Fun tour three.

Sunday, September 20, 2015
Saturday’s Ballymena Road Club – Chain Reaction Cycles - fun tours saw a turnout of 78 cyclists assemble at Rex Bonar House. The warm and dry conditions no doubt contributed to the big numbers and it does the charity fund the world of good too with another £135 donated on Saturday to make the overall total £615.

The "A” group completed a 55 miles ride at 19.7 mph. their route took in Randalstown, Antrim, Crumlin, Glenavy, Stoneyford, Seven mile straight and back to Antrim and home.
Club Chairman John Maxwell took a 19 rider "B” group on a 51 miles ride to Larne with a coffee stop at Carnfunnock then on to Ballygally Glenarm and the Braid to Broughshane. They enjoyed the added bonus of viewing a pod of Dolphins in the sea between Ballygally and Glenarm – a rare and very special treat.

The 33 tourists had, what could only be described as "a leafy lane tour” which took in Larne road, Doctors road, Kennelbridge, Lisnahilt, and Douglas road before descending to the main Larne road at Glenwherry.

The group then visited Killalane reservoir before another fast descent of Ardymagh road to Ballynashee road. Then it was along Carnlea road north to Whappstown road, Lislunnan road, Steeple road and Kells, returning to base in the Liminary road for total of 35 miles at 14mph.
The tours continue each Saturday for another ten weeks. Newcomers are very welcome to take part but they, and all non-Cycling Ireland members are requested to go with the touring group.
The tours will receive support from Mid and East Antrim council, whose Mayor Mr. Billy Ashe was in attendance at the start of Saturday’s tour.

He will host a presentation of the medals and certificates, in the mayor’s parlour, at the end of the series. Certificates and medals will be awarded to the successful participants with five tours earning bronze, eight for silver while eleven wins gold.

The minimum age of the participants is set at 13 years and all those under 16 must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or other nominated adult.

Participants are advised that crash helmets must be worn. They are also advised to dress appropriately for the weather conditions and to bring a rain jacket, spare tube, food and money. It goes without saying that bikes must be fully road worthy. There is a minimum one off entry fee of £5 to cover the fun tour series with the donations going to the Chernobyl children’s appeal NI.