Billy Kerr Sportive 15 Aug

Wednesday, August 12, 2015
The build-up and organisation for the Billy Kerr sportive is in full flow at present. 

Event management committee co-ordinator Nigel Kernohan says "We are looking forward to having the second event on 15th August in memory of Billy and we invite all cyclists to come along and join us to ride one of three fantastic routes. Please register online as soon as possible so that the organisers can confirm supplies for catering, etc. Registration on the day of the event is also available - see www.ballymenaroadclub.co.uk for details.”

There are three routes on offer, each starting from Eaton Park, and each one is challenging in its own way.

Choice one is 42 miles and takes in Rathkenny, Martinstown, Cargan, Glenballyeamon and Cushendall, where there is a refreshment stop at the boat club. Then it’s around the coast road to Waterfoot and Carnlough before the climb of Glencloy and on to the finish via the Braid and Broughshane.

Choice two is 72 miles and heads out the Cushendall road before turning left on to Tate’s Lane at Newtowncrommelin. Then its Glenleslie road towards Clough and a right turn on to Moneyduff road and on to Corkey, Loughguille, Armoy and down Glenshesk to the first refreshment stop at Ballycastle.

Once re-fuelled it’s on to Ballyvoy and the climb past Ballypatrick forest and the vanishing lakes before the descent to Cushendall and another refreshment stop at the boat club. From there its back home via Carnlough and Broughshane as route one.

The longest route is 92 miles and is similar to route two but with the addition of a loop which takes in Glenarm, Feystown, Cairncastle and Ballygally before heading back along the coast road to Carnlough and up Glencloy to finish along the same route as the two shorter tours. 

Nigel’s latest Sportive update reads:
  • "Chain Reaction Cycles” Goodie bags packed and ready to go. 
  • The finishers’ medals have been delivered. 
  • Advertisement signs are up at Eaton Park entrance, Lidl and Dunsilly roundabouts. 
  • The "Flag Banners” for sportive are due this week. 
  • Riders are signing up on line and numbers are increasing daily. 
  • Food, nutrition, water, tea and coffee are being confirmed for the feed stations and start / finish. 
  • Wrist bands have been produced and will be issued at registration as proof of entry. 
  • Route checks have been done. 
  • Service vehicles are all confirmed including an ambulance for first aid. 
  • The marshal allocation is underway and additional support is booked for Eaton Park and Ballycastle.

Schedule of events on Saturday 15th August are:
  • Start – Eaton Park 
    • Tea and coffee 7.30am to 8.30am
    • Riders roll out from 8.00am to 9:30am
  • Feed stations opened as follows: 
    • Ballycastle   9:30am to 11:30am.
    • Cushendall   9:30am to 12:45pm. 
    • Ballygally    11:30am to 2:15pm
  • Finish – Eaton Park
    • Medal award on return
    • Eaton Park function room where there will be Tea / Coffee Sandwiches / pastries from 12:30pm to 4:30pm.
The events chosen charity this year is the Children’s cancer fund.