Bokhara Supports Local Cycling
The North Down Cycling Club has again curried favour with Bangor’s Bokhara Restaurant, which is situated in King’s Street. This is the third year in succession that a recipe for success has been conjured up by the restaurant’s proprietor Jahirul Huqe, known to everyone as Joi, and the successful local club.
The mouth watering announcement was made at a recent function in the restaurant, to the obvious delight of all concerned. Afterwards the Bangor restaurateur expressed his pleasure at being once again associated with the local cycling. Certainly Flo Millar and Terry Nicoletti, representing the club at the official signing, were equally delighted to be linked with the Bokhara.
Super Sam
However, whilst Joi may have been grabbing the headlines in Bangor another of the club sponsors, the Aquateck king, Sam Craig, was washing the opposition away in Co Louth. In the Stamullan race, which took in the torturous Naul climb, Sam had arguably his best performance of the year to romp home in 7th place in a top class field.
Also in Stamullan last weekend was up and coming under-sixteen rider Nathan McLeer. In his first year Nathan also had an excellent 6 place to pick up his first prize-money at this level.
A little nearer home Paul Ferguson and Stuart Henry were competing in the Tour of the Mournes event. For once the sun was shining and the pace was equally hot. However, neither rider appeared phased by the conditions, indeed it was Paul who initiated the first serious attack of the day on the climb from Newcastle to Hilltown. It was great to see the pink and black in so many moves throughout the day with both riders demonstrating their ability to compete at this level.
Touring
Now that everyone is back from the Majorcan sun Terry Nicoletti has put together a list of touring events to ensure that no one loses their fitness. As always the touring season begins to gain momentum in May with events such as:-
1. Sunday 4 May – Tour of the Glens starting at the City Hall
2. Friday 9 to Monday 12 May – Tour of Ireland Challenge
3. Sunday 11 May – Dromara Coastal Challenge
4. Sunday 25 May – Tour of Mayo.
The latter event requires an overnight stay in Ballyhaunis as there is usually a 9.00am start. This is a popular tour with North Down CyclingClub members and the minibus will be going. Accommodation needs to be booked and so anyone wishing to take part should contact Terry by Sunday 5th May, at the latest.
Dates for your Diary
There are a number of events that all cycling enthusiast should put in their diary immediately. For example the biggest Recreational Cycle in the country, the North Down Coastal Challenge will be taking place on Saturday 21st June. This is a huge event (already there are over 200 entries!) and there is a need for all club members to make themselves available to assist others who will be travelling from near and far.
Similarly, on Thursday 22nd May the club will promote the annual Cycle Skills event for school children. Once again club members are asked to help on this occasion when up-wards of 100 school children will descend upon Valentines Playing Fields to sample the joys of cycling.
On June the 7th North Down Cycling Club has been asked to co-ordinate the cycling event, which is part of the Emmerdale Extravaganza. This promises to be an excellent opportunity to meet the stars in the relaxed and safe environment of the Folk and Transport Museum. Although the 10k cycle will not stretch many club members we ask that those who can make themselves available to be there to assist those who are not so familiar with the healthy exercise which we all enjoy.
Pace Maker challenge
Next week’s event in the season long competition is the first of the season’s road races. This event will start on the Springwell Road and will use the High Donaghadee, Coast Road circuit.