Bikedock Belles

On Saturday hikers did a 10 mile or 18 mile route along the north coast, ending in Ballintoy. On Sunday cyclists undertook 50 miles from Ballymena RFC to Portadown RFC, where there was a celebratory BBQ to round off the weekend.

A few of Andrea's self-confessed couch potato Golden friends took part in the hike on Saturday, the run up to which saw them visit the sorts of sports shops they had never crossed the doorways of for years since the days of ultra competitive school sports days! (which, it has to be said, put an end to some athletic careers!). The array of lycra and energy products now on sale shocked the girls, who in the past 20 years have only associated Red Bull with vodka.

Karen, Joanne and Jenny hiked on Saturday for 5 and ½ hours and had a fantastic day, with the sunny weather showcasing yet another part of stunning Northern Ireland. The girls had managed to stay fuelled up enough on their hike, so enjoyed their Red Bull in Ballintoy afterwards – in the manner to which they are accustomed!

Joanne (cousin of Andrew Best) and Karen then undertook the cycle challenge on Sunday, having not been on their bikes properly for years and only dusting off their saddles a few weeks ago – and indeed coming along to one of the Belles social spins on a Wednesday night. Girls, the hills you did that night made Sunday's 50 miles so much easier!

The two girls were joined by Monthly newcomer Debbie, who was keen to lay her misfortune of the previous weekend to rest! Debbie only joined the Belles 12 days ago and a couple of days later, in true Belles spirit, decided to jump in an do the 60 km Dromara CC spin Sunday week ago. Unfortunately she started pedaling after the other Monthlies, missed a sign, and ended up cycling in circles for 90 minutes. Not a great debut into the leisure cycling world.

However her never say die attitude shone through and although she didn't know anybody else doing the Ballymena/Portadown cycle, she decided to go up and give it a go herself.

Fortunately, on Sunday morning she bumped into Joanne and Karen before the start and the 3 girls found they were very compatible cyclists! Apparently the marshals heard them before they saw them! Keeping up the Belles reputation!

Debbie was also sporting the new Ding Dong shorts – the first time they have been worn in an event. Go girl!

This was a big challenge for all three girls, with Joanne and Karen extremely chuffed with themselves about their weekend's activity – and are now steeling themselves for their next challenge…..facing Andrea's persistent badgering to regularly join the Belles!

Debbie loved the challenge:

"I really can't say how much I enjoyed today. Everyone was so welcoming and really good fun. Karen and Jo were great craic. Anyway thanks so much for all your encouragement Andrea….and for getting me started with this. I am definitely hooked!"

A total of £5,000 has already been raised for both charities and more money is coming in. If you would like to donate now, please go to….

http://www.thebestway.org.uk/sponsortheride.html

Ding Dong !

Andrea