Important Info re Reliability Trials this Weekend

This weekend sees two more Reliability Trials take place. East Antrim and Island Wheelers have provided lots of choice for the riders this year. Helmets are compulsory for all events. Event Organisers are reminded that these reliabilities are not races and the pace should be strictly controlled either with lead cars or experienced riders. Ballymena RC held their event last weekend and it was highly successful with two large groups well controlled by Tommy Wilson and RIchard Wilson. There was excellent back up as well which was certainly needed given the number of punctures enroute.

Please Note
Following a meeting with the PSNI today all promoters are advised to submit form 11-1 (Parades Commission Form) prior to running Reliability Trials. It is available for download by clicking the link below and also in the Download Section on the left.

11-1 Parades Commission Form

East Antrim Reliability Trial
This Sunday 7th February, East Antrim CC run their annual reliability trial. Sign-on for the event takes place as usual in the car park next to Carrickfergus Castle between 9:00 and closing at 9.45am sharp. The event will consist of two routes – the first will be 70 miles and aimed at riders preparing for the forthcoming racing season. The second route will be 55 miles and aimed more at the leisure rider. Both groups will enjoy a tea-stop at Ballygalley car park before the run back home – routes be will announced on the day.

The 70 mile group will depart at 10am sharp, with the 55mile group departing at 10.01am. All riders must wear helmets, and obey the rules of the road at all times.

Island Wheelers Reliability Trial
Island Wheelers CC Reliability trial will be held on Sunday 7th February. Sign on is at Gortgonis Sports Hall from 9 am and starting at 10am. There are two routes 100 km and 60 km. Entry fee is £10 and there will be refreshments afterwards and shower facilities. The routes for these runs can be found on the Island Wheelers website – islandwheelers.co.uk. With any luck the weather will be more favourable than it has been in recent years.

Certainly Island Wheelers and East Tyrone are well prepared for the event. Members of the Island Wheelers and East Tyrone C.C. continue to prepare for the new season with weekly Turbo Sessions, coached by Cycling Ulster's Track Coach Brian Cardy.

The Island Wheelers are in their 5th winter of these weekly sessions which run from early October to late March while East Tyrone are 'enjoying' their first taste of this particular type of winter training. "The average number of riders is 17 with the Island Wheelers and 12 with East Tyrone" explained Brian "which is very encouraging". "We have a wide range of age, ability and ambitions, so the exercises and drills have been tailored in order that the rider themselves decide their gear and therefore their work-load, I set the other parameters of the exercises, so basically the rider decides their own intensity" "We've been doing this for a few years now at the Island Wheelers and from a coaching point of view, it's satisfying to see the experienced riders and those new to the sport improving their fitness and progressing through to the new season, in whatever branch of cycling they've chosen.

" I've had to take a few weeks off this year, due to family reasons, but Barry Armstrong of the Island Wheelers 'stepped in' and did an excellent job and between
us, whether the event be leisure or competitive I can assure that these riders of Mid-Ulster are putting in the pre-season effort.”

They have also issued an open invitation for Tommy Lamb to join them 'just to hone his speed for the new season' and to be able to complete his Challenge!

Marian Lamb Club Development Officer