Bann Wheelers Cycling Club announce 2009 Tour of the North Team

The club have all but finalised the team for the TOTN 2009,
they are Nigel Quigley, John Madden, Dominic Drum and Robert Kennedy.
The club has been promised first refusal on a cancellation that would
make way for a 5th rider on the team. As soon as there is word about this
a place will be made available to any member interested.


Full details will be announced on the website as soon as more details are available

The full support of all Club Members will be greatly appreciated.

To all our Members at the Bann Wheelers Cycling Club,

We want to wish you all a Happy Christmas and a VERY Fast 2009

from Robert, Maurice, Robert K, and ALL the Committee at the Cycling Club
Thank You all for the effort and support.

Club dinner 2008

Bann Wheelers Club dinner 2008

Ex Pro Bike rider Joe Barr presents Bann Wheelers Prizes

On Saturday night the Bann Wheelers Cycling Club held
their annual Dinner and Prize distribution in the Lodge Hotel.

Gathered were over 60 riders, family and supporters to hear ex professional
cyclist and fastest Irish rider in history over 100 miles Joe Barr, hand out the hard earned prizes
and congratulate the club and its riders in their efforts.
Joe also thanked the Bann Wheelers for their support in helping to organise
the "Into the West Sportive Cycle Challenge" and the 12 riders from the club who took
part in the event. Raising £2000 for the Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children.

The prize giving was introduced by club Chairperson Robert Downes who expressed his pride
at being part of the Cycling Club and the efforts of its officials and riders. Robert thanked the
friends and families for coming along and supporting this event. Special thanks was extended to
John and Ian Nevin for their diligence in securing that the clubs events were timed and marshalled.
Robert then handed over to Race Secretary Natt Magee, Maurice McAllister and guest Joe Barr to hand
out the trophies.

Trophy winners were John Madden, Nigel Quigley, Sean Kealey, Alastair Bratten, Derek McDonald,
Kay Hack, Robert Downes, Russell Callaghan, Gary Kendall, David Park and Nigel Kerr.
Young Ryan Bratten won the U16 trophy and Sean Wright from Ballymena Road Club won the
David Armour Cup.

A special gift from the club was presented to Mrs Sinead Barr by Chairperson Robert Downes
as a thank you for coming along to the event.
Another name to watch out for apart from John Madden, Nigel Quigley or Sean Kealey is that of young
female cyclist Kimberley Dunlop. Kimberley came along with her grandad Jim to the
club dinner and is also going out on Saturday training rides with other members.
A name for the future.








Other Members and Friends enjoying themselves.

Bann Wheelers Cycling Club

Annual Dinner and Prize Distribution
15th November
in
The Lodge Hotel, Coleraine

at 8.00pm (sharp)

Welcome

Welcome to the Bann Wheelers blog

“It is all for the children”

says shattered Bann Wheelers cyclist.

Into the West 65mile Sportive Cycle Challenge

On Sunday 2^nd November say over 50 brave riders set off from Fr. Gallagher’s grounds St. Mary’s GAA sports (CLG Naomh Mhuire Leacht Mhanuis.) at Tamnaherin. The event was run in support of the Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children and £1750 to date was raised.

Its course was set in the picturesque Sperrin Mountains and climbs like Barnes Gap, Sawel Mountain, Banagher Glen and Loughamore Forest were crossed. With weather conditions favourable the pace at the start was brisk over the early hills.

Bann Wheelers CC was well represented and its members did the club proud. Special mention has to go to riders like Sam Greer who literally rode himself to a standstill, drawing comment from assistant event organiser and ex professional cyclist Joe Barr, that Sam’s efforts epitomised cycling and the commitment and bravery of its riders.

Bann Wheelers riders in attendance were from L to R

Gary Turner, John Madden, Sharman Crawford, Nigel Kerr, Sean Kealey, Russell Callaghan, Gary Kendall, Nigel Quigley, Steven McAllister, Routing Crew Bann Wheelers member Oliver Laverty and Robert Kennedy. (Missing from photo at the time were Sam Greer and Colm Mcllfatrick)

All the riders were presented with a t shirt and certificate for completing the event.

The first riders home were John Madden and Gary Turner who as well as supporting the event used it as a good training run.

Clubs from both north and south of the border took the time to travel and show their support, but some of the local clubs failed to attend and missed out in this very worthy charity event.

The Bann Wheelers Cycling Club Chairman Robert Downes would like to thank the work done by Mr and Mrs Joe Barr, the community of Tamnaherin who were on the ground offering refreshment and sustenance to all who attended. The Red Cross, the motor cycle out riders the “Feed Station” personnel the support vehicles and anyone else you gave freely of their time.

Colm McIlfatrick at the feed station in Cranagh

Bann Wheelers Club Secretary Maurice McAllister said that the “Into the West” cycle challenge was going to be an annual event and looked forward to along with everyone else again being involved.

Other BANN WHEELERS News,

Sunday club runs will leave the Boulevard and 2 groups will depart at 9.30am sharp as agreed at the last club meeting.

Robert Kennedy will lead the 2^nd group of riders who wish to travel at a more comfortable and leisurely pace.

Tickets for the “Club Diner and Prize Distribution” on Sat 15^th November are available from club Treasurer Robert Kennedy, contact number 07929207302. Everyone is very welcome to attend.

Extra Training Mid Week “Night Time” mountain bike rides contact Nigel Quigley on 07957555507

Saturdays Triangle Run with Maurice McAllister, leaving the Town Hall at 10.15.pm, all abilities welcome. Pace is of the slowest rider.

Attempts to secure a Cycling Ulster representative to the next club meeting are ongoing so members interested, see press for further developments.