Cyclists join forces to take on West Down Wheelers' annual coastal run

Pictured after the successful charity coastal run last Saturday at katesbridge club chairman Billy Maxwell hands over a cheque to Danny Blondell for the Belgium project as members of the West Down Wheelers look on.

Why? Well it was West Down Wheelers’ Annual Coastal Run, starting and finishing in Katesbridge.

There were two runs on the day. The main run headed from Katesbridge to Castlewellan, Newcastle, Annalong, Ballymartin, Kilkeel, Rostrevor, Yellow Water climb, Hilltown, Kilcoo, Castlewellan and finishing back in Katesbridge - a total of 64 miles.

The shorter run headed to Castlewellan, Newcastle, Bryansford, Hilltown, Kilcoo and back through Castlewellan to Katesbridge.

Banbridge Cycling Club members at the Annual Coast Run.

It was a fantastic day’s cycling and everyone got back safely. Many of the riders even commented that it was a brilliantly run event with the riders reflecting on a great day over their post-cycle refreshments.

The Wheelers themselves were thrilled with the success of the day and want to thank some special people for their efforts.

Those include Katesbridge Orange for the use of the Hall, their very hard-working Chairman Billy Maxwell, the ladies in the Hall - Dorothy, Faith, Barbara, and Emily serving out the much needed refreshments, Berty Wilkinson for doing lead car in the B Run, The Bike Shak, Paul and Richie for doing lead car and service crew in the A Run, Danny Blondeel from the Belgian Project for taking the time to come up and support, Bronagh and Brendan Kirk for travelling up from Bangor to show their support and Bronagh for all her photos.

West Down Wheelers are a Banbridge based Racing Club and any rider not in a club, who would like to try the racing scene is welcome to get in touch. And with some new riders already signed up for the new season, you won’t be on your own.

West Down Wheelers Cycling Club members at the Annual Coast Run.

For more information, log unto www.westdownwheelers.com or go onto the club’s Facebook page.

The Wheelers are predominantly a racing club with an average of 40 local riders competing and plenty of experience to offer any guidance to new cyclists.