173 cyclists take part in Bridges of Hope

JAMES Elliott was only 14 years old when he lost his life in the waters of the River Bush.

Twelve months after this tragedy the hearts of over 200 people in the world of cycling was stirred and motivated to take very positive action.

Young James would have been so proud when the organisers of the event Ballymoney cycling club members were seen in action from early morning putting out signs and getting refreshments ready for 173 cyclists due to descend on Stranocum.

Twelve noon arrived and the numbers began to assemble talking quietly amongst themselves in small groups, recognising friends of old and past racing rivals exchanged friendly banter.

Cyclists from Belfast, Donegal, Co. Cavan, Banbridge Ballyclare, Ballymena, Coleraine, Portglenone, Bellaghy it seemed that this worthy cause of support for the Community Rescue Service had pulled hard on the heart strings of so many and representation was being made from every hamlet and town in the country.

The response was overwhelming, as the start time of 1pm approached, they kept coming and coming.

Every type of bicycle was there, the young and old alike awaited the starters whistle. As the start was held for few minutes on the instructions of Neil Clark, Neil is one of the tandem riders who assists the blind cyclists.

Neil told the starter we were waiting for a large group of riders coming over from Coleraine, Bann Wheelers CC. It was then discovered that one of the girls with them had a crash and was taken to hospital, on behalf of Margaret and Clive Elliott and the members of Ballymoney CC we wish Stephanie Quigley a speedy recovery, and a special thank you to the other BWCC members who still came on to do the cycle and make their donations to the Community Rescue Service.

With the event divided into three distances to suit everyone the 3.5mile circuit saw children as young as 6 years old accompanied by their parents enjoying the challenge, 35 riders felt that the 9.5 mile circuit would be a better suited to them and they set off after the bunch of over 100 riders who blazed the 22 miles crossing 6 Bush bridges on their way back to the village.

As some of them crossed Bellisle bridge it was noted that they paused to spared a moment of silent thought before riding on. Touching moments.

At the finish the local Orange Hall threw open its doors and inside Nola McAllister was busying herself as she tried to feed the hungry cyclists with sandwiches and cake, BCC treasurer Colin Thompson was in charge of the donation collections and was clearly overwhelmed with the generosity of everyone.

Next week the final amount will be announced and an official presentation will be made to the Community Rescue Service.

On reflection Ballymoney Cycling Club want to expand this event for 2011 and raise the profile so that the Community Rescue Service have an event that is in the cycling calendar and the prospect of 250+ cyclists next year is an opportunity that Charlie Dickson, Davy Wallace, Colin Thompson and Maurice McAllister know is well within their capable grasp and organising abilities.

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