With the majority of the competitive racing seasons now wrapped up for 2015 Banbridge CC member took the opportunity to come together for a post season leisure cycle, allowing all the members from the various disciplines, including the multiple volunteers, to enjoy some saddle time with a little less pressure. All sections of the club were present on what turned out to be a bit on an Indian summer; including the touring club regulars, the Sunday leisure group, all the regular racing groups from club race level to national champions. Also in attendance where riders from local clubs Dromore CC and VC Iveagh. The most head-turning presence was that of the Beggs family who completed the ride on a tandem for 3. Even more impressive was that it was ridden by 3 generations of the family; Gerry Beggs as pilot with stokers Gary Beggs and daughter Taylor
Organised by Brian Curran the members also use the ride to raise some funds for a chosen charity and for 2015 it was Northern Ireland Chest, Heart and Stroke who were able to receive a cheque for £750. To accommodate everyone in the club, two routes were on offer – a 55 mile circuit taking in Rathfriland, Hilltown, Rostrevor Warrenpoint and Newry, and a shorter 25 mile ride using the tow path along the canal to Newry and back. Both were well supported with over 80 riders returning to Banbridge Hockey Club where Club Chairman Maurice Mayne was assisted by wife Susan and Linda Curry had prepared a mountain of warm bacon and sausage rolls which had kindly been donated by Gordon Scott of the Rosehip Café & Bakery. Donations to NI Chest, Heart and Stroke were also provided through the club from Brian Campbell of Eurospar Banbridge and Tescos Banbridge, all of which were greatly appreciated.
As usual, many thanks to Paul Hannigan on the great photos
