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Greenway Santa Cycle (finally) takes place on Sunday 20 March 2011 | |
| Sunday
20 March 2011 Following the success of the 2009 Santa Cycle when more than 250 cyclists set off down the Comber Greenway in aid of Bowel Cancer UK a follow up was scheduled for the 5th December 2010. However the weather conditions forced the organisers to postpone the event to the 28th December 2010. As the 28th approached the weather did not look like it was going to improve so the event was postponed again, this time to the 20th March 2011 and, third time lucky, it went ahead. The organisers, lead by Rosi Kirker, a bowel cancer survivor, were hoping for an increase in the numbers from the 2009 event but as it was March they were not sure how many people would dress up as Santa to complete the 7 mile run from the Titantic Quarter in Belfast to the Andrews Memorial School in Comber. Sign on opened at 10 am and a steady stream of santas started arriving. There was red everywhere. The riders were gathered in the courtyard for a photo shot taken from the roof of the building. There were riders of all ages from infants in trailers and lots of young riders to grandparents. Organisers put a figure of over 300 gathered. Just after 11am the group set off lead by PSNI cyclists and motorcyclists as well as the Harley Davidson support bikes. The outriders did a great job of stopping traffic at the crossing points along the Greenway and the sight of so many dressed up, out of season, turned heads all along the way. There was many a "Ho, ho, ho" and "Merry Christmas" from the residents and walkers on the path. The weather was overcast but thankfully the heavy rain the night before had stopped and the riders enjoyed dry and mild conditions on route. At Tullycarnet there was a station set up to supply water, bananas and chocolate to the riders. There were static marshals at all the road crossings right into Comber with highly visible police support. At the school there was a big area set up to hold the bicycles allowing the riders to enjoy the tea, coffee and tray bakes as well as the hot food stand. There was an information desk about the work of the charity as well as badges and sweets for the young riders. This year the organisation of the event was assisted by Duke of Edinburgh Award students from Ashfield Girls School. When all were fed there were some speeches from the organisers thanking those who had supported the event and informing the riders of the work of Bowel Cancer UK who aim to raise awareness of and educate people about the need for early detection and prevention of this disease. For more details of the event seewww.greenwaysantacycle.co.uk Report and pictures by Martin Grimley  |
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