Cycling Ulster Seminar
Cycling Ulster will be holding a seminar on Saturday 9th February in the Discovery Centre, Oxford Island, Craigavon from 10.00 am to 4pm approx. The seminar will deal with issues of event promotion (including leisure events), safety, time trials, championships, child protection and the role of marshals.
Chief Inspector Ian Blayney will be in attendance to explain the new PSNI guidelines and Cycling Ireland's Treasurer, Rory Wyley will be accompanied by the new insurance consultant, Steven Malone, to answer some of the many queries we have regarding insurance. In addition, Paul Watson will explain the role of commissaires and answer any questions regarding the latest CI Rules and Regulations, Andy Potts will deal with Off Road events and Gary McKeegan will outline coaching plans for the incoming year.
Clearly this promises to be an informative and important seminar which should not be missed. In this day and age of a 'claim' culture it is vital that everyone does all within their power to ensure that they are covered by the law.
New members
It was great to see the Bokhara Restaurant heaving with North Down Cycling Club members over the last two weeks as everyone sought to sign-up for the incoming season. It was also great to see the influx of new members. Certainly this augers well for the incoming season for the Bangor based club.
Everyone was particularly appreciative of Flo and Keith Millar and their merry band of helpers to assist the less well informed of us wade our way through the bureaucracy. It seemed at times that the hoops through which one had to jump were being used as some sort of malevolent vetting system, whereby if you don’t get all the boxes ticked then you couldn’t pass go. Yet throughout it, all these good folk smiled as the rest of us tried their patience to the full. A big thank you to all concerned and hopefully the Cycling Ireland system might be a little bit more user friendly next year.
Bikes for Africa
Local cycling legend, Ray Brownfield, has put out an urgent request for anyone who has
any discarded mountain bikes. He has been asked to be part of a project that involves
gathering up old mountain bikes, repairing and servicing them so that they are fit to be
ridden by children and first aid teams in Africa. If anyone has an old mountain bike that
they are happy to get rid of they should contact Raymond immediately.
Youth Training Camp
Next week’s Youth Training Camp has been moved from Sunday the 10th to Saturday the 9th. The venue has also been changed to Richill Leisure Centre instead of Craigavon. However, all the other arrangements remain the same. If anyone requires further details they should contact Keith Gallagher on 02838871066
Racing Season Fast Approaching
With Easter arriving early this year, race promoters are already on the ball with the entries being received already. The premier event at Easter is undoubtedly the Tour of the North which takes place from Friday 21st March to Monday 24th March. This year entries will be limited to 100 riders and already entries have even been received from the continent and Britain. Entry forms can be down loaded via the Cycling Ulster website and it is imperative that local riders get their entries in immediately.
Awards Night
This weekend sees the final and most prestigious social event of the local cycling calendar, the Northern Ireland / CU Awards night. This year it is being held in the New Forge Country Club on Saturday 2nd February and at the time of going to press there were still a few tickets left priced £15. If anyone requires any more details they should contact Gary McKeegan immediately.