Mike Lees died suddenly on 6th April 2024, on the way to the Opera with his wife Ginny. He was healthy, fit, and robust — the news was a shock to all who knew him. The outpouring of love and emotion that followed reflected the very high esteem in which he was held.
Mike joined the club in 2013 and became General Secretary in 2016, a role he filled with quiet dedication and good humour for many years.
His love of cycling began as a young boy near Blackpool, where his father was an engineer. He would talk fondly of riding the roads of the Northwest, and he supported Fleetwood Town with the same loyalty he brought to everything he cared about.
My own memories of Mike go back a long way. We were the same age, both studied Architecture, and arrived in London at similar times to work and finish our studies. We worked at the same practice, played cricket together, and spent long conversations discussing renovation projects and starting families. Mike and Ginny made their home in Muswell Hill, where they raised four children: Imogen, Miranda, Rupert, and Freddie. Our paths crossed again when our daughters attended the same school.
As General Secretary, Mike was superb — organised, well-prepared, and always willing to help. He served the club brilliantly and was liked and respected by everyone. He had a knowing smile and a dry wit that could turn an ordinary conversation into something far more interesting, often ending in fits of laughter. There was a calm about him, and an uncanny ability to put people at ease and make them feel genuinely welcome. He always had helpful advice on bike mechanics too.
A top bloke, greatly missed.
Rest in peace, Mike.