Ballyclare Gazette - Sports - Mossmen roll back the clock with indoor race nights

Sports

Mossmen roll back the clock with indoor race nights

Wednesday, 20 January 2010

MEMBERS of Ballyclare-based Kings Moss Cycling Club, who have been using the disappearance - at last - of ice and snow to return to regular group rides - are working on plans to re-introduce the club's legendary indoor 'roller' race training events.
The club's rollers are specially-designed pieces of rolling road equipment which allow up to four cyclists to race against each other, or the clock, with their progress shown on a large display.
Although they have provided years of service and were once a legendary part of training within KMCC, and that's not to mention other clubs who also used the equipment, the rollers have fallen from use and - members of KMCC feel - are overdue a return to action.
A venue is being arranged and further details will be released once they are confirmed. It is hoped that the roller nights may even become popular enough to hold a club league, providing some excellent variety and competition to mid-week training.
In the meantime, plans are taking shape for this year's major May Fair KMCC Cycle Challenge event, which will leave from Ballyclare town centre. The Mossmen are proud to be holding in aid of the Northern Ireland Children's Cancer Fund.
Club Captain Stephen Laird said part of the the attraction of the event will be the inclusion of a ten mile event for families, meaning that everyone - young and old - can get involved: "We want to give everyone, no matter what their age or cycling experience, a chance to dust down their bike for the new year and enjoy our local roads.
"A ten mile route will allow young people, or anyone who isn't comfortable with the 60 mile ride, to take part in a major event with the support of experienced cyclists to hand.
"This support, of course, will be available to those taking part in the 60 mile run, which provides a perfect distance and setting for newer cyclists to challenge themselves a little.
"In fact, the May date for this event allows beginner cyclists to start building up some miles to prepare, and they can be assured that the distance can be covered at their own pace: the event is not a race. We can even help with gaining some experience on the roads beforehand, just get in touch and join us for a Sunday morning ride.
"But no matter which distance is being covered, everyone will agree that the Northern Ireland Children's Cancer Fund is an outstanding cause and will be the biggest winner on the day," he said.
The routes for the fully-marshalled event, which will include refreshments, are currently being drawn up but will be sure to include some of the best of East Antrim's stunning countryside.
Stephen, who has been cycling for six years and works for online cycle giant Chain Reaction in Doagh, also offered some more details about his own cycling history to show how - with the help of a cycling club like Kings Moss - someone new to cycling can enjoy some very rewarding achievements in a relatively short period of time.
"I started cycling just six years ago to generally keep fit and set myself goals. Cycling is, after all, a perfect sport for setting yearly goals and pushing yourself further each season. It is reasonably cheap, apart from initial cost of a bike, and offers plenty of fresh air as well as a chance to visit places you would never have time to see a in car. All this in the company of great mates who cycle.
"Best of all, since I started cycling, there have been some incredible high points, including organising and riding the now legendary 2008 Mizen to Fairhead Challenge and riding with Sean Kelly and Wendy Houvenaghel in 2009," he said.
Stephen, who rides Pinarello FP5 and Giant TCR road bikes but has a Pinarello Dogma at the top of his 'lottery win' list, said he owes much of his progress to the motivating and supportive effect of being part of the legendary Kings Moss Cycling Club: "I joined KMCC because I thought cycling as part of a group of like-minded people would help me progress, and KMCC's heritage is fantastic. Being 88 years young, the club has some great riders who have competed at various levels on the road/track and mountain biking to offer more advice than reading any book or magazine on the sport
"That's why, through a club like Kings Moss, you get lots advice from experienced cyclists on anything from bike mechanics, what to eat/not eat, how to ride 'smarter' as well as having the benefits of the KMCC-organised insurance. There's a great mix of terrain out there to enjoy, from the flat of the Coast Road to the great climbs within a stone throw of Ballyclare, such as the Collin, Brang Tang and Drumadarragh in Burnside.
"New members will learn much more and be able to enjoy more challenging routes than they would riding on their own" he explained.
The 30 year old Ballyclare man added that, with Ballyclare and Northern Ireland's incredible history in the sport, it is no surprise that some of his influences and icons are sportsmen from close to home: "We all adore the Armstrongs and Cavendishs of the racing scence but Joe Barr's recent Race Around Ireland showed how cycling can really highlight a charity close to all our hearts, and how we as cyclists of varying capabilities can contribute towards something worthwhile for others whilst pushing ourselves physically and mentally.
"Kings Moss Cycling Club's Joe Cooke is also an inspiration as his coaching and advice to all new riders is priceless," he added.
Stephen's wishes for 2010 include competing in the Inishowen 100 this June and "for the May Fair KMCC Cycle Challenge to be a dry day!" He has the long-term goals of climbing - and descending - Alpe d'Huez in France and even taking part in a John O'Groats to Lands End ride.
Looking back to club business, there was a sense of 'back to work' last weekend thanks to the end of icy roads as a good turnout of 14 Mossmen met in the Square on Sunday morning for the weekly club ride. They were joined by guests Gary Flanaghan and Peter Cody.
This Saturday (23rd), some of the Kings Moss cyclists will take part in a Juiced Orchard 'Cody's Challenge' event in Armagh. The event, which is being held aid of the Clarke Clinic of the Royal Belfast Hospital and the charity Heart Beat, was postponed from earlier in the month.
Those interested in joining KMCC are particularly welcome to come along to one of the Kings Moss Sunday morning rides, which leave the Square in Ballyclare at 10am and allow a chance for cyclists of a wide range of abilities to experience group cycling with the help and support of experienced team-members.
Wednesday evening and Saturday morning rides are also held by Kings Moss. See the club website - www.kingsmosscyclingclub.co.uk - or speak to a member for details.
Kings Moss Cycling Club are sponsored by Greenacres Golf Centre. The club is affiliated to the Cyclists Touring Club.