Fun Tours!

Monday, November 12, 2012
The tenth ride in the 2012 fun tour series took place last Saturday 10th November from Rex Bonar house, Railway Street Ballymena. This was the first Saturday that the participants in this year’s series had to endure somewhat harsh weather conditions with rain and a cold wind making life difficult for the first hour or so.After that it dried up and every one, of the 55 participants, enjoyed the experience.
Martin Ruddy gave me another accurate account of the "B” group’s ride which took in Broughshane, Carnlough, Waterfoot and Glenariff glen before the fast return section in through Cargan, Martinstown and Rathkenny. This was a total of 44 miles at 17.8mph.
 
The touring section completed a 40 miles ride which included, Straid, New road to Ahoghill then Old Portglenone road, Garvaghy, Portglenone, Gortgole road to Kilrea. Then it was out to Drumagarner and Tamlaght o Crilly, Innisrush, Clady, Portglenone and of course up Tully; a climb which the newer tourists have become very familiar with in the recent weeks.
 
An up to date list of medallists reads;Silver, for eight tours or more:Alan Blair, Liz Carey, Bobby Currie, Michael Diamond, Hazel Hughes, Jackie Knowles, Gordon Lennox, Francis O’Kane, Laurence O’Neill, Paul Patterson, Lori Phillips, Karl Taylor, Wilnor Worthington, Geoff Allen, Ryan Currie, Alan Mark, John Maxwell and Davy Rankin.
 
Bronze, for five or more tours:Grahame Bonner, James McBride, Ryan Shaw, Aaron Swan, Derek Agnew, Sam Campbell, Uel Cunningham and Leo McCavana.This Saturday’s ride is the eleventh of the thirteen week series and will be the first opportunity for those with full attendance to earn their gold medals.The mayor, Alderman PJ McAvoy, will hold a reception in the town hall at the conclusion of the series when all the medals and certificates will be presented and the charity donations handed over to the Chernobyl Children’s appeal NI.
 This year’s target total is £900 with the fund standing at £897 so far, many thanks to all participants.