Team and Tour of Mexico stage winner |
| 1995 | August newsletter |
| April 1997 | Heritage Park Time Trial, Warsaw, VA |
| April 1998 | Tour De Warsaw, Warsaw, VA |
| August 1998 | Eat A Peach Tour, Westminster, MD; fundraiser for the Brain Injury Association of MD |
| November 1998 | Cat Point Cyclocross, Heritage Park, Warsaw, VA |
| September 1999 | Tour de Prince Georges, Bowie, MD |
| October 2004 | Gwyns Falls Trail Cyclocross |
| September 2005 | Gwyns Falls Trail Cyclocross |
| July 2006 | 60th Anniversary Criterium, Bowie, MD |
| 2007–2017 | Highway To Heaven Hill Climb Time Trial |