Season is celebrated at Wheelers’ Awards night

At the West Down Wheelers awards night, from left to right are, Billy Maxwell Chairman, his wife Brenda, son Jonathan, who won the Outlook Shield and Clive Adamson club race Secretary.

The event, in Snuggs Restaurant, saw 41 members and friends gather for what turned out to be a superb night’s entertainment.

Club Chairman Billy Maxwell welcomed everyone, not only guests but friends also, Mr and Mrs Tommy Lamb and Mr and Mrs Brendan Kirk.

Billy went on to say that 2015 was a very good year for the Wheelers.

Highlights were Paul Wilkinson and Darren Lynas riding in two big Stage Races, the Tour of Ulster and McKinley 3 day, where Paul finished 14th overall and finishing 4th overall in their own West Down GP.

Both Paul and Darren had a superb year of racing, both getting the points to go up into the elite of riders, the A1s.

Also Matt McKinstry, who not only ended up Club Race Champion, but also moved up into the A3s.

And what about a rider in his first year’s racing, David Frizell, he too moved up into the A3s but also won West Down Wheelers’ Most Improved and Rider of the Year.

Also winning the Aussie / Pursuit series and Hillclimb Champion Mark Alexander.

Billy also commented on good performances throughout the year from the rest of the prize winners; Andrew Hodgen, Jonathan Maxwell and winning his first ever trophy, John Clyde.

But special praise went to Club Champion Paul Wilkinson who had a fantastic year’s racing.

Tommy Lamb was tasked in handing out the trophies.

Speaking afterwards Tommy said West Down Wheelers epitomises what every club should strive to be like, a friendly, close knit club.

Tommy said he agreed with Clive that all members should strive to make next year even better, get out on your bikes and enjoy it.

Clive added that as Club Race Secretary he was delighted with how the club is going now to see Paul Wilkinson, Darren Lynas, Matt McKinistry and David Frizell moving up made him feel proud.

He said all prize winners should be proud as this year’s racing was as tough as he has seen it. Clive said he was delighted that so far the club have five new members with the prospect of a few more, so it’s onwards and upwards.

Prize winners were as follows:

Andrew Hodgen, Poppy McKeown Mem Cup; Jonathan Maxwell, Outlook Shield; John Clyde, Maxwell Cup; Matt McKinstry 2015 Club Race Champion Imperial Cup; Mark Alexander 2015 Aussie / Pursuit and Hillclimb Champion; John Maxwell Mem Cup and Ernie Hall Trophy; Dave Frizell 2015 Most Improved and Rider of the Year; Paul Wilkinson 2015 Club Champion; Murdoch Shield Steven Savage Memorial Shield; President’s Cup; Gilchrist Cup BAR; Maxwell Shield.