Super Silver for Swenarton
North Down’s flying veteran, Paul Swenarton had a great performance at the Irish Veterans’ Championship in Dublin where he lifted silver in the team sprint and bronze in the pursuit. After the success of the first championship for veterans in 2008,the age related Track Championship this year has grown to a 2 day event. The idea of individual track events in age categories comes from the successful UCI World and European Championships.
For Paul this was the culmination of a very competitive season, but one which was, by his high standards, often thwarted by misfortune or injury. Paul is a top class time trialist and it is therefore no surprise that he took bronze in the blue ribbon track event. However, to gain silver in the sprint was a real bonus and a fitting end to the year. Perhaps, like wine, Paul will simply get better with age and maturity. In his own words he says ‘Bring on the over 50’s next season!’
Just when you thought it was safe to put your bike away – the Club's turbo sessions are recommencing in the Club Rooms.
Winter Turbo Training
With the on-set of cold dark nights, thoughts will be turning to turbo training in the clubrooms and putting the super new turbos through their paces. Indeed in the refurbished premises agent provocateur, Noel Boyce suggests that the session will be even more comfortable than they were last year. Given the soothing piped music (or was it Harry singing?) and the oceans of coffee, it’s hard to imagine a more salubrious ambience to any training session!
The ever enthusiastic Boycey reminded everyone this week that after the enthusiasm shown by members last winter, when most sessions were full to capacity, the club committee decided to purchase twelve "state of the art" turbo trainers, at a cost of over £5000. So as to maximise the availability of the turbos, the Club will run more weekly sessions, if required. Each session can accommodate a maximum of 15 people and so as to avoid overcrowding, members are asked to state their preference for Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday evening.
The usual Wednesday session will resume on 14th October with the club rooms being open from 6.30pm for warm up and the session kicking off at 7pm and concluding by 8pm. Noel asks all those who are interested in availing of the opportunity, even if they were a regular participants last year, to please register their interest.
There will be a turbo demonstration evening in the club rooms on Thursday 8th October at 7.30pm, for members to familiarise themselves with the new equipment. For members of North Down Cycling Club there will be a nominal charge of £1 per session, for the use of the new state of the art equipment There will be no charge for anyone using their own equipment.
Youth Hostelling
Following the success of the recent youth hostelling weekend to Gortin, another one has been arranged for Friday 20th November – Sunday 22nd November in Enniskillen.
The format will be similar to the September event, leaving Bangor on Friday evening, arriving in Enniskillen around 9 pm. On Saturday morning there will be a leisurely ride around Lough Erne, approx 60 miles on relatively flat roads. Then back to the Bridges Hotel, Enniskillen for lunch.
Enniskillen is a great town to relax in, lots of coffee shops, pubs and restaurants which I am sure will be visited at some point on Saturday afternoon / evening. On Sunday morning there will be another leisurely cycle before lunch and then returning back to Bangor for early evening.
The price for the weekend will be £55 for 2 nights’ accommodation, 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches & 1 dinner. A £20 deposit will be necessary required to secure a place. It is envisaged that the limited number of places will be booked up quickly, so if you want to take part contact Julie Stevenson immediately by Email at julielstevenson@yahoo.co.uk or by telephone 07980884683.
Prize Presentation and Social Night
Tickets are selling fast for the prize presentation and social night, which will be on Saturday 7th November at Pickie Bowling Club. Like the Youth Hostelling weekend, event organiser Eric Blayney reminds everyone that places will be limited and anyone wishing to go should contact him promptly.. The cost of the night has been kept low at £10 per person to suit everyone’s pocket and payment may be made to before any of the Saturday or Sunday morning club runs or at any Friday club nights. He warns though, he won’t accept bookings without cash. Members who won perpetual trophies are reminded that they should now also be cleaned and forwarded to Eric.
The World at the Bokhara
Everyone is reminded of the innovative promotion this weekend at the Bokhara, when there will be an opportunity to watch the 2009 World Championships on the big screen, have some excellent food as well as a cycle to burn off some of the calories. Tickets for the event, which commences at 9am and includes both lunch and dinner, are £25. For full details visit the North Down CC website and enjoy an excellent day’s entertainment.
AGM
As was reported last week, the search is now on to find a replacement for Ciaran Andrews at the up-coming AGM on Friday 16th October. There are many in the North Down Cycling Club who have the capacity of chairing meetings effectively and acting as an ambassador for what is one of the most progressive clubs in the country.
Looking beyond the chair, however, there are many capable members who have the ability to add so much to club life by simply sharing a little of their time and expertise. For example, the committee was so enriched last year by the inclusion of Colin Massey, Robert Clark and Stephen Quinn. Let’s hope there are even more willing helpers for the 2009-10 season.