Giro themed Ballymoney Bike Week 2014

Deputy Mayor Councillor Ian Stevenson is in the pink with partners Ballymoney Cycling Club, Ballymoney Roads Safety Committee, Coleraine Borough Council, Bann Wheelers and PSNI Neighbourhood Policing Team to launch the Ballymoney Giro/Bike Week Events 2014 in association with Travelwise NI.

Promoted and encouraged by Ballymoney Borough Council, Ballymoney Cycling Club, Bann Wheelers and Coleraine Borough Council, this Programme of cycling events has been made possible through the financial support of Travelwise NI. Everyone is WELCOME to come along and enjoy the FUN!

Cycle Safely the Giro Way

Thursday 8 May at 6.30-9.30pm, Dalriada School, Ballymoney

Come along and celebrate the excitement of the Giro coming to town with this fun skills and bike safety session. The event will include a ride out, following along part of the Giro route and conclude with a race DVD and refreshments. Have your bike checked out at a “Bike Doctor” session by staff from Outdoor Life, Ballymoney. Open to all 8 to 16 year olds and their parents, it is a guaranteed fabulous build up to the Giro d’Italia. Dress code is PINK, prize for the best pink participant!

Support The Giro d’Italia

Saturday 10 May from 11am, A26 Frosses Road –Portrush Road Roundabout – Ballybogey – North Coast

The world class riders and their entourage will be passing along the A26 Frosses Road from Ballymena as part of the road stage for the coveted pink jersey. Everyone is invited to support the riders by dressing in PINK and coming down to cheer them along. This is a world class spectacle NOT to be missed. Race caravan approx.11am, riders approx 12.20pm. Roads will be subject to closure so come along early to avoid disappointment.

Ladies Ride Out

Thursdays 29 May & 5, 12 & 19 June at 7-8.30pm, Riverside Park, main car park (Armour Ave), Ballymoney

Ladies, lost confidence in cycling? Inspired by the Giro? Then come along and recapture the fun and pleasure of riding your bike in this special four week refresher course aimed at women returning to cycling. Delivered by Ballymoney Cycling Club trained instructors, this relaxed and enjoyable course will include basic bike handling, including on and off-road training to help you deal with traffic and road junctions to inspire confidence when cycling “roon the toon.” Bikes and helmets can be made available. Participants will work towards taking part in the Ladies and Latte event on Thursday 19 June (see below).

“Bike Ballymoney” Games

Saturday 14 June at 10am -1pm, Joey Dunlop Leisure Centre, Ballymoney

This is an event for the whole family with fun on bikes as the key theme, including early stage skills and cycle games - a great way to build confidence enjoyably! Join the Ballymoney Cycle Club Mini Beasts and the Coleraine Bann Wheelers Whizz Kids for fun events including bike rounders and obstacle races. The event will include a short bike ride to Riverside Park. Children of all abilities welcomed on bicycles, tricycles or balance bikes (with or without stabilisers). Cycle goodies and refreshments will be provided. Parents will be encouraged to join in the activities!

Families “Roon the Toon” Ride

Wednesday 18 June at 6.30-9pm, Townhead Street Car Park, Ballymoney

This is a great opportunity for families and individuals to dust off their bikes and join in a leisurely “roon the town” cycle, both on and off road, and experience the wealth of cycling provision available for all to use. The ride will commence at 7pm and there will be the opportunity from 6.30pm to have your bike checked out at a “Bike Doctor” session by staff from Outdoor Life, Ballymoney. Ride at your own pace on any type of bicycle or tricycle. Refreshments will be provided at the half way point.

Ladies and Latte

Thursday 19 June at 6.45-10pm, Costa Coffee, Somerset Retail Park, Coleraine

Calling all ladies! Come along for this longer but leisurely 15 mile ride along both banks of the picturesque River Bann. Starting and finishing at Costa Coffee, Somerset Retail Park, Coleraine, the ride will follow the river to Agivey Bridge and return via the Glenstall Road. Although organised in conjunction with Ballymoney Cycle Club and Coleraine Bann Wheelers, this event is not aimed at club riders, but at girls and ladies who would like to join in a fun, leisurely group cycle ride. Enjoy a much needed latte (or tea if you prefer) and a bit of craic at the end of the ride!

Not suitable for primary school age children. Post primary girls must be accompanied by an adult. For further information about this event Tel. 028 2766 0227 or 028 7024 7234.

Lower Bann Leisure Cycle (Ballymoney to Coleraine and return)

Saturday 21 June at 10am-1pm, Riverside Park, main car park (Armour Ave), Ballymoney

A leisurely 18-mile bike ride starting and finishing in Ballymoney’s Riverside Park and following the signposted National Cycle Network Route 96 into Coleraine, returning to Ballymoney via the Lower Bann Cycleway. Following mostly minor country roads, the route affords beautiful views across the Antrim Hills and River Bann. Welcome refreshments will be served at the half-way point. This is a fun event aimed at families and individuals with some previous cycling experience and a reasonable level of fitness, as there are several small hill climbs.

Not suitable for primary school age children. Post primary children must be accompanied by an adult. For further information about this event Tel. 028 2766 0227 or 028 7024 7234.

For further information on any of the above events please contact Ballymoney Borough Council on 028 2766 0227 or visit www.ballymoney.gov.uk

Bike to school day: Wednesday 18 June

Bike to work day: Friday 20 June

During Bike Week Ballymoney Borough Council encourages everyone to cycle to school, college or work as an alternative to using motorised transportation!