Fun Runs

Monday, October 6, 2014
Fundraising continued nearer to home for Ballymena RC cyclists on Saturday with the fifth ride in the "Fun Tour series”
Another record attendance was registered when 91 cyclists assembled at Rex Bonar house for the 9.30am start and they donated another £65 to the Chernobyl Children’s appeal NI and the total now stands at £925.
The touring section had the biggest group with 47 riders. They completed a 40 miles ride, at 14.5 mph, to Dunminning, Glarryford, Rosnashane and then visited Carnroe weir on the river Bann (just off the Vow road)
Most people present had never seen this before at the view was breath-taking. Many thanks to touring committee member Pius McKernan for his research into this destination. The touring group completed their ride along the Gortgole road to Portglenone and the traditional return route up Tully. 
Club Chairman John Maxwell took a group of about two dozen riders and they went by Toome, Ballyronan, Loup and Moneymore. Then it was on to Desertmartin, Tobermore, Maghera, Portglenone,Tully and home. John said he had 60 miles but was not sure what the average was but  was home at 1p.m. 

Alan Blair’s 17 rider group had a similar ride but they also took in Randalstown before riding to Toomebridge then Loup, Moneymore, Tobermore, Maghera, Portglenone and Tully. This was a total of 63 miles at an average speed of 19mph.
Saturday’s ride was the first of the bronze medal tours and those with full attendance qualified for the award. They include Rex Bonar, Jim Burns, Sammy Connor, John and Sean Elliott, Iris Grant, Bert Kernohan, Sammy Kerr, Jackie Knowles, John Maxwell, Patsy McGurk, Pius McKernan, Paul McWilliams, Beresford Millar, Paddy Mooney, Alastair Petticrew, Lori Phillips, Martin Ruddy, Maxine Surgenor, Richard Wilson and Alistair Wylie.
The rides continue each Saturday morning for a total of thirteen weeks until 29th November.  Five tours will earn a bronze medal and certificate while eight qualifies for silver. The gold standard is achieved by completing eleven or more tours.