Road Club cyclists look ahead to new year after AGM

The meeting was well attended and the 45 who were present heard reports from Race Secretary David Dougan, Treasurer Richard Wilson and touring Chairman Patsy McGurk.

The outgoing chairman John Maxwell thanked all those who had assisted the club during the season including sponsors Chain Reaction Cycles and also long term supporters Northstone NI ltd. He also praised Joan McCullough and Vicky Woodrow who were the club’s first aiders.

He singled out Alan Mark and Billy Jebb for special praise. The two men have retired from their timekeeping duties and will be very difficult to replace.

Rex Bonar was also thanked for his hard work as “caretaker” of the club house and for his work as assistant treasurer. Again Rex is retiring from these positions this year.

John also praised the work of his fellow committee members for their support during his year in office.

Race Secretary David Dougan’s report was presented, in his absence, by assistant race secretary Nigel Kernohan.

David reported that the two open races – namely the Red Hand Trophy and Wallace Caldwell memorial events had attracted full fields in 2014. He thanked the race sponsors Blair International Transport, Jonathan Keys and Ben Morrow.

David thanked retiring timekeepers Billy Jebb and Alan Mark and also the ladies committee, first aiders, panel of marshalls and Andy Wills for his photo finish camera work.

David said that club teams had taken part in the Tour of the North and the Donegal Ras while the younger riders were congratulated for representing the club at the Errigle youth tour and the junior tour of Ireland.

David congratulated ladies champion Eileen Burns for her Ulster time trial championship successes in the 10, 25, 50 and 100 miles title races which was an unprecedented success for the road club.

Nigel Kernohan also gave a detailed report on the club’s first promotion of the Billy Kerr Sportive (BKS) an event which attracted 271 participants and raised £4575 for the NI Children’s Hospice.

Touring Chairman Patsy McGurk said that all the club’s touring events had been well supported during 2014. Unfortunately the nine glens challenge suffered badly because of torrential rain and had to be cut short as a result. He said the harbours tour had been excellent and that the highlight of the season had been the weekend trip to Westport. He thanked Pius McKernan and Sean Elliott for repairing the trailer, which broke on the journey, and also Michelin’s Danny Butler for transporting the bikes to and from Westport.

Former chairman Billy Jebb then conducted the election of office bearers and various committee members.

It was more or less re-election all around except for the position of assistant treasurer which saw vice chairman Geoff Allen take over from life-long club servant Rex Bonar. Leo McCavana was elected to act as child care officer, taking over that role from Adrian Kerr.

The main posts are: President - Alan Mark, Chairman John Maxwell, Secretary - Hazel Hughes, Treasurer – Richard Wilson. Race Secretary David Dougan.

Other positions include: Vice Presidents - Rex Bonar, Gordon Caldwell, and John Maxwell. Vice Chairman – Geoff Allen. Assistant Treasurer – Geoff Allen. Registrar and PRO - Richard Wilson. Child care officer – Leo McCavana. Website Administrator – Clifford Grant and Nigel Kernohan. Assistant race secretary Nigel Kernohan.

Handicappers: For road races - Alan Blair and David Dougan. Time trials - Richard Wilson.

The panels of timekeepers and assistant timekeepers were also elected as were the Touring, Racing and ladies committees.

New members on the touring committee are Maura Bradley, Iris Grant, Maria Shannon, Lori Phillips, John McKillop and Tom Douds. They join Hazel Hughes, Pius McKernan, Richard Wilson and Chairman Patsy McGurk.

New names on the racing committee for 2015 will include – Jason and Eileen Burns, Andrew Wills, Flic Watts and Laura Blair. They join Tommy Wilson, Alan Blair, Martin Ruddy, Clifford Grant, Hall Booth, John Maxwell, Tom Douds, Ryan Bankhead, Connor Young, Nigel Kernohan and race secretary David Dougan.

FUN TOUR NINE

A total of 71 cyclists enjoyed dry conditions for Saturday’s fun tour, which was ride nine of the 13 week series.

The touring group ride took in Larne Road to Ballymarlow and then Doagh, Parkgate, Templepatrick, and across Ballyrobin road to Aldergrove airport. Next it was Antrim Randalstown and Slaght.

Alan Blair had fourteen out in his group. They completed a 58 miles route at 18.2mph to Randalstown, Antrim, Glenavy, Dundrod and back down the Sevenmile straight.

Club chairman John Maxwell had 21 riders in his group and he completed a similar ride to the touring group, covering 45 miles at 17.3mph.

Many thanks to all who helped with the roll call and supervised on Saturdays groups.

CLOTHING

As per a request at last week’s A.G.M., Garth, from clothing suppliers “Powerhouse” has been invited to come to the club this Wednesday 5th November at 7.30pm to let club members see the quality of their clothing, view samples and check sizes.

As part of the continuing sponsorship deal from Chain Reaction cycles Ballymena Road Club cyclists may attend a club discount night on Tuesday 11th November from 6pm–8pm at Chain Reaction’s flagship store on Boucher Road, Belfast.

This comes at an excellent time for those much needed Christmas presents and there is an extra 20% off all items in store and on pre orders.

There is also 15% off 2015 new bikes. As usual CRC request that all pre orders are sent to the shop email account [email protected]. The pre order system will close at 5pm today, Tuesday 4th November.

PRIZE NIGHT

Tickets, priced at a modest £17.50, have been selling very quickly this year for the Ballymena Road Club prize presentation dinner and dance at Leighinmohr house hotel on Friday 21st 2014 November. Please let Richard Wilson, or any other committee member, know if you wish to attend.