Cyclists beat clock for charity

Andrew Lee joined three other local riders who set off from The Albert Clock last Saturday at noon to raise cash for locally run charities Friends in Action and Stepping Stones Nigeria. The Limavady man was joined by brothers Matthew and Paul Wilson from Bangor, and Alan Graham from Ballymena completing the incredible cycle in just 22hours 32mins and 28secs. They travelled clockwise around the province through towns such as Portaferry, Newcastle, Aughnacloy, Strabane, Coleraine and Larne in an effort to make it back to The Albert Clock by 12noon on Sunday, July 25. A previous effort last year failed by only 12 minutes setting the benchmark for what is quickly becoming an iconic challenge amongst local cyclists. The four man team cycled for approximately 30mins each in a rotating relay format, trying to grab small bits of rest and food in the support cars that followed behind. Each rider covered a total distance of close to 120miles. To complete the challenge in under 24 hours they had to cycle at an average speed of 18.5mph, but as it turned out, with mild weather conditions the team managed to average almost 20mph. At times the riders averaged speeds of over 25mph for their individual 30minute efforts. The course the riders took was designed to take the longest possible route around the coast and border area of Northern Ireland without crossing the border and along roads that were safe enough to cycle on. Navigating such a tortuous route presented a challenge in itself particularly around parts of Counties Armagh and Fermanagh. A number of wrong turns were taken resulting in a few extra miles being ridden. The course gave both riders and crew the chance to see some lesser spotted, but yet beautiful parts of the province.

Speaking on their achievement, group leader Paul Wilson said: "Having tried and failed last year with the challenge, the team knew what needed to be improved. Planning started over 5months ago with both the riders and crew meeting up to discuss and practice tactics and strategies. This truly was a team effort and all the riders are very grateful for the support that the crew were around the whole course."

Paul continued: "As far as we are aware, nothing like this has ever been done before but we have now set the benchmark for others to have a go. It is a great challenge and one that we hope will become as famous as some of the end to end rides. One suggestion has been to turn it into a race with multiple teams, a bit like the Race Around Ireland"

It was really great having received some media coverage before we set off. We met people around the course who had heard about what we were doing and it was a great boost to hear them cheer us on. We are also grateful to the other road users who were patient with us on some of the busier parts of the course."

Friends in Action is a locally run charity that operates a water well drilling operation in West Africa, providing clean supplies of drinking water to some of the poorest communities in the world. Stepping Stones Nigeria works to defend and uphold the rights of children in the Niger Delta by improving education and literacy. A diary of the lead up to and throughout the challenge can be found on the team's Facebook group (24hr cycle race around Northern Ireland) with photos and videos being uploaded shortly. The team were also helped on their way by support from Emo Oil, Chain Reaction Cycles and Up and Running.