Club League Starts without the Sunshine
A rotten night. Spring has left and we were back to winter. Rain, wind, grey, 6 degrees but felt like 2 or 3.
A night like this brings out the crazies in our sport. We had 20 of them. The smart ones chose this round to help marshal. Without them we would not be able to run the event. Ensure you have your marshalling nights marked on the calendar!
It took a while before anyone showed up. I was there from 6:20. One group of 5 did around 6:40. There was a bit of a delay before the rest appeared. The teams were quickly pulled together with mixed abilities. The 4 teams were set off at 2 minute intervals. The distance was 8 miles. At the Hillsborough end Emma J, Barry Van K and Marty McA looked after the start. In Ballynahinch in the warmth of their car was Deek and Zak. In Annahilt were Ivan B and Gary B – minus the leg cage!! 
Eddie D and John S were there for encouragement and Richard C was there for photographs. I had two young helpers, the Millar kids, looking after tea and coffee.
We welcomed some newcomers to the club league, Davy F and Neil A and a step up for Graeme Douglas.
Chris’ team: Chris Magowan, Graham McConnell, Ruth Beckett, Neil Armstrong and Sean Stephen.
Lisa’s team: Lisa Millar, Gavin Magowan, Roisin McInhone, Davy McClurg and Grame Douglas
Matthew’s team – Matthew Gibson, Graham Beckett, Jackie Wade, David Dickson and Matthew Armstrong
Ronnie’s team – Ronnie Smyth, Bryce Hetherington, Linda Ford, Michael Cassidy and Davy Foster.
This was supposed to be a fun night, a chance to meet people, a light-hearted kick off so no-one is really interested in the times… 
Ronnie’s team – 25:59
Matthew’s team – 26:07
Chris’ team – 27:15
Lisa’s team – 31:07
As I drove down past the groups towards Ballynahinch I seen the riders sticking together, with an occasional hand on the back of the weakest member of the group. Well done all.
Photos can be found on here
Next Weeks Club League Round is The Sean Kelly Race and it will be around the Harry Ferguson Race Circuit. More details here with the Route Map here.
