Big turnout for club reliability trial

This popular event attracts more participants than all the other road club 'open events' put together.

Conditions were far from ideal with constant rain making life difficult, especially as the hundreds of potholes encountered en route were difficult to spot, as many had filled up with rain water.

This led to an abnormal number of impact punctures, as the cyclists either hit potholes or the stones which had come out from the holes, but at least the snow which ruined last year's event stayed away this time.

The riders had a choice of route, distance and pace with Race Secretary Tommy Wilson leading the 'A' group which was 70 strong.

Their 75 miles route took in Antrim, Templepatrick, Longshot, Ballyrobert, Greenisland, Woodburn, Kilroot, Whitehead, Larne, Ballygally and Carnlough and back to Broughshane and Ballymena. They were supported by Hugh McCullough, Alan Mark and Donny Bremner.

The touring section supervised the "B" group of 67 riders and they completed a 53 miles route to Moorfields, Whappstown, Ballyeaston, Kilwaughter and Ballygally, where they had a brief pit stop.

The group had kept together until this point with all punctures and mechanical problems being sorted out by Jim Burns and Pius McKernan, who were acting as the back up crew in the club's 'Events Vehicle'.

Derek Dougan then decided it would be good to split this big bunch and he took charge and led a forward group over the final miles to Glenarm, Carnlough and up Glencloy and back in through the Braid to Broughshane and home to Rex Bonar house where the ladies' committee were waiting with loads of soup and sandwiches. The rest of the touring group wasn't too far behind Derek's bunch.

Race Secretary Tommy Wilson was very pleased with the day's events.

"I thank everyone who helped out, Rex Bonar for opening up the clubrooms and supervising the parking and John Blair for the use of his car park. The signing on ladies did a great job as they were very busy from early on Sunday morning and later they served the post event tea they were still on duty after 3 pm. The soup was very welcome on such a cold, wet day.

"My thanks too goes to the back up crews who supported the two runs and also to all those who traveled from all over the country to take part and paid their entry fee." Added Tommy

One rider missing from the run on Sunday was BRC's Philip Bremner, although he was present to help send everyone on their way. Philip was a victim of black ice on Saturday morning's club run.

The group rode out to Cargan and were about to descend Glenariff when they struck an area of black ice. The surface had been clear until that point but the ice took everyone by surprise and there were a couple of fallers and Philip came off worse and dislocated his right shoulder. Philip was taken by ambulance to Antrim area hospital.

Philip hasn’t had much luck and last season fell and broke his left collar bone after his chain snapped during a race at Aghagallon.

It’s a bit ironic that the cyclists should be caught out on Saturday as everyone had been very careful not to risk training on the roads during the recent cold snap.

Everyone at Ballymena Road Club wishes Philip a speedy recovery.

The pre season of reliability trials continue this Sunday 31st January with the Northern CC event. The contact is Paul Kane 07759 036269. [email protected]

Events follow at 10 am on February 7 by Island Wheelers at Gortgonis Coalisland.

On February 14 it's East Antrim’s turn with their event which starts from Carrickfergus Castle car park at 10 am (the organizer is Gary Wilson 07803 162 070). Maryland wheelers also have a trial on Sunday 14th February.

The “pre season friendlies” conclude on 21st February when Phoenix cycling club have their event from the house of sport Upper Malone, Belfast at 9.30 am.

That leads nicely into the start of the 2010 racing season as Banbridge CC promote their Annaclone Grand Prix 40 miles road race on 27th February at 12 noon.

AARON HONOURED

Congratulations to Ballymena Road Club member Aaron Swan who won the Ballymena junior sportsperson of the year award at the Ballymena Borough Council backed presentation in the Town Hall last Thursday night.

Aaron won the National “all Ireland” under 12 road race championship and a host of other events during the 2009 season, everyone at BRC is delighted to hear of his success.

CHEQUE HANDOVER

BRC member Mary McKee, from Drumsough road in Randalstown, presented a cheque for 1540 to the Angels of Hope charity recently.

Mary held a coffee morning at her home on 14th November and the proceeds for her morning’s efforts will go to this charity, which supports sufferers of ovarian cancer.

Mary’s efforts, and those who supported her that morning, will help to provide complementary therapies and counselling services for sufferers and their families at the charities headquarters at Fitzwilliam St, Belfast (close to Belfast City Hospital) For more information log on at www.angelsofhope.org.uk

REGISTRATION

Ballymena Road Club’s membership has now reached 100 following last Monday night’s fourth registration meeting.

Registration will now continue once a month on the first Monday of the month that is Monday 1st February and then Monday 1st March.

First time applicants to Cycling Ireland need to bring a photo copy of their ID which will accompany their application forms.

Fees are 25 for newcomers (non race licence) 43 (existing members non race) 71 for club racing and 128 for full racing licences.

Please pay by cheques made out to Ballymena Road Club.