Ballymoney CC cyclists brave elements in charity ride

All the proceeds collected went to the Action Medical Research for Children for Life charity. Ballymoney Cycling Club had over 30 members taking part and led by the club’s chairman Charlie Dickson all ages and abilities were represented.

Marshall Craig and Chris Frew had a good representation of leisure and touring cyclists, whilst Jason Taggart led a big group from the racing team.

Despite the fierce wind and blustery conditions, some riders did one lap of the 9 mile circuit while others made it an opportunity to do some training, amidst the hustle and bustle of the final touches being put to race preparations they completed 5 and 6 laps.

With Charlie leading a group from Portrush to the Downings later this month this was a great opportunity to get in some preparation miles.

BCC Racing Team at Slaght

On Wednesday evening 13 Ballymoney CC riders were in action in the first round/stage of the Six Club Road Race series that is taken in turns by Bann Wheelers, Carn Wheelers, Ballymoney CC, Spires CC, Bann Valley and Ballymena.

This first race was hosted by Ballymena Road Club on the fast Caddy circuit just outside the town. Over 60 riders started and were divided into four groups. Ballymoney juniors Jack Owens, Jordan McCaw, Ryan Orr and Stuart Laverty were out to mix it with the seniors. Ryan Orr even asked to be set off in the third group to help him prepare for some tough racing that is coming up in the Cycling Ulster calendar.

Ryan who last weekend travelled with his granddad down to take part in the “Cork Man” junior racing where other Ballymoney cyclist Aaron Swan finished 4th and Ryan got 9th overall from the three stages.

With 3 laps to complete the four groups all came together and despite attempts by Simon Taggart and Chris Beattie from the local club to escape, it looked like a bunch sprint for the line.

With some riders hitting the road in the heaving mass of energy, thankfully no one was seriously injured the mad dash for the line which was won by Ryan Bankhead (BRC) from Ballymoney’s Steven McAllister 2nd, Chris Beattie (BRC) 3rd and Jason Taggart from Ballymoney 4th.

Next best finisher for Ballymoney was under 16 rider Stuart Laverty and junior Jack Owens.

After the first round it sees Ballymena 32pts leading Ballymoney by 3 points with Carn Wheelers 3rd with 20pts.

At the weekend Ballymoney riders Martin Carroll, Ryan and Neville Patton along with team mate Ryan Fenton took part in the Race Loughguile and Steven McAllister finished the 220 mile Tour of Ulster in the “Lanterne Rouge” position after a topsy turvy three days riding for the Lurgan based team of Clann Eireann.

Coming Events

This Wednesday evening sees the Ballymoney Club holding its road race event on the Tullaghans circuit starting at 7.15pm.

All club members not riding this event are asked to come along and help with the marshalling and getting the results on the finish line.

Ballymoney CC weekend Leisure runs are as usual from the JDLC on Saturday at 10.15am and the very popular

“Summer Sunday Cycling” with Marshall Craig from the “Grease Pit” car park at 10.30am.

All abilities and age groups are welcomed to come along and join in the short runs.