Mike Jackson

Happy memories of time spent with Mike.
One weekend, Mike and I were Commissaires at a race on the Aston-on-Clun circuit in Shropshire. To save having to leave home early on race day, it was decided that we should go away for the weekend with Mike, Cheryl and my wife Debbie.
We stayed at The Poppy House B&B in Bishop’s Castle. Mike and Cheryl were most impressed with the allocation of rooms as they stayed in the very same room (and bed) that Robert Plant, front man of Led Zepplin had stayed in just a few weeks earlier.
The evening meal was at the Castle Hotel where Mike, who was always happy to share his passion for all things relating to road racing with anyone who would listen, tried to explain to Debbie how the cars in a race convoy are set up.
He cleared the carefully laid table with one sweep of his hand and then proceeded to use a variety of condiment containers and other items of tableware to represent the vehicles involved, much to the amusement of the waiters and waitresses who had previously laid our table. Obviously, lead car two would be the first car in the convoy, why don’t people understand??
The next day, at race HQ I’m sure Debbie was expecting to see giant salt and pepper pots and a large gravy boat setting up in the car park.

Another weekend, after stage one of that year’s Three Day event, Mike and I drove out to Presteigne, just over the border in Wales, where we had booked an Air B&B for that Friday evening.
We arrived at the address at about 9.00pm only to find the accommodation locked and deserted.
I remember leaving Mike in the car park next to the police station trying to explain to a police officer that we had nowhere to stay. The police officer, clearly unsure about Mike’s accent, seemed to think that Mike only spoke Welsh so this conversation was never going to get us sorted.
I managed to book us into a beautiful inn in Old Radnor called
‘The Harp Inn’. Here, we sat outside on the terrace overlooking the valley below, talking about his racing career and how he met Cheryl all those years before. As we ate our evening meal together, we watched a magnificent sunset against the backdrop of Castle Nimble and The River Lugg.
My most magical memory of time spent with Mike.

Mike was a legend. I first came across him at the Giro del Mon in 2018, when he helped Chris Pook run his 3-day over Stiperstones through the aftermath of a massive storm before the final stage. Two things made Mike stand out as a commissaire, first his constant calm, and second his priority being that the race should happen, so he would help organisers overcome most obstacles. At our road race in March 2019, he had to take a firm stand with multiple riders crossing white lines who had to be DQed but he managed the situation with great tact, explaining to each rider precisely what had happened. It was Mike who pressed me to join the West Mids Region Board and to start the Region's road race work group, and supported me when we began the latter; I'm pretty sure he did so to try & do his best to ensure that there were people in place who would share his passion and keep the races going. I was also privileged to drive him when he chief commissaire-ed various races; an enjoyable experience with constant banter and comment on what was going on. He will be in our thoughts at every race we run in 2027.

The first time I met Mike was at a road race in 2008, where I competed. Shortly after that I started organising races for the SS league and Mike was always a friendly, supportive personality who made organising so easy. He told me that for him and Cheryl, it was "a hobby". What a great way to look at the work he did to forward West Midlands road racing.
There must be hundreds of riders who benefitted from Mike's efforts who didn't realise the huge impact he was having in the region.
He became a good friend, we would often bump into each other out and about and make time for a chat.
Another point to note is that he would spot good performances, not necessarily from top riders but lesser ones who had made an exceptional effort, he always made time to go and congratulate them.
A very sad end for a great man who must have had a miserable four months since Cheryl's passing. I will miss him as will many other of my clubmates who had the pleasure of dealing with him.

I am very sorry to hear about the passing of Mike. His races defined my 30’s, with over a decade spent trying to stay fit so I could attend the Thursday night league which he gave so much to. It was a pleasure later on to help organise some rounds alongside Mike and his team. The behind the scenes efforts and his knowledge were second to none and the responsibility he took on was immense. His races brought people together with a focus on ‘have a go’ and ‘try again’ grass roots cycling. He will be sadly missed.

So sad to hear of Mike’s passing. He was a giant of West Midlands cycling. I’ll always remember his kindness, humour and love for the sport through SSSCCRRL and many other event across the region.

From freezing cold January Sundays at Stourport to warm sunny Thursdays at the road race league over many years Mick was there keeping everybody safe. A generous gentleman of great resolve and wonderful humour. Somebody who willing gave his time and contributed all his life for the benefit of others. Much missed, but well remembered with fondness.

Mike - I could never thank you and Cheryl enough for your help and support in organising, running and troubleshooting our Paramount road races. With your help we put on some fantastic races, with great memories.

All this was done with your characteristic wit and humour. You held the respect of both the riders and the volunteers, and it became a fixture that you had your own "special" driver - a car full of Yam Yams.

Mike has been my mentor for 9 years. From the first time I met him, I knew that we were going to get along. It was part of a 3-day road race at Minsterley. We had all sorts on the day. A TT and two road races with a major crash at the finish line - interestingly on an S-bend and near a cemetery!! His approach was that of a great mentor and while he could have dictated what to do, he quizzed me and stretched my capabilities.
Over the years whenever I had a commissairing issue, Mike was my 'go-to' discussion person. We had long conversations about what could and should be done, which has significantly shaped how I perform my commissairing role. Even in the last two weeks, as he lay in his bed at Russell Court Nursing Home, we had a heated discussion on an incident at a recent race. As I think of Mike... he'll never leave my heart... I think of these special words which mean a lot to me and my experience with Mike:

“The greatest legacy of Mike is not what he left behind, but what he inspired others to carry on.”

“Mike is one of those special people who made a lasting mark not by standing in the spotlight, but by helping others shine.”

“Mike gave freely of his time, quietly of his wisdom, and generously of his friendship.”

Mike was a legend in his own lifetime. I first met him and Cheryl way back in the 90’s and over the 30 years he became a friend. A true gentleman in the West Mids cycling community - you knew where you stood. Mike I hope Cheryl has a tandem awaiting for both.

When I started the West Midlands NEG group, Mike's race at Astley was the first race we provided cover for. At the end of the race Mike came up to me and said he wouldn't put on another race without the NEG providing cover. He was a great supporter of the NEG. It was always great see Mike at races either as an organiser, Commissaire or just helping out. Always in the background was Cheryl, signing on or providing tea and cake. They will both be greatly missed. Mike was Mr West Midlands cycling.