Record turnout of 76 cyclists for latest Road Club Fun Tour

The warm, 68 degrees Fahrenheit, and sunny weather no doubt contributed to the big numbers and it does the charity fund the world of good too with another £110 donated on Saturday to make the overall total £780. The previous biggest turnout was on 22nd September last year when 74 took part.

The “A” group had the biggest numbers with 43 and they completed a 54 miles ride at 17.9mph. Their route took in Moorfields, Ballyeaston, Lower Ballyboley, Kilwaughter, Larne, Ballygally, Glenarm glen, Buckna, and Broughshane.

The 33 tourists had what could only be described as “a leafy lane tour” which took in Larne road, Doctors road, Kennelbridge, Lisnahilt, and Douglas road before descending to the main Larne road at Glenwherry.

The group then visited Killalane reservoir before another fast descent of Ardymagh road to Ballynashee road. Then it was along Carnlea road north to Whappstown road, Lislunnan road, Chapeltown, Shankbridge, Ballycowan, Rankinstown and Ballymarlow. A total of 40 miles at 14.8mph.

The tours continue each Saturday for another nine weeks. Newcomers are very welcome to take part but they, and all non Cycling Ireland members are requested to go with the touring group.

Numbers are now such that there is room for a third “intermediate” group so that all abilities may be catered for and there are enough experienced BRC members to lead and supervise another group like this.

This Saturday’s ride is the fifth in the series and represents the first opportunity, for those with full attendance, to earn their bronze medals. Eight tours earns silver while those completing 11 will achieve gold.

‘AUTUMN ETAPE MOURNE’

Neil McGuigan, a manager with Ballymena Road Club’s sponsors Chain Reaction Cycles has contacted the club with details of a late season touring event.

The key event details are: Autumn Etape Mourne 2013: Sunday 27th October at 10:00am, starting from Annalong Marine Park, Co Down and taking you into and over the stunning Mourne Mountains. Event and route are suitable for cyclists of all abilities. There will be electronic chip timing for all participants. Two timed “King of the Mountain” stages with prizes. Free goodie-bag from Chain Reaction Cycles for all participants. Post-event food. Feed Stations on both routes. Professional marshalling and signage on both routes. Open race and age group prizes with 45 miles and 70 miles distance options.

CLUB DINNER

Ballymena Road Club’s annual prize presentation dinner is scheduled for Friday 22nd November at Eaton Park.

Tickets will be available next week from club officials.

Over the next few weeks leading up to the prize night details of the winners of the club’s various season long competitions will be announced. Richard Wilson is currently calculating the results of the time trial best all-rounder competitions for seniors, veterans, ladies, juniors and youths. Please email Richard ([email protected]) details of your fastest performances from club races during the past season. All performances must have been in a Ballymena RC club event, with the exception of the 50 miles time trial distance where the Championship also counts.

The qualifying distances are as follows: Seniors and veterans – 10 miles, 25 miles and 50 miles. Juniors – 5, 10 and 25 miles. Ladies 5 and 10 miles and youths 2.5 miles and 5 miles (Michelin to Ecos roundabout and back, 2.5 miles and also Broughshane to Ecos and back, 5 miles)

SPONSORS THANKED

There was a funding boost for Ballymena road club last week when several of the club’s generous supporters presented their sponsorship cheques for the 2013 season.

Amongst those who made donations were Blair International transport, JBE Mechanical and electrical, Alexander Bonar and Co Electrical contractors and Maxwell Packaging.