Community Centred Cycling
The vitally important role which North Down Cycling Club plays in the local community as a charity fund raiser, was recognised last week at the launch of the Emmerdale Extravaganza, in the Culloden. In the month of June this year, when the club will already be involved in promoting one of the largest cycling charity events in the country, The Coastal Challenge, the local club will also be supporting the quest for a cure for Leukaemia through the Emmerdale Extravaganza event.
This fund-raiser, which is a mammoth one day affair, raises over £200,000 annually. It began in Aberdeen some seven years ago but this year it is coming to Northern Ireland for the very first time. The Ulster Folk and Transport Museum will become the venue for a multitude of activities on the 7th June, which will give the public the opportunity to mingle with the celebrities from the small screen in the form of the cast in the popular soap, Emmerdale.
In addition to the 10k family charity bike ride there will be entertainment for everyone. For example, there will be the opportunity to join the Emmerdale cast in activities such as a golf tournament, abseiling down Cultra Quarry, a 5k Fun Run and a 5-a-side football match. There will also be food, shopping, entertainments, displays and even a fashion show on offer, as well as all the magnificent family attractions customarily found at the museum.
The charity which will benefit will be the Anthony Nolan Trust, which aims to ‘take back lives from leukaemia’, by providing lifesaving donors for patients in need of a bone marrow transplant. Since 1974 they have helped to give over 5,800 children and adults a new chance of life thanks to the support of companies and individuals willing to give their help.
Further information about the event can be had by contacting the event manager, George Walker on 07876 710 559 / 01467 628876 or by visiting his website at www.georgewalkerevents.co.uk
Touring Calendar
The 2008 touring calendar has been compiled by touring secretary Terry Nicoletti and can be viewed at www.northdowncc.com. Once again Terry has managed to include something for everyone and he deserves our thanks and support in what looks like a very exciting programme.
Sign-up nights
The second of the sign-up nights will be held next Tuesday in the Bokhara restaurant, Kings Street. Although it is possible for those who cannot make it down to the Bokhara to sign-up directly on-line, it is such an advantage to be able to call on the expertise of people like Keith and Flo Millar, who will not only be able to advise on the best packages available but are also only too willingly to complete the administration for you. What is important is that no-one should delay with regards to signing-up as this provides the best and most economical route to insurance cover, which is vitally important for all of us.
NICF / CU Awards Night
Cycling Ulster is joining the NICF this year for its award night, which will be held in The New Forge Country Club on Saturday 2nd February. The evening will see Trophies and Awards presented for the Northern Ireland Championships, Ulster Championships, CU-NICF Slane Cycles Classic Series and also the Madigan Pro Bike Centre Track League. Tickets priced £15 are currently on sale and it is envisaged that the club minibus will travel to the event.
Mountain Bike Racing
Xmtb will be running a Winter League during January and February in Castle Park. This league is great for newcomers to have a go at mountain bike racing and there will be plenty of advice on hand on the days of the races.
The races will take place on the 20th and 27th of January and the 10th and 17th of February, with signing-on from 9.30 to 11.00. All riders under 18 must have a parental consent form completed. For more information contact XMTB by email info@xmtb.co.uk if you have any questions.