Cycling Weekly “Ride with NDCC”!
2018 got off to a flying start with Cycling Weekly journalist – Patrick Trainor, joining the Saturday 6 January club rides. Many will be familiar with the popular “Ride with …” feature in the Cycling Weekly magazine, which provides clubs throughout the UK with an opportunity to showcase their history, achievements, favourite routes and interesting characters.
Following some poor cycling weather over New Year, the forecast for Saturday was fortunately set fair with unbroken sunshine, a chilly feels like -1o and a stiff north-easterly breeze. Over 50 members gathered at Baylands for the usual staggered start and this provided Patrick with an opportunity to meet some of the club committee and to brief the two professional photographers commissioned for the day.
Patrick opted to head off with the Steady Cloughey ride and after being tested up the rise to Orlock, the group settled into a comfortable pace and took advantage of the wind assistance heading down the coast. With bright sunshine, a scenic coastline and a tempestuous Irish sea, the two photographers were spoilt for choice with picture opportunities. The rolling changes allowed Patrick to chat to many in the group and at Cloughey, he thoughtfully doubled back to join the second group and accompany them to the coffee stop in Harrison’s.
The Scrabo Room was full to capacity and absolutely buzzing with chatter. After the usual excellent hospitality from Helen and her team, it was time to organise a few close-up group shots, taking full advantage of the elevated location and the amazing view over Strangford Lough. This photo shoot included a range of randomly selected members, not necessarily chosen for their photogenic qualities, and we look forward to seeing the final results! The inland route back to Bangor provided Patrick with a further chance to talk with people and he again took the time to hold back and ride with some newer members.
We sometimes take our club and the North Down geography for granted, but Saturday reminded us of just how fortunate we are. Patrick commented that he was “so impressed with the standard of riding, camaraderie and friendliness among all groups and abilities”. NDCC would like to formally thank Patrick and the two photographers (Dylan and David) for the tremendous effort they put into making the whole day an unquestionable success.
We expect the publication of the magazine article in around 3 weeks and to provide members with the opportunity to access some of the high quality photographs taken on the day.
