Dromara Cycling Club's annual Coastal Leisure Cycle around the south Down coast has become a popular day out for many cyclists from across the country.  With scenic views and reasonable flat terrain this cycle has seen over 250 cyclists in the past.  However, for the first time in many years the weather on the day of the cycle, Sunday 12 May 2013, was not favourable with heavy showers and strong winds.  Not the ideal day out on the bicycle.  Naturally this affected the overall turn out but the club were really pleased to welcome 154 adults and 2 juniors.  Hardy souls not afraid of wind nor rain.

This year the cycling club was approached by the Mayor of Lisburn to help raise funds for the mayor's chosen charity, Stepping Stones, which provides adults with learning difficulties / disabilities with the opportunity to access accredited training towards gaining employment.  The Mayor, Alderman William Leatherm, and his wife came along on the morning of the event to help launch the cycle but sadly it wasn't a morning for standing about for photographs!!  The did take the opportunity to chat with the cyclists inside the football club before they set off for their adventure on two wheels.

Sign-on opened at 8:45 am in the Dromara Village Football Club with the riders receiving a wrist band once they had signed and paid.  Normally there would be a mass start but riders got underway as soon as they were ready.  The roads had been marked and there were lead motorcycles to help escort the riders across junctions.

Also this year the club has been provided support from ChainReaction Cycles who provided a van with two personnel to follow the riders and provide assistance.  It was a busy day for them with numerous punctures and mechanicals along the way.  Their help was much appreciated by the club and the affected riders.

The first of the riders arrived at Strangford around 11:15 where gazebos had been set up to house the food and provide shelter from the wind and rain.  The club wish to thank the ladies from the  Downpatrick Third World group who prepared all the food in exchange for a donation to their charity which does good work helping children in places like Colombia.  They put on a great spread of food which was washed down with plenty of hot tea and coffee.

Once the riders got back on the road again they had the choice when the got to the Quoile to either take the direct route back to Dromara via Ballynahinch or to head on further up the coast.  There was also the third option of heading home if the riders had cycled down to Dromara that morning!!

Once back at the football club the riders were provided with tea, coffee and more food. The public bar was open and there was a football match on the TV.  What better way to relax after a hard day on the bike!

The club would like to thank:

• Dromara Village Football Club for the use of their building and parking
• the motorcycle outriders
• the Downpatrick Third World group for providing the food
• the club members who helped to mark the route, handle the adminstration at the sign on desk and to those who set up the gazebo and manned the tea stop in Strangford.
• The Mayor of Lisburn for coming along to support the event
• The guys from ChainReaction Cycles for providing the support van
• and of course, a big thank you to all those who came along on the day.