Fun Tours Popular Again.

Tuesday, September 17, 2013
It was back to business as usual for the 54 participants in Saturday’s Ballymena Road Club – Chain Reaction Cycles – fun tour.
Last week’s opening round was almost a washout but, by comparison, Saturday was perfect for the time of year. The touring group had 33 participants including five newcomers with 13 year old Matthew Booth taking part on his debut tour and completing a 30 miles ride, which was five miles further than his previous best, well done Matthew.
 Everyone had a very enjoyable outing with the distance, at 40 miles, a little bit longer than a normal fun tour, nobody complained as they all wanted to make the most of the excellent weather.          The route took in Gracehill, Ballymontenagh, Grange, Newferry, Culnafay, Crosskeys, Milltown and the unclassified Loup road to Moneyglass.
Then it was on to Duneane road and Cloghogue and the mid-way stop at Toomebridge. The second part of the tour took in Deerpark road towards Bellaghy and right on to Ballydermot road past the shores of Lough Beg and the magnificent views across the lough to Church Island. Next it was Ballyscullion road and Newferry road, Ballynease and into Portglenone before tackling Tully en-route to Ahoghill and back to base.
 ”The "A” group run was simply Ballymena, Glenwherry, Larne, Ballygally, Glenarm, Carnlough and home through the Braid and Broughshane. The average speed was 19.5mph for the 51 miles route. This sounds fast but with the light winds and sizeable group it was very sensible, apart from the fast run down into Larne.”
"It was a lovely run in the sunshine on the coast road. It was good to see Ronnie Grant getting some form and completing the fast group run.. Danny O’Loan was out with the A group for the first time. He struggled a bit to be honest but he has made great progress since starting with the touring section on last year’s fun tours.  Everyone waited at the top of the climb of Glencloy, after Carnlough, to re-group. I thought everyone came home together but I’m told a few may have dropped back on the run home through the Braid, which is always a fast finish.” The entrants donated another £205 to the charity fund on Saturday. This fund now stands at £585, with all proceeds going to the Chernobyl children’s appeal NI.