Maxwell elected as Road Club chairman at AGM

The meeting was well attended and the 41 who were present heard reports from Treasurer Richard Wilson, Race Secretary Hugh McCullough and touring Chairman Patsy McGurk.

Outgoing chairman Andrew Wills thanked all those who had assisted the club during the season including sponsors Chain Reaction Cycles and also long term supporters Northstone NI ltd. He also praised Joan McCullough and Vicky Woodrow who were the club’s first aiders.

Andrew also praised the work of his fellow committee members for their support during his year in office.

Former chairman Billy Jebb then conducted the election of office bearers and various committee members for the year ahead.

It was more or less re-election all around except for the position of Chairman. Andrew Wills and John Maxwell were both nominated with John Maxwell receiving 23 votes to Andrew Wills’ 13.

Karl Taylor was added to the panel of assistant timekeepers while Connor Young joined the racing committee.

The main posts are: President - Alan Mark, Chairman John Maxwell, Secretary - Hazel Hughes, Treasurer – Richard Wilson. The post of Race Secretary wasn’t filled on the night, as outgoing Race Secretary Hugh McCullough didn’t seek re-election. The racing committee were scheduled to meet on Monday past to fill this position from amongst their ranks.

Other positions include: Vice Presidents: Rex Bonar, Gordon Caldwell, and John Maxwell. Vice Chairman – Geoff Allen. Assistant Treasurer – Rex Bonar. Registrar and PRO - Richard Wilson. Child care officer – Adrian Kerr. Website Administrator – Clifford Grant. Handicappers: For road races - Alan Blair and David Dougan. Time trials - Richard Wilson.

The panels of timekeepers and assistant timekeepers were also elected as were the Touring, Racing and ladies committees. Congratulations to all those who continue to show a willingness to manage and contribute to the smooth running of the club, your help is greatly appreciated by all the club members.

CHRIS IN CALIFORNIA

Ballymoney cyclist Chris Beattie (Ballymena Road Club, Chain Reaction Cycles) recently travelled to Northern California to compete in Levi Leipheimer’s King Ridge Gran Fondo held in Santa Rosa.

Chris gives an account of his experience: “With over 1600 competitors in the longest event (and 7500 in total on the start line) which was 102 miles and included almost 9000 feet of climbing it was a brutal day in the 28 degree temperature, with some even hotter competition being present including Andrew Talansky, the Tour de France top ten finisher in 2013 from Garmin Sharp.”

“I worked my way through the field after the mass start and made contact with the front group before hitting the first climb of the day, “King Ridge Road”, so that meant that I had gained crucial time from the outset.

“It was then a case of maintaining position along the iconic “highway one” until the final infamous climb of Coleman Valley road, before the fast flat run to the finish, through the beautiful Vineyards in Sanoma County.”

Chris initially had finished with the fasted time over the course, in the provisional results, but finally was deemed to be second after some alterations the following week, and that despite the electronic chip timing!

FUN TOUR

Saturday’s fun tour was number nine in the 13 week series but extremely wet weather discouraged most of the usual participants with only 15 riders assembling at Rex Bonar House at the start.

Another four riders earned their silver medals on Saturday, having now completed eight tours. This successful, damp, quartet were Sean Elliott, Michael Diamond, Sammy Kerr and Pius McKernan.

CHAIN REACTION DISCOUNT NIGHT

Chain Reaction Cycles, as part of their sponsorship agreement with Ballymena RC have organised a club discount night at their Boucher road store on Tuesday 12th November. This comes at a perfect time for those looking for Christmas gifts.

Offers and discounts include - Chain Reaction cycles Branded items, Airwave Products, Endura Clothing and Diadora Footwear all less 20%. Nutrition products less 15%. A discount of 10% applies to all bikes and the other goods in the store.

You may also pre order using: - [email protected]

CLUB PRIZE NIGHT

Tickets, priced at a modest £17.50, have been selling very quickly this year for the Ballymena Road Club prize presentation dinner and dance at Eaton Park on Friday 22nd November. Please let Richard Wilson know if you wish to attend.