Sunday 2 April 2013
Downpatrick Third World Group Annual Charity Cycle Tour

The morning of 29 April 2013 was a damp one with heavy showers around parts of County Down.  Many of the riders heading for the annual Downpatrick Third World Leisure Cycle were caught out in these showers and arrived at the Downpatrick Cricket Club soaked through.  This was the second year in a row that this event had started on a wet morning.  This weather did not deter just over 110 riders who came along to support the cause, take on the challenge of the 60 mile route around the coast and enjoy the hospitality laid on by the hard working catering team.

Thankfully once at the cricket club the rain held off.  Once signed on the riders gathered at the entrance for a briefing.  There were lead cars and motorbikes including police motorcyclists.

The main 60 mile circuit goes through Downpatrick to Clough then on through Castlewellan, Bryansford, Newcastle and then 
Dundrum.  Refreshments will be provided for participants at Dundrum Inner Bay lay-by.  Riders then returned by  
Clough, Tyrella, Killough, Ardglass, Strangford then back to Downpatrick.

The organisers also have another run which is geared to families and new cyclists with a 10 mile route from Downpatrick to Crossgar and back along the footpath the whole way.   There were just 6 riders taking on this route.

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.  

Once all had returned to the cricket club they were able to enjoy a superb spread of food  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 wet conditions.

Report and photos by Martin Grimley