Calorie Burning Cycling!
If you’re a keen cyclist, a novice cyclist or an absolute beginner, then a date to pencil into your diary is Saturday December 29th, when you’ll have the opportunity to try your hand at cycling in the company of North Down Cycling Club members. Yes, this is the traditional Mince Pie Cycle (10.00am start) when you have the opportunity to burn off some of those excess calories in your choice of short leisurely cycles.
For example, for the very young or the complete beginner they may feel satisfied with the ‘Cycle in the Park’. This will be a very short cycle, at a very leisurely speed, lasting about 30 minutes. For those who are little more accomplished, it might be a slightly longer cycle to Groomsport or Donaghadee and for the more enthusiastic it will be a brisker cycle to Millisle and Carrowdore.
The Mince Pie Cycle is a long established tradition in the North Down club and it is open to everyone. It is geared very much to the novice cyclist and recreational cyclist. However, young riders must be accompanied by an adult.
Being just after Santa’s visit, the North Down club is offering an additional service this year. If Santa has not quite set anyone’s bike properly then some of his elves, in the guise of North Down cycling club members, will be on hand to make those little adjustments. Also, as a service to worried parents, there will be a short road safety talk geared for the younger cyclists. To avail of these facilities, all we ask is that you contact the local club and let them know of your intention to participate, so that adequate resources can be mobilized. This service is completely free and could be regarded as a belated Christmas present from the North Down Cycling Club. Similarly, everyone who takes part is invited to enjoy light refreshments back in the clubrooms after the cycle, when certificates will be presented to the younger participants.
Hot Port Cycle
For the more mature cyclists the hot port cycles will add a little festive cheer over the next two weekends. These events are now a traditional part of the local cycling scene and everyone is invited. If you would like to take part all you have to do is turn up at the North Down Cycling Club clubrooms Park Drive around 9am on Saturday 15th or 22nd. This popular cycle will take a similar route to previous years, leaving the clubrooms, Park Drive and head for Comber, Saul and Strangford before returning via the Salt Water Brig.
Henry on Ireland Squad
After a series of tests during the autumn, involving cyclists from all four provinces, a squad of twelve junior riders (under 18 year olds) has been drawn up. This squad includes local Regent House schoolboy, Stuart Henry. Henry spent last weekend in County Kildare under the tutelage of national coach, Brian Nugent and he heads off with the national squad to Belgium in the first week in January for specialist track and road training.