Ballymoney Cycling Club and Action Medical Research at the NW200

It is traditional on this day as there is a sponsored walk and fun run, but this is an opportunity for two wheels to join them on a week that is dominated by their faster counter parts on Suzuki’s, Honda’s and Yamaha’s.

Giving the racers a chance to swap their leathers for cycling shorts and jerseys. Some riders have already indicated that they will be joining in to help with this fantastic initiative. A complete names list will be published shortly, and as they say “watch this space.”

As the Ballymoney Club are familiar and have vast experience in promoting these types of events, BCC have raised funds for the Community Rescue Service with the “Bridges of Hope” cycle runs based at Stranocum, Cycle for Meningitis Research from Portrush to the Downings in Donegal.

Ballymoney CC and Steady CC in Armagh cooperate each year in putting together “Cody’s Challenge”.

This massive event is held in co operation with BCC honorary members FDB Ras winner and pro cyclist Stephen Gallagher and wife Judith Gallagher. Stephen and Judith lost their son Cody to cardiomyopathy back in 2009. Since then BCC have assisted in organising the raising of funds for the Northern Ireland Children’s Heartbeat Trust. These are the type of events that bring the awareness needed to the worthy causes who rely solely on the general public’s generosity.

BCC chairman Charlie Dickson entered into communication with Sarah Matzen from Action Medical they along with Cathal Cunning, who takes care of safety and marshalling at the NW200. The plans were put in place to hold a “GIANT” charity fundraising cycle round the NW200 course, one time or as many times as you like with ALL the proceeds going to the charity. It was instantly hailed as a winner for all involved. The concept is so easy for everyone, the marshal’s and the safety features are already in place for the motorbikes and it is the choice of the cyclist to ride as far and for as long as they like.

Extensive planning is now in place to make this a family day of fun for everyone. The exciting aspect for cycling enthusiasts being able to assist the charity is knowing also that the World professional road cyclist and Tour de France stage winner Mark Cavendish is a patron of the charity and like so many others has lent his support to raising funds for Research Medical.

Patrons here in Northern Ireland for the charity are Moto GP rider Jeremy McWilliams and TV presenter Pamela Ballantyne.

As there will be an official launch all the details will be in the local press in the coming weeks.

Ballymoney CC Night Adventure Cycling

BCC Leisure Cyclist Chris Frew, gathered together on Thursday night at 7.30pm in driving sleet and extreme winter conditions.

A small group of hardy souls equipped with warm clothes, hi viz vests/jackets and an array of lights on bicycles. The Night Adventure Cycling concept was born.

This novel idea is to encourage anyone with any type of bike to come out on a Thursday evening and for approximately 60minutes ride in a highly visible group cycle the paths and cycle ways that are fairly well lit up by lights and get some exercise rather than sit in front of the TV on the killer couch.

Chris, said that he wants to see as many joining us each Thursday as it will “Clear the cob webs from you and help improve your health!”

So all fun/leisure cyclists are invited, each Thursday night from the Joey Dunlop Centre leaving at 7.30pm to come along, if you don’t have a hi viz vest or a helmet, BCC will provide those for you.

Weekend Runs and Info Mornings

Ballymoney CC weekend runs are from the Joey Dunlop Centre on a Saturday, 10.15am. These are for everyone to enjoy and are at the pace of the slowest rider covering anything from 15 - 25 miles depending on the group and the weather.

BCC also provide an opportunity for others interested in joining the club to come along and meet club officials who will answer any questions they have about cycling, insurance and membership. There will be some one there from 9.30am to 11.00am in the JDLC restaurant.