Cycling Ulster Attend Disability Taster Sessions

Representatives of Cycling Ulster have attended a series of four full day Disability taster sessions organised by Rhonda Richardson of the Southern Health Trust. The sessions took place in Dungannon, Armagh, Newry and Banbridge and are designed to provide disabled people with a chance to try out various sports.

Marian and Tommy Lamb attended all the sessions to provide an overview of cycling for the disabled and the opportunities that are available. Rhonda Richardson not only organises these events but has also organised fitness and sports programmes for those interested in taking part in disability sport.

The Ulster Handcycling Association was well represented on all occasions with Darrell Erwin and David Kerr taking time out to demonstrate the handcycles. There was great interest in these particularly in the Newry and Banbridge sessions.

Cycling Ireland's Paracycling mechanic Gerry Beggs of Banbridge was at the Banbridge session and had advice to offer to all. He took time out in the lunch break to correct Tommy Lamb's position on the track bike. Perhaps this will provide Lamb with an edge to enable him to complete his challenge. Darrell has him down to break 30 minutes....... for a '5'!!!!

Darrell also spoke of his hopes of getting funding through Awards for Sport in order to buy suitable equipment. "I would like to have some handcycles suitable for use with young people so that we can give them the opportunity to get out and cycle. If we are fortunate in obtaining funding we will also be able to purchase leisure handcycles which are suitable for those who do not want to compete. Currently I use my racing handcycle at all the taster sessions but this is designed for me and is also hard to get into if you have mobility problems. Cycling is very addictive once you get started and I would like to see a lot more disabled users out there cycling away. It is great for improving your fitness and your social life."

Slieve Gullion's Danny McSherry demonstrated the tandems and provided information on the Newry and Mourne Watch club. Marian Lamb showed photographs of various paracycling champions such as Andy Fitzgerald in action on the tandem.

Thanks to Banbridge and Craigavon Councils
Sports Development Officers Darryn Green (Craigavon) and Gillian Dewart (Banbridge) came along to watch the sessions. Darryn has been responsible for providing Portadown's David Kerr (Ulster Handcycling Association) with additional support in the way of fitness training. Marian Lamb spoke to Gillian Dewart in relation to some of the problems encountered by handcyclists and wheelchair users in negotiating the tow path in her area. She immediately contacted those responsible and the good news is that the gates will now be modified to suit these users. Cycling Ulster would like to thank both Craigavon and Banbridge Councils for taking on board the problems faced by disabled users on the tow path and taking such quick steps to rectify the situation.

We would also like to thank Rhonda Richardson for the invitation to attend the weekly sessions.

Marian Lamb Club Development Officer