Mossmen planning to host indoor race nights

The club's rollers are specially-designed pieces of rolling road equipment which allow up to four cyclists to race against each other, or the clock, with their progress shown on a large display.

Although they have provided years of service and were once a legendary part of training within KMCC, and that's not to mention other clubs who also used the equipment, the rollers have fallen from use and - members of KMCC feel - are overdue a return to action.

A venue is being arranged and further details will be released once they are confirmed. It is hoped that the roller nights may even become popular enough to hold a club league, providing some excellent variety and competition to mid-week training.

In the meantime, plans are taking shape for this year's major May Fair KMCC Cycle Challenge event, which will leave from Ballyclare town centre. The Mossmen are proud to be holding in aid of the Northern Ireland Children's Cancer Fund.

Club captain Stephen Laird said part of the the attraction of the event will be the inclusion of a ten-mile event for families, meaning that everyone - young and old - can get involved: "We want to give everyone, no matter what their age or cycling experience, a chance to dust down their bike for the new year and enjoy our local roads.

"A ten-mile route will allow young people, or anyone who isn't comfortable with the 60 mile ride, to take part in a major event with the support of experienced cyclists to hand.

"This support, of course, will be available to those taking part in the 60 mile run, which provides a perfect distance and setting for newer cyclists to challenge themselves a little.

"In fact, the May date for this event allows beginner cyclists to start building up some miles to prepare, and they can be assured that the distance can be covered at their own pace: the event is not a race. We can even help with gaining some experience on the roads beforehand, just get in touch and join us for a Sunday morning ride.

"But no matter which distance is being covered, everyone will agree that the Northern Ireland Children's Cancer Fund is an outstanding cause and will be the biggest winner on the day," he said.

This Saturday (23rd), some of the Kings Moss cyclists will take part in a Juiced Orchard ’Cody’s Challenge’ event in Armagh. The event, which is being held aid of the Clarke Clinic of the Royal Belfast Hospital and the charity Heart Beat, was postponed from earlier in the month.

Those interested in joining KMCC are particularly welcome to come along to one of the Kings Moss Sunday morning rides, which leave the Square in Ballyclare at 10am and allow a chance for cyclists of a wide range of abilities to experience group cycling with the help and support of experienced team-members.

See the club website - www.kingsmosscyclingclub.co.uk - or speak to a member for details.

Kings Moss Cycling Club are sponsored by Greenacres Golf Centre. The club is affiliated to the Cyclists Touring Club.