Bikedock Belles

All the Young Guns were excited about a return to events after a 6-week break, and after very little biking given the weather – apart from some hardy soles that biked to school on icy roads! What’s wrong with a little tumble?!

The Championships was hosted by Banbridge CC along with Apollo Ct and Dromara CC. It was a superb set-up, a great course, fantastic weather and a fabulous atmosphere. At registration customised cow bells were given out and spectators rejoiced in ringing them out at the riders….as did the kids on the way home in the car….and back at home….and at bedtime! Grrrrrrrrrrrr!

The first race was the U8s, and with some kids moving up an age group given the new calendar year, there were a few faces missing at the start line. But notably, a few new faces too. Word about these events is spreading, which is great to see. Come and give them a go!

Fraser got off to a strong start and maintained his lead – just! One of his rivals from last year, Shea of Phoenix CC, was hot on Fraser’s (w)heels and gained ground in the second and last lap as Fraser got stuck in too big a gear. Now where did he learn that from and where have we heard “big gear Harrower” before?! Fraser won the title by about 10 metres.

Behind him, stalwart Young Gun Adam McCaughtry of Dromara CC again fought another battle on his brand new Ridgeback MX24 bike (www.bikedock.com) and had a fantastic race to start 2011. Unaccustomed to his new bike, Adam completed the 2-lap course in one gear – much to the distress of mummy Monthly McCaughtry, who after the race insisted on a 5 hour training session on gear changes!! Maybe she should concentrate on the picnic provisions to divert her attention!

(On that note, there will be a Young Guns coaching session, with Irish Downhill MTB Champion Colin Ross, on Saturday 22 January in Ormeau Park, Belfast, starting around lunchtime. Keep an eye on the website for details)

Adam was placed 4^th at the end of the first lap, then had a battle with Dromara CC rider Lewis Armstrong and was overtaken to be placed 5^th at the finish. Lewis had a fantastic race and promises much to come in the Spring and Summer series. As does Adam – watch this space!

One more Young Gun lined up in the U8s, the Belles’ sole female representative, Hettie Cook. This was only Hettie’s 2^nd event, her debut being the Baltic Kilbroney race end-November…..where she showed her hardy side and braved the elements with a smile on her face the whole day! The same went for Lurgan Park, but then at -5c it was a few degrees warmer than Kilbroney! Hettie finished 12^th, beating two boys….and Alex….Fraser’s wee brother, who again pedalled along after the back of the pack (with a little help!).

The U10s were next, with Dillon Cook of Dromara CC moving up to this age group and having a tough baptism of fire having only had a few races at U8 in the second half of last year. Dillon had steadily moved up the ranks at U8, only to find himself against the big?! boys on Sunday and having to complete a longer race. Despite this, Dillon put in a solid performance on the 3-lap course and his new bike, Most importantly, he really enjoyed the event. There is no doubt he’ll be working his way up the ranks again in this new age group.

The U12s also had new faces, with Young Gun Max Melville of Dromara CC moving up into this group for a 5-lap race. It’s a big step up from U10 to U12 – as Max found out on his new bike (yip, Santa was busy with bikes this year!) – but also had his best race ever and showed that he’s definitely up to the challenge of a longer, harder race. During his few months racing as an U10, Max improved with every race and showed incredible stamina.

Totally unexpectedly, in his first race in this group, he placed 4^th. Awesome! Max rode strong from the start and for the first 3 laps was in 3^rd position. In the 4^th lap, school mate Ben Hanna of Dromara CC overtook Max and the two contested the last 2 laps hotly. Ben put in a very strong last lap and finished in 3^rd position, just a few seconds ahead of Max.

An exciting and intense race (moreso for Max and Ben’s parents!) and the cow bells were going mad!!

Young Guns Sam and Christopher Duncan, and Zak Tsoutsas, couldn’t make the race, but are eager to get back to these events – to pedal, to mess about with the boys, and to eat loads of food!

The Young Guns are calling on all kids aged 4-12 years, of any ability, to come and join them for some fun! Oh, parents are guaranteed fun too!

Ding Dong !

Andrea