Major club run is well supported by 'Mossmen'

With no sign of the predicted snow but a biting wind throughout the route, Mossmen followed a 60-mile round trip to Glenarm and back, taking in Parkgate, Kells, Ballymena, Broughshane and Carnlough.

The ride – which was the first official club event of 2010 – was designed to offer a post-Christmas ‘jump start’, after a number of weekends of bike-unfriendly snow and frost, by picking up the pace and following a fairly hilly route.

As always, newer members had the support and the watchful eye of the veterans among the club, giving them a perfect way to add a few miles to their usual Sunday distance with the encouragement and shelter of a large bunch to help along the way.

Plans for an ‘A’ and a ‘B’ group were changed to a single group to allow members to stick together in a single bunch, with a Kings Moss support car following behind.

Club captain Stephen Laird said: “We were delighted to see a strong turnout for Sunday’s ride as it is an important date in our annual club calendar.

“Overall, it has been a great week for Kings Moss. Stephen Beck, a valuable and experienced member, was unable to make it on Sunday for a very good reason: he was busy putting in a great showing to come fourth (4th Cat) in the Phoenix GP at Nutts Corner.

“Our congratulations go to Stephen for an excellent performance.

“Also, Andrew McBurney has just qualified as a spin cycling instructor, which is another great achievement,” he said.

A number of Mossmen also took part in rides on Saturday 27 February.

Those interested in joining KMCC are particularly welcome to come along to one of the Sunday morning rides, which leave the Square in Ballyclare at 10am and allow a chance for cyclists of a wide range of abilities to experience group cycling with the help and support of experienced team-members. New members from local towns – including Carrickfergus, Newtownabbey, Larne and the surrounding areas – are very welcome.

On some occasions, a Sunday morning run may be cancelled due to members taking part in a sportive, however these will usually be mentioned in the local press or on the club's online message forum.

Wednesday evening and Saturday rides are also held by Kings Moss. See the club website - www.kingsmosscyclingclub.co.uk - or speak to a member for details.

Kings Moss Cycling Club are sponsored by Greenacres Golf Centre. The club is affiliated to the Cyclists Touring Club.