Bronze fo 22 on Fun Tours

Tuesday, October 9, 2012
The Ballymena Road Club – Chain Reaction Cycles – 2012 series of fun cycle tours continue to attract a large turnout with a total of 67 riders taking part in last Saturday’s fifth ride.The excellent weather continued on Saturday, which was the fifth week of dry conditions. Three groups left from Rex Bonar house on Railway Street and they each had different routes, distances and average speeds.
The "B” group had the longest tour of the three with their ride taking them as far away as Lough Fea, a total of 63 miles at 17mph.
The 17 rider, "A” group completed a two and a half hours,  51 miles ride at almost 20mph.Their route took in Cullybackey, Kilrea towards Garvagh then Grove road to Swatragh, Maghera, Culnady, Innishrush, Portglenone then up the Largy line to Kilnock, Whitesides road and Slaght. I’m told that Alan Blair was the luckiest rider today, although some may say the most skilful. Alan was fortunate to avoid a fall whenever his chain snapped while he was contesting a sprint. Not nice, as this comes as quite a shock when it happens.
Finally, the biggest group of the day was the thirty strong touring section bunch. Their ride was the hilliest to date and took in Doctors road, Lisnahilt road, Douglas road, Church road at Glenwherry, then on to Killalane reservoir, near Larne. Then it was down Ardymagh road to Carnlea road North, Whappstown road, Lislunnan road and then down the Steeple road to Kells and back in the Liminary road to Ballymena. This was a total of 35 miles at 14mph.This touring section group contains all of the newcomers and everyone is progressing very well at the present time.Saturday was the first of the bronze medal tours and 22 riders, who have full attendance have qualified for their medals.The successful riders are Alan Blair, Maura Bradley, Christina Clarke, Sammy Connor, Jim Doherty, Alan Donegan, John and Sean Elliott, Brian Geddis, Clifford, Ronnie and Iris Grant, Billy Jebb, Sammy Kerr, Alan Mark, Pius McKernan, Owen McLaughlin, Paddy Mooney, Martin Ruddy, Danny O’Loan, Richard Wilson and of course Rex Bonar who opens up the premises and looks after the parking each week.
The charity fund raised another £65 on Saturday and the total now stands at £819. Last year the total was £862, so we are getting there; hopefully we can beat £900 for the first time, many thanks.MeetingsBallymena Road Club cyclists are holding two important meetings this Monday evening, 15th October, at their Rex Bonar House clubrooms.