Sunday 29 April 2012
Downpatrick Third World Group Annual Charity Cycle Tour

There was a great turn out at the Downpatrick Third World Leisure Cycle which took place on Sunday 29 April 2012.  Despite the cold morning over 120 riders turned up to complete the 60 mile route around the coast.  The headquarters was again at the Downpatrick Cricket Club which has plenty of room both inside and out for parking,  administration and feeding afterwards.  

The organisers put on two routes, the main 60 mile circuit which goes through Castlewellan, Bryansford, Newcastle, Dundrum and then onto Clough for the tea stop.  After eating the riders head onto Tyrella, Killough, Ardglass and Strangford before returning to Downpatrick.  The other run is geared to families with a 10 mile route from Downpatrick to Crossgar along the footpath the whole way.  Numbers were well down for this route as the usual familar faces were away at a mountain bike race in Dundalk.  

The riders were set off around 10am with PSNI motorcycles out along with support vehicles.  The organisers wish to thank the officers for their continued support for this event.  

The weather made the day a grueling one with very strong cold winds along the exposed coast.  This was on top of some very 'lumpy' terrain!!!  Those riders 'in the know' were choosing to take short cuts back to headquarters.

One of the big draws for the riders is the superb spread of food that is laid on by the hardworking volunteers.  This was a welcome site for those who made it around the circuit.  However, the main reason for the cycle was to raise money for projects helping children in Colombia.  The organisers which to thank all those riders for supporting this event especially given the winter like conditions.

Report by Martin Grimley
Photos by Brendan Monaghan