Mossmen pick up the pace

Club Vice-Captain Dave Crookes - on his new Bianchi - was joined by a second established member to keep an eye on the newer riders returning home, while the stronger cyclists and veterans fought a tough headwind and an even worse climb to Rasharkin through Cullybackey.

Passing Ballymena Road Club along the way, a couple of hard-battled sprints on the way to Kilrea saw Dickie Hall and Stephen Laird respectively pass the 30mph signs ahead of the rest.

After lunch in Kilrea, a cracking tailwind along the banks of the Bann into Portglenone and Randalstown led to some superb riding from Joe Cooke as well as Peter, who also won a sprint along the way.

A route through Antrim, Parkgate and Doagh saw the guys home safely.

Cyclists from the club will also meet next Saturday 20 March - weather permitting - to tackle some of the climbs in areas such as Kilwaughter and Cairncastle. Next Sunday 21 March is a new member promotion, which is open to experienced cyclists as well as those who are new to, or returning to, the sport.

The Tour of the Villages ride will cover a route of around 25 or 30 miles through well-known local areas such as Templepatrick, Parkgate and Doagh.

The event, which - like all Kings Moss Sunday runs - leaves the Square in Ballyclare at 10am, offers a change for newcomers to enjoy cycling with a group with the help and support of existing members close to hand.