Charity Cycle Challenge
Are you up for the challenge? If you are …… then welcome to the seventh year of a great cycle event, the Bangor Coastal Challenge, which takes place on Saturday the 21st June. Over the years the popularity of this touring cycle has grown and grown. Indeed, in conjunction with the PSNI, it was agreed that only the first 700 entrants would be accepted and this will be the same this year. Of course the real winners in this event are the recipients of the sponsorship. In this case it will be Northern Ireland Diabetes Stroke/Cardiology unit at the Ulster Hospital who will be the recipients of the net proceeds from the event. In 2007 this amounted to a staggering four figure sum.
North Down Cycling Club are proud to offer a scenic coastal clockwise route around the Ards Peninsula which has few inclines and takes a break in Portaferry for lunch. So whether you are a serious cyclist or a novice wanting to cycle the 100Km distance for the first time, the NDCC Bangor Coastal Challenge is the event for you! The Challenge starts and finishes on the Old Belfast Rd. at the Bangor Sportsplex which has ample car parking, changing facilities and a secure baggage hall. En-route there will be water stations and a “broom wagon” for breakdowns. The event will be overseen by local police assisted by an experienced team of marshals, with motorcycle paramedics and ambulance back-up. All finishers within the time limit of 8 hours will receive a specially commissioned commemorative T-Shirt and with the net proceeds from the event going to Northern Ireland Diabetes Stroke/Cardiology unit at the Ulster Hospital, this promises to be an unforgettable occasion. North Down Cycling Club acknowledge the valuable support from Ulster Bank Ltd, Ards Tourism and Bike It Cycles, Grand Parade Belfast. It’s not too early to enter the event, so go to www.northdowncc.com and follow the link to Entry Central and then to www.entrycentral.com.
Who’s that with Jessica?
Last week North Down’s Jessica Laird and Stuart Henry had the thrill of meeting Her Majesty the Queen at a special reception in Hillsborough Castle. The young Bangor cyclists, in recognition of their sporting achievements, were joined by some of the Province’s most acknowledged and promising athletes in this most memorable of occasions. Indeed both Her Majesty and Prince Philip took time with the young people to enquire about various aspects of their aspirations in cycling and wish them every success in the future. This was quite an occasion and one which they are unlikely to quickly forget.
North Down Cycling Club’s Easter Ramble
On Tuesday last, North Down Cycling Club's Easter ramble threaded its way through some of Ireland's most scenic countryside between Bangor and Newcastle County Down. Around 16 riders set off from the Clubrooms in Park Drive, in chilly but dry conditions. They made their way through Newtownards, Comber, Kilmood, Crossgar, Kilmore, Loughinisland, Clough and Maghera (County Down) before arriving in Newcastle for refreshments. The return journey took in the short Strangford Lough ferry crossing before the familiar route via the Irish Sea coast road back to Bangor.
Weekend events
On Saturday the East Tyrone CC will promote the Cicli Sport Grand Prix. This is the first event in the youth racing calendar takes place in Moneymore with events for all age groups. Sign on is at Orlee Kitchens on the Ruskey Rd, Coagh at 9.00 am with racing due to start at 10.00am. The youth races will be followed by the Cicli Sport Grand Prix. This 80km event is open to all categories and kicks off at 12 noon. Sign-on from Orlee Kitchens at 11.0 am. On Sunday the PJ Logan Cup will be held near Coalisland. The race begins at 1.30pm with an approximate finishing time of 4.30pm. Sign-on for the event will be at 12.30pm in the Gortgonis Sports Complex, Coalisland. If needed, the minibus will travel to both these events.