‘Pre-season’ begins for cyclists this weekend

Everyone has been looking forward to this event, which signifies that the countdown to the racing season has official began.

It is expected that cyclists from all over Northern Ireland will assemble at the club’s Rex Bonar House headquarters for the 10am start.

Everyone will be hoping for better weather conditions than those experienced last season when conditions were seriously poor, with the riders having to contend with heavy rain, sleet and snow showers and gusty gale force winds throughout the event.

The event was more like a Polar expedition than a cycle tour. Nevertheless there was still an entry of 150 for the two events.

Many riders failed to finish the event, such was the severity of the challenge, and others, who did finish, commented that it had been their most difficult experience ever on a bike.

The routes for this weekend’s trials will be the same as in 2013. The “A” group is scheduled for an average speed of 19mph while the tourists hope to achieve 16mph average.

Registration for Sunday’s event will commence at 9am with an entry fee of £7 being charged. Riders are requested to wear their crash helmets in both events.

Cycling Ulster also require that riders, who are intending to take part, have already applied for their 2014 Cycling Ireland membership.

Those who haven’t received their membership card are requested to present a letter from their club secretary stating that they had applied for their
licence.

In recent seasons the racing licences haven’t usually been received until the first weekend of racing in late February.

This year Cycling Ireland have a new system in operation and, amongst other things, it enables the Ballymena Road Club part, of the overall signing on fee, to also be paid at the same
time.

Hopefully the new system will also mean that licences will be issued more quickly than before.

BRC REGISTRATION

Ballymena Road Club registered 45 members at their first two signing on evenings so the club is well on schedule for the time of year.

Bearing in mind Cycling Ulster’s policy regarding participation in all “group cycling activities” it is very important that anyone who is currently taking part in the weekend Ballymena R C club runs has their 2014 membership applied for.

Those needing assistance to renew their memberships and licences should note that two more registration meetings will be held on Mondays 20th and 27th January. (7.15pm until 8.30pm)

The January meetings are mainly aimed at newcomers to the club, similarly those wishing to take part in the early season reliability trials and open road races need to sign up ASAP.

All existing members should also note that their insurance expired on 31st December and they too should register as early as
possible.

Existing members should note that Cycling Ireland require them to complete their renewal applications on line at the CI website.

BRC treasurer Richard Wilson asks club members, who aren’t availing of the “on-line” system, to pay by cheque which should be made out to Ballymena Road Club.

Cyclists who join the club’s weekend club runs as guests from other local clubs, and whom, I hasten to add, are very welcome, must also have registered with their own clubs by now.

CLUB RACE SEASON

Ballymena Road Club’s new Race Secretary David Dougan has drawn up the club racing calendar for the forthcoming 2014 season.

There is a refreshing new look to the overall programme and I will feature the details in next week’s report.