Fun Tour Report

Monday, September 30, 2013
 
 
Saturday’s Ballymena Road Club – Chain Reaction Cycles - fun tours saw a record turnout of 76 cyclists assemble at Rex Bonar House. The warm, 68 degrees Fahrenheit, and sunny weather no doubt contributed to the big numbers and it does the charity fund the world of good too with another £110 donated on Saturday to make the overall total £780. The previous biggest turnout was on 22nd September last year when 74 took part.
The "A” group had the biggest numbers with 43 and they completed a 54 miles ride at 17.9mph. Their route took in Moorfields, Ballyeaston, Lower Ballyboley, Kilwaughter, Larne, Ballygally, Glenarm glen, Buckna, and Broughshane.
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, Chapeltown, Shankbridge, Ballycowan, Rankinstown and Ballymarlow.  A total of 40 miles at 14.8mph.
The tours continue each Saturday for another nine weeks. Newcomers are very welcome to take part but they, and all non Cycling Ireland members are requested to go with the touring group.
Numbers are now such that there is room for a third "intermediate” group so that all abilities may be catered for and there are enough experienced BRC members to lead and supervise another group like this.
This Saturday’s ride is the fifth in the series and represents the first opportunity, for those with full attendance, to earn their bronze medals. Eight tours earns silver while those completing 11 will achieve gold