Some great leisure events on 9 August

On Sunday 9 August 2015 there are three leisure rides to choose from. In County Monaghan the Killylough Charity Cycle takes place, further north the Sperrin Challenge and in County Down the Dromara Hilly.

Killylough Charity Cycle
Killylough Cycling Club is holding its annual charity fundraising cycle in aid of Tydavnet Faith & Light on Sunday 9th August. There are two routes to suit all levels of cycling enthusiasts from a leisurely 40km and a more challenging 100km.
The 100km route starts in Tydavnet then Knockatallon, over Carn Rock, through Clones and Newbliss and on to Ballybay, down the Braddox, silverstream and finally finishing in Tydavnet.
The 40km route starts in Tydavnet and goes through Knockatallon, Roslea, Scotstown, Ballinode before returning to Tydavnet.
Contact Kieran Sherlock for more details (sherlkp@yahoo.ie)

Sperrin Challenge
East Tyrone Cycling Club is holding its Sperrin Challenge on Sunday 9th August 2015. Sign-on at Cookstown Hockey Club, Coolnafranky, Cookstown, BT80 8PQ from 08:30am leaving at 09:30am.
Cost: £15.00 Pre-entry - first 100 applicants receive a FREE teeshirt (£15.00 sign-on on the day)
Proceeds in aid of Cystic Fibrosis, supported by Performance Nutrition>Plus
Distances: 40 & 65 miles
Refreshments and barbeque at the finish
Please note: Helmets must be worn at all times and younger, less experienced riders must be accompanied by an adult/club cyclist

Dromara Hilly
Dromara Cycling Club is delighted to announce the 26th hosting of the very popular ‘Hilly’ road cycling event on Sunday 9th August 2015. This event is aimed at both leisure and club cyclists, offering longer and shorter routes to cater for a range of abilities. As the event name suggests it offers participants with a challenging but rewarding route taking in the beautiful scenery of County Down and the Mourne Mountains, whilst tackling a few well known hills. The “Hilly” is certainly one for every cyclist to tick off their list!
With two routes available, 85km and 125km, the Hilly will begin in Dromara before heading towards the rolling hills of County Down. Both routes start off by leading participants to the following three hills set deep within the surrounding countryside – Cornmill, Dree Hill and Windy Gap before descending into Leitrim for a welcome stop where there will be a generous spread of food and drinks for all riders. The shortest distance of the two routes will bring participants back to the finish line in Dromara whereas the full “Hilly 125” route heads for two further climbs, Spelga Dam and Legananny Dolmen. This longer route takes in a total of five climbs and is therefore more suited to strong cyclists.

Not only will this event provide participants with an opportunity to conquer some of the major climbs in this area in the company of like-minded people, but those that take part will also be helping to raise money for the events chosen charity, Save the Children, especially with their continued work in Nepal.

Staff from Chain Reaction Cycles Flagship Store in Belfast will be on hand to provide mechanical support to all riders, and the event will be controlled by motorbike marshals. Entries cost £15 and the first 250 entrants who sign up online before the event will receive a free cycling goody bag. To see how you can secure your place please visit www.dromaracc.co.uk where you can also find more information on routes, food stops and start times.

Posted by Martin Grimley (martin@ulsterxc.com)