Ards CC honoured long standing club time keeper Ron Martin at its annual dinner on Saturday evening. Ron was a time keeper for over 35 years, and was also club treasurer for a number of years. He initially joined the club to support his son Alastair, but soon found he enjoyed cycling and helping out at cycling events.

In recognition of his work over the years, the club presented Ron with a crystal decanter and glasses, a bottle of his favourite Glen Morrangie whisky, and a collage of photos. They encouraged him to continue to attend club events in the seasons to come.

Ron thanked the club for their very generous and totally unexpected gift. Reflecting on time keeping over the years, he said that the most rewarding part was when riders came up to thank him after events. Perhaps there is a lesson for us all there…

Ron at a Christmas 10 in the early 1980s

Ron trained other timekeepers, including Darren Colville

With grand daughter Emma at the club BBQ in 2009 (Photo courtesy of Bronagh Kirk)

Although he never raced, Ron rode a lot with the club. He’s seen here with his sons at a very wet John O’Groats in 1981

The club’s rich set of trophies were also presented at the dinner, and it was good to see a wide variety of faces stepping up to receive their awards. Some highlights were Graeme Brown taking his first senior Best All Rounder and Joshua Porter taking the Millennium Cup for most promising underage rider.

Also very popular was Desi McIlwraith, who took the Club Support trophy. Jimmy Thompson originally presented this trophy in the 1980s to encourage riders who had overcome adversity. In recent years it has tended to be presented to those who have helped to run the club. This year Desi was recognised for his support of the club runs on his motorbike, but it is great to see Desi back out on the bike again as well.

The full list of trophy winners is given below, along with some photos.

Richard Hanna and Paul Cunningham share the 10 mile handicap trophy

Colin Wilson won the 25 mile handicap trophy

Desi won Club Support

Robin Wilson was awarded the order of the half wheel

Ricky Topping with the Billy Boal Memorial

Geoff Brennan took the hillclimb

Graeme Brown looks delighted with the BAR

Peter Scott with the Killarn cup (10k h’cap)