CHARITY CYCLE RIDE GAINS MOMENTUM
The Bangor Coastal Challenge Charity Cycle which takes place on Sunday 20 June received a welcome boost this week from their main supporters, Bikeit Cycles, Grand Parade Belfast. Pictured above are owners Andrew McCormick and David Livingstone presenting a cheque to event organiser Terry Nicoletti of North Down Cycling Club. Andrew and David said, “We are delighted to support the event organisers in their promotion of the Coastal Challenge. It is an ideal event for not only the novice but also accomplished cyclists wishing to cycle the beautiful Bangor area and Ards Peninsula and support local charities". Terry Nicoletti indicated that entries are now closed, as the 700 participant limit has been reached!
This is a huge event and only a club like North Down could promote it. Each year the event calls on the dedication of a plethora of volunteers from the Bangor based club. This year will be no exception and Terry Nicoletti will be grateful to everyone who helps make this such a valuable enterprise for the local community and local charities. For example, in 2009 no less than £8000 was donated directly to the Ulster Hospital!
Any club member able to help in any small way should contact Terry as soon as possible. This help might take the form of helping mark the course, registration, car park control, marshalling, motor bike marshalling and other general duties etc. The greater the number of volunteers the less burden there will be on individuals.
Busy Time
This has been a busy time for the progressive North Down Cycling Club. A couple of weeks ago a large number of members turned up for the Schools’ Skills Night at Bloomfields. The feedback for this event is extremely positive every year and this year was true to form. Over the years the format of the event has changed and with a fully qualified cycling instructor, in the form of Noel Boyce, at the helm a really enjoyable and educational evening was provided for the children.
Noel would be the first to acknowledge the help of Sports Development Officer Tanya Fisher, the club members who assisted and Jamie Bill of Bloomfield’s. Without their help and support the event would not have been possible.
Soigneur Extraordinary!
North Down’s very own soigneur extraordinary, Harry Adams, is on his travels again. Last month he was successful in winning a merit award at the North Down Sports Awards for his unstinting work at encouraging youths and elites alike in the sport of cycling. Harry’s skills as a masseur are legendary and this week he is involved in the Ras where he’ll be called upon to breathe new life into tired legs on the eight day stage race. We all wish him well.
Kirkistown
There was a large turn-out at the first Kirkistown event of the year. It was great to see many visitors amongst the starters with Irish Internationals Martyn Irvine and Peter Wilson amongst the ranks trying out the short circuit. First North Down rider on the night was a former international Gerald Irvine, who rolled back the years to beat riders many years his junior. The full result can be found on the North Down CC website but the first six were:
1st Martyn Irvine (Planet X)
2nd Matthew Brennan (Ballymena)
3rd Peter Wilson (Maryland)
4th Gerald Irvine (North Down)
5th Cahal Smyth (Phoenix)
6th John Neil (Phoenix)
Internationals
Stuart Henry picked up his first senior Irish ‘cap’ this week when he was selected to ride in the televised city centre series. He raced on Tuesday night in London and Thursday night in Durham. As an international at youth, junior and now senior level he joins a small ‘club’ which includes North Down stalwart, Alistair Irvine.
Tour of Mayo
Patrick Bertenshaw informs me that at the time of going to press there were still a few places left on the club bus for the Tour of Mayo this weekend. The club bus will be leaving Bangor at 1430-1500 hrs on Saturday afternoon, with an overnight stay and returning late Sunday night. The club are supporting this venture by providing some of the fuel costs – so if you want to book your place, contact Patrick immediately.