Youth Cycling Coaching Camp
A one day youth training and coaching camp for Under 15/16 boys and girls will take place on 10th February 2008 at Craigavon Golf and Ski Centre. This is a great opportunity for all prospective young cyclists to get a grounding in race craft before the up-coming season. The camp will consist of a two and a half hour training spin where strength and endurance will be tested. This will be followed by talks on methods of training with a 3.30pm finish.
Community Centred Cycling
The vitally important role which North Down Cycling Club plays in the local community as a charity fund raiser, was recognised last week at the launch of the Emmerdale Extravaganza, in the Culloden. In the month of June this year, when the club will already be involved in promoting one of the largest cycling charity events in the country, The Coastal Challenge, the local club will also be supporting the quest for a cure for Leukaemia through the Emmerdale Extravaganza event.
Soap Stars Gear up for Summer Extravaganza
Members of the cast of the UTV Soap `Emmerdale` were special guests at a Press Launch in the Culloden Hotel yesterday for the Emmerdale Extravaganza, a family fun day taking place at the Ulster Folk and Transport museum later in the year.
As part of the days activities, Bangor Club North Down CC will be promoting a 10 kilometre family cycle within the grounds of the Folk Museum.
Other activities on the day include a 5km fun jog, abseiling, 5-a-side football and a gala dinner in the Culloden Hotel in the evening. All this will take place on Saturday 7 June, with all proceeds are in aid of the Anthony Nolan Trust.
Cast characters, Paddy, Eric Pollard, Perdy & Grayson Sinclair were on hand at the launch, where Chris Chittell (Eric Pollard) was selected to try out the static bike North Down CC had provided for the launch.
Speaking for the Club, Dr Tom Henry commented, “We are delighted to have been asked to become involved with this special event in June, for what promises to be a fantastic day out. The fact that the `Emmerdale Extravaganza` is coming to the province for the first time, and that North Down CC have been asked to host the cycling event is a great honour”.
The Anthony Nolan Leukaemia charity has been involved with the Emmerdale Extravaganza for 7 years, with the event always based in Aberdeen. This year will be the first they have moved from their Scottish base, and in association with sponsors including UTV, Charles Hurst and Translink, the fundraising day is moving to Northern Ireland.
Pics –
Emmerdale actor Chris Chittell (Eric Pollard) gets to grips with the static bike provided by North Down CC at yesterdays launch of the Emmerdale Extravaganza at the folk museum in June. The fundraising day is in aid of the Anthony Nolan Leukaemia trust. Helping Chris are North Down Cyclists John Hunter and Rachel Mitchell, assisted by one of the models from the Style Academy present for the launch.
‘On Yer Bike’ with Emmerdale Stars
Fans of the television soap, Emmerdale, will have a chance to join up with their heroes in a sponsored cycle this summer. Launching the event at the Folk Museum today (Thursday) George Walker explained that the extravaganza annually raises thousands of pounds for the fight against leukaemia. He is particularly excited this year, however, as this is the first time it has ever happened outside mainland Britain.
Reflections on a Year in Cycling
As another year comes to a close it is traditional to reflect on the year that has just passed. Although membership continues to rise, the numbers taking part in recreational activities increased dramatically and the club won no less than four national championships it was still a year of sadness with the passing of our esteemed member, Brian Marshall in a tragic accident.. Brian’s loss was such a catastrophe and his passing has left a hole that will be very hard to fill.
Cycle Track Under Threat
After the euphoria in swimming circles, regarding the Olympic sized pool being built in Bangor, it was not difficult to understand the joy which local cyclists experienced when it was announced that an indoor velodrome was to be built in Northern Ireland. Given the fact that Northern Irish cyclists have never had such a facility and yet have managed to succeed on the world stage, this is a fitting testament to their undoubted ability. Who will ever forget, for example, the heroics of riders like Morris Foster or our own Alistair Irvine, who picked up a Commonwealth Games medal in New Zealand on the track?