Singing (and cycling) in the Rain
Although the weather last week was awful, it was incredible that around 40 cyclists turned up for the traditional Mince Pie Cycle. Even more amazing was the fact that around a quarter of those who did turn up were novice cyclists, many of whom were sporting new cycles which they had just received from Santa!
For the very youngest, a cycle in Ward Park was organised by Commonwealth Games medallist Alistair Irvine. For those who were a little more mature a windy cycle around the roads to Groomsport was the challenge and for the rest a brisk cycle to Donaghadee and Millisle was on offer.
Perhaps, given the cold damp conditions, the highlight of the day was the hot mince pies, short bread, coffee and soup which were on offer back in the clubrooms. Here certificates and mementoes were also presented to all the school children who took part. In his address club treasurer, Mark Coyle paid tribute to all who had braved the elements and encouraged them to take part in the numerous club recreational cycles.
Club secretary, Anthony Mitchell had the novel idea this year of generating his own (tongue in cheek) new Year’s Honours List for North Down Cycling Club. Anthony has suggested the following nominees and would welcome any other suggestions:
The `Nescafe` award for services to Coffee Shops – Harry Adams
The `busted wheel` award for enabling club runs to avoid `dug up` stretches of the Ards Peninsula (mainly because he was indirectly responsible for most of them) – Terry Nicoletti.
The Michael Fish (I see no Hurricane!) award for in-depth weather predictions – Andy Templeton
The `bolt -on accessory` award for his panniers, horns, lights, cuddly toy etc, etc.- Michael McKelvey.
The Ordinance Survey award for the first person to navigate away from the worn-out Ards Peninsula for a Saturday run – Terry Nicoletti.
Clothing innovation of the year – Alastair Irvine for inflatable tights.
Bike of the Year 1989 award – Burton Dean.
Friends of the Earth lifetime award for recycling – Eric Dunn.
The Frank Sinatra award for yet another comeback – Ray Brownfield.
NICF / CU Amalgamation
Over the recent weeks, months and years the topic of the split in Irish cycling has appeared to predominate at club and national level. However, as far as North Down Cycling Club is concerned, a line seems to have been drawn in the sand last week with the unanimous postal vote by club members which supported the Northern Ireland Cycling Federation’s initiative to amalgamate with Cycling Ulster. The harmonious relationship between the two cycling bodies which has developed in the recent times has paved the way for this move and everyone hopes that the agreement will serve the best interests of cycling in the whole province.
Recreational cycles.
Now that the Christmas and New Year rush is over, it’s time for resolutions. Perhaps your new year’s resolution was to become more active and actually ride that bike that’s gathering dust in the garage. If that’s the case, then you should consider taking part in some of the many North Down Cycling Club recreational cycles. There is a comprehensive list of these on the club’s website at: northdowncc.com on the club information page and you will be made very welcome on any of them.