3 June 2008

<Emmerdale Charity Cycle

This Saturday morning sees the arrival of the much talked about ‘Emmerdale Extravaganza’ and North Down Cycling Club will be organising the charity cycle in the Ulster Folk Park. The sign-on for the event will be at Cultra Manor, with the cyclists going off on the short but hilly 10k route at 9am.

We are indebted to all those North Down members who willingly volunteered to forgo their usual Saturday morning run and instead meet at the clubrooms at 8am, before cycling up to Cultra. However, the rewards should justify the inconvenience with a great day’s fun at the Folk Museum in prospect and the realization the Anthony Nolan Trust will be the big winner.

Anyone who would like to cycle or meet with the Emmerdale stars at the Folk Park on Saturday can find out all the details by visiting the official site at www.georgewalkerevents.co.uk.

Recreational Cycles

With the blessing of glorious sunny weather, North Down Cycling Club’s tourists have been taking every opportunity to stretch their legs. For example, eleven completed the tough 200k Tour of Mayo and on Sunday last another large group took part in the Sperrins Challenge.

On Sunday week others are planning to participate in the Glens of Antrim BIG BIKE RIDE, which takes place in one of the nicest locations in Northern Ireland. There will be three routes on offer, all starting from Larne Leisure Centre and heading out along the coast towards Glenarm before moving in towards the beautiful Glens. For the experienced cyclist there will be the Route 66, the 66 mile mega challenge. For less experienced cyclists there will be a 35 mile tough challenge and an easier 10 mile cycle.

Racing

Whilst some may have been taking their time to enjoy the scenery, others have been doing their best to go as fast as they can. One such rider is Paul Swenarton who recently recorded a fine 23.00 in a 10 mile time trial league event. The following week, in much harder conditions, he did a superb 24:43 to capture 19th place in the Northern Ireland Championships. Clearly the Perry Road man is coming into good form.

Club Hill Climb

The first of the club’s hill climbs this year was held last week on Bradshaw’s Brae in Newtownards, last Wednesday night. It was good to see both William Barclay and Stuart Henry back from injury and neither rider disappointed, with Henry winning in a time of 8mins and 44 seconds with William taking third spot, three seconds behind Matt McInerney.

Results

Tour of Donegal

Whilst Henry, because of his recent fall, had to withdraw from the Ulster team for the Tour of Donegal last weekend, North Down still had one representative at the event, Harry Adams. I believe the last time Harry represented Ulster was when he graced the wing at Ravenhill, but his services as a masseur were very much appreciated in the tough stage race and it will no doubt lead to many more representative caps for the North Down stalwart.

Book Sale

Noel Boyce is organising a book sale in the Club Rooms on Monday next (9th June), starting at 7pm. Noel assures me there is a vast selection of fantastic books, most of them in mint condition. So if you're looking for a book to
read on holiday or even for your partner to read whilst you're clocking up those sunny miles on the bike, come along on Monday and even bring your family and friends. All the proceeds from the sale will be going to a worthy cause – the Ulster Cancer Foundation.