Bikedock Belles

The inaugural Tri A Triathlon took place on Saturday at Esporta, in association with the Bikedock Belles in support of the Ulster Cancer Foundation! The challenge was a 600m pool swim, 30mins on a spin bike and a 5km run outdoors. Each individual discipline was recorded for time or distance, rather than a race from start to finish through transitions, and there were substantial breaks between each activity – which allowed for excessive chat, laughter, lip gloss application and change of outfits. Who said girls took more time over their appearance than boys?!

Registration started at 2pm, with quite a few eager beavers there before that – due to the heady mix of nerves and excitement! The vast majority of people were in the same boat, never having done a multi discipline event and sick at the thought of it. Even so, they were all up for having a go and in doing so, are an inspiration to many.

The Belles were surprised and chuffed at the number of entries – 51 individuals and 8 three-person teams – and are extremely grateful for the support that their initiatives gain from friends, family, and those unknowing unfortunates that are told about them!

The Tri A Tri was a fundraiser for the Think Pink campaign by the UCF. Hmmm, now why would the Belles front the Think Pink campaign?! As a fundraiser the event was a huge success, and many thanks for your donations. As an introductory event to newcomers it was a bigger success, at the same time being a great training afternoon for those athletes that are used to intense workouts.

For the Belles, taking part would have been much easier than organising it! Although the planning and donkey work done by Neill Grainger of the UCF and Cathy McAleer of Esporta meant it was a much less arduous task for the Belles – allowing them time to abuse....sorry, encourage!....the participants. And take the odd photo or two!

It didn't take long after registration for nervous smiles to turn into smiles of joy – and the satisfaction and buzz of completing the final discipline on a sunny, spring afternoon was palpable in every competitor. Each and every person claimed to love the whole experience, even though one or two said they wouldn't do it again!, and they all enjoyed the feeling of finding out what they were capable of and could be capable of in the future. Congratulations to everybody – you are all stars!

Tri A Tri was a fun event, but scores were recorded and prizes given out at the end. As well as the Top 3 Females, Top 3 Males and Top 3 teams, there were special awards.

Spring Chick Award – went to Wilma Nelson, who at 67 years old showed that you are only as old as you want to feel! Wilma is inspirational in her high level of activity on a daily basis and moreover by her guts in deciding only a few days ago to come give it go, when many others half her age were too nervous to jump in! Wilma embraced the event and although felt a little tired on Saturday night, reportedly went for a 5 mile walk on Sunday and had no aches or pains!

Endurance Award - Wilma's daughter Jenny and son-in-law Derek won the Endurance award.....as they were marking their 20^th wedding anniversary on Saturday by doing their first ever Tri A Tri. A few weeks ago they said that 20 wasn't a big anniversary (the first big one is 25!!) and they had no plans at all for the day. But they have the "misfortune" (their own word) to be Andrea's neighbbours and were soon talked into a Ding Dong (oh-er!) of a celebration!

Best Dressed Award – went to Molly Stack, who from the beginning of the Belles initiative one year ago has been an avid proponent and supporter. This girl will throw herself into anything, with great ability and attitude, and even has the penchant for style! A wee shopping trip on Friday saw her purchase a hot pink skimpy bikini (all the best triathletes wear them?!) and then customise it with "ding dong xo" across the backside. The Belles like to think this was because of her love of them, but reports are that the motive was simply to put off the other swimmers and slow them down!

Wannabe A Belle Award – went to Andy Lyle, who has been a supporter for a while but unfortunately is the wrong sex! Undeterred, he decided to get in touch with his feminine side and show his commitment to the Belles by wearing Molly's pink bikini top later in the day. This attracted some comments about him being no less chesty than the Belles (ah well, it just means we've less weight to carry!) and some comments about pink not being his colour. The Belles loved his style – although would he have shown more commitment by wearing the bikini bottoms?! Ding Dong!

Endeavour Award – went to Alexis Totten who continued to smile and chat her way through all three disciplines long after others had finished. There was never any point where she would not complete the challenge and she is testament to the slogan, "slow and steady wins the race". Her race was to complete the event in its entirety, no matter how long it took, and that she did in an inspirational way right to the finish line. Alexis is made of stern stuff and her personable manner was a delight as she chatted her way through the last 30 minutes of the Tri A Tri. Chatting and laughing all the way – now that's the stuff of Belles!

1st Female - Catherine Kerr

2nd Female - Jane Gilmore

3rd Female - Karen Cheyne

1st Male - Chris Hayes

2nd Male - Jake Samuels

3rd Male - Mark Gilmour

1st Team - 3 Amigos

2nd Team - Leisurely Ladies

3rd Team - The Professionals

Ding Dong !

ps click on the thumbnail to enlarge, and use the arrows at the bottom of the pic to scroll through

Andrea