Tour of South Derry another huge success!
With exactly 200 cyclists pre registered in the days and weeks before Sunday’s event, a large increase from the previous year, it was always looking like the 2016 ‘Tour of South Derry’ was going to be another successful event. 460 cyclists of all abilities and ages turned up to Magherafelt to tackle the charity cycle in support of Macmillan Cancer Support.
The Carn Wheelers organising committee had been watching the weather forecast all week in anticipation of the event and the weather held true keeping dry from start to finish. With the earlier start time of 09:30 (brought forward one hour from previous years) the Rossa Park start location was a hive of activity before the official start. The 35 mile route option proved popular again as there were a large number of cyclists branching off at the route splits in Draperstown and Maghera.
As usual, the catering crew were busy behind the scenes, ensuring that the hundreds of hungry cyclists were fed and watered after they crossed the finish line back into Rossa Park. The T-Shirts were a big hit as always and it was a sea of luminous green around the club grounds.
Carn Wheelers would like to thank all the event sponsors and marshals, without them this event would not have happened and as always the entire £15 entry fee goes directly to Macmillan Cancer Support. When the amount raised is finalised, there will be a cheque presentation and announcement.
Video of the event by Orla Higgins:
Photos by Ronan Higgins:
