After the speed and excitement of the North Down Grand Prix races, the pace becomes a little less hectic for the club’s next big event, The Bangor Coastal Challenge, when NDCC invite cyclists from all over the country to come and join them for a relaxed tour of the peninsula.
Starting at the Bangor Sportsplex on the old Belfast entrants follow the picturesque (and reasonably flat!) coast road around the Ards peninsula with a stop for a welcome bowl of stew and other sustenance at Barholme in Portaferry before heading back to the Sportsplex to receive their commemorative t-shirt and have a chat with their fellow cyclists over tea and coffee.
As well as being an excellent day out for cyclists of all abilities, over the years the Bangor Coastal Challenge has supported a number of charities and last year some with around 1000 entrants, from nervous beginners to hardened veterans, taking part £12000 was donated to various departments of the Ulster Hospital.
This year the main charities which will be supported are CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young) and the Make-A-Wish foundation, both of whom do excellent work locally.
So for anyone who fancies a grand day’s cycling, sign up online at http://www.entrycentral.com/index.php?raceID=100180 and do some good, both for yourself and for worthy causes.
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25 Mile Time Trial – Wed 16th May

Twenty-five brave riders turned up for the first “25” of the year. Fortunately the rain stayed off and the winds were light allowing rides to set some fast times along the Portaferry road with two riders coming in under the magic “hour.” It’s not the flattest “25” in Northern Ireland so well done to all who participated.
Heading the results sheet was Louise Tognieri with Alison McMullan, as ever, not far behind. Can’t be long now before Alison takes her first win of the year! She has already set an average time over the last three events quick enough to qualify for a club medal so with the season stretching ahead of her she is surely only going to improve.
As ever many thanks to our helpers and marshals. Eric in particular did a fine job considering he retired from the role nearly 6 months ago.
Next week the club is back down at Kirkiston for Round 2 of the racing series. As ever the race will be handicapped giving everyone the possibility of winning and with children’s racing too there should be something for everyone.

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Pre entry has now closed with a record number of registrations. It’s going to be a great day with so many first time challengers too. There will be a chance to register on the morning but spaces are limited so ensure you get down nice and early. Looking forward to seeing you all there. Registration opens at 08:00

Bangor Coastal Challenge

Bangor Coastal Challenge