One of the best ways to enjoy cycling is the club run. It’s a great way to meet like-minder individuals, enjoy a bit of craic, discover some new roads, and learn how to ride in a group and share the work.
Desi would be proud of this group – just a few miles from Comber and already the lead rider is pointing to grass in the middle of the road
And if you are new to club cycling, autumn is the perfect time to try out a club run – the racing season has come to an end and the racing guys will be taking it easier for a few months.
Ards CC run two weekly club runs. The first meets at 9.30 on Saturdays in Comber Square (with a feeder group leaving Newtownards Fire Station at about 9.10). Club chairman Desi leads 20-30 regulars on a magical tour of the back roads – usually lasting about 40 miles and often with a tea stop. Pace is a sociable 15-16 mph.
When I was a schoolboy, I had a local map stuck on my bedroom wall where I used to mark all the roads I’d ridden on. Desi will help you get your map fully coloured in!
A few of the regulars on the Sunday run
Sunday’s run meets at Newtownards Fire Station at about 9.30am (with a feeder group meeting at Nero’s in Conway Square first for some continental sustenance.) This run is a bit faster (maybe 18mph) and a bit longer (50-60+ miles), with the odd “special” thrown in.
You’ll need a well maintained bike and a helmet, and if you want to join us regularly you also need a licence to give you the appropriate insurance cover. We’ll be happy to talk you through it on a Saturday morning.
Closing in on the mythical village of Scollogs Town. Where will next week’s club run take us?
Why not give it a go!?