Fun Tours off to a great start

BALLYMENA Road Club Scott Roof Tiles cyclists made a great start to their 2010 "Fun Tour" series when 57 riders turned out for last Saturday's first ride in this year's Autumn and Winter programme.

The excellent weather, which had been enjoyed all week, didn’t quite last for the full tour and, even though the first half of the ride was dry, the wet weather, which had been forecast, moved in and spoiled the latter parts of the outing.

Nevertheless a turnout of 57, which included several newcomers, as well as a few former and “lapsed” club members, was very encouraging.

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The touring section had the biggest bunch with 36 riders completing a 33 miles ride which took in Slaght, Kellswater, Oldwood Road, Lenagh Road, Castle road at Randalstown, Ballylurgan Road, Magheralane Road, Magherabeg Road, Peter’s bridge, Drumsough and Barnish road to Randalstown.

The final miles, in the wet, took in Church road and right on to Tannaghmore road then Craigmore, Clonkeen and out on to the Roguery Road and home via Kilnock, Slaght corner and Ballee.

The 21 riders in the “A” group completed a 49 miles ride at over 20 mph to Randalstown, Antrim, Crumlin, Nutts Corner, Loanends, Templepatrick and back down the A26 to Antrim and Ballymena. Martin Ruddy tells me that his Garmin “satnav” recorded 2000 feet of climbing on the ride, I must get the figures for the Nine Glens challenge! He said he heard no complaints from the participants about the fast pace, but then he reckoned they were all out of breath and unable to complain anyway!

Many thanks to all those who donated at least 5 to the charity fund which already stands at 380. 180 was raised on Saturday and this will be added to the 200 from the “Nine glens challenge” which took place on 25th July.

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The minimum 5 “entry fee donation” is a one off payment to cover the whole 13 weeks. One of this year’s nominated charities is the Chernobyl Children’s appeal NI.

The fun tours will continue each Saturday morning from Rex Bonar House at 9.30am, everyone is welcome although all youth participants must be accompanied by an adult.

This Saturday, September 11 is European Heritage open day with 266 places of interest in Northern Ireland being made open to the public.

Ballymena Road Club cyclists hope to visit Arthur cottage at Cullybackey, which will be open from 10.30 am until 4.30pm.

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The cottage is the ancestral home of Chester Alan Arthur, who was the 21st President of the United States of America.

The cyclists will complete a tour first to work up an appetite leaving them well placed to fully appreciate the home baked sodas and pancakes at the cottage.

Youth season finishes

The youth section completed their 2010 programme of club races last week.

On Monday night they held a 2.5 miles time trial from O’Kane's to the Ecos roundabout and back.

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Adam Kerr was fastest with 6 minutes 43 seconds with Chris Surgeoner second on 7 minutes 21 seconds, which was 23 seconds faster than his 2009 time. Emma Gordon was third with a time of 9 minutes 3 seconds.

All the youths performed well this year and showed steady progress during the season.

Congratulations to all of the Youth Section who competed throughout the year and also to the parents for helping out with timing and marshalling and to Adrian Kerr for keeping me up to date with the results.

Sunday, September 12. Ballymena Road Club’s touring section promote their final “away for the day” tour when they hold their annual “Last Resort” tour of the harbours from Ballymoney.

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The event starts from “the duck pond” at the riverside park in Ballymoney at 10 am sharp. Anyone wishing to travel in the club’s events vehicle should assemble at Rex Bonar House at 8.45 for 9am departure.

Sunday’s route will take in Ballymoney, Macfin, Loughan, Coleraine, Portstewart and Portrush. Then the participants will complete a route which will take in all the small harbours, including Portballintrae, Dunseverick, Port Braddan, and Ballintoy, en route to Ballycastle. The return trip will be inland to Mosside, Derrykeigan and Dervock before availing of the facilities at the Joey Dunlop leisure centre at the finish back in Ballymoney.

Also on Sunday, September 12 Ballymena Road Club hope to hold their “postponed” Ernie Mark cup 25 miles time trial at Woodgreen with a 9am start. The event will take place provided the current resurfacing work has been completed.

The Ballymena RC race will be held in conjunction with the Ulster 25 miles time trial championship. BRC ladies will have a 10 miles time trial to complete their Club time trials best all rounder competition.

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