Tuesday 12 May 2020







“John’s Jaunt”, held in August each year, is named after John McIntyre. Although a cyclist from his teens, John’s athletic ability was demonstrated initially through his running. He represented Ninth Old Boys, then the premier running club in Belfast, and Dublin University. On the track he was a very good miler, and in the winter season, an excellent cross-country runner.
Retirement from work provided the opportunity to get back to cycling on a more regular basis, and this soon took the form of a brand new Dawes Super Galaxy. This led to a number  of adventures, notably a solo tour of the islands in the Outer Hebrides.

John’s bike collection can best be described as “eclectic”: a well-used Elswick roadster (found propped up outside a local charity shop); a 1960s BSA “racer” (frame too small for John, but bought to prevent it ending up in a skip); a Portland ladies roadster (once the sole transport of his aunt); a Btwin folding bike (bought because he liked a friend’s F-frame Moulton); and a Madigan lightweight (donated by a neighbour but purchased originally from Madigan’s bike shop in Carrickfergus). It was this machine that John was working on when he went into hospital. All the bikes now have new homes. Andrew, John’s son, has the Super Galaxy, and the others are with local V-C.C. members.

The annual memorial ride is often a mixed experience for those of us who knew John personally. It’s always very pleasant to meet with Kathleen McIntyre and other family members, but sad that it reminds us the John isn’t there to share the day. He was always good company, with a great sense of humour and a fund of interesting stories. Perhaps he’s best summed up by the phrase often applied to someone who is both admired and respected: “Ach, he was a lovely man.”

               Michael

 A few photo's of John's family at John's memorial ride which is the VCC NI Section main event each August       






Monday 27 April 2020

Northern Ireland VCC Section first roadster ride 2021





                                             Northern Ireland section Isolation ride

Last saturday 25-04-20 was to be our first section ride of the year but due to covid 19 restrictions we had a section  isolation ride our members rode in their home  area within the government guide lines .



















Saturday 12 May 2012

Roe Valley Roadster Ride

17 Cyclists turned up at Aghanloo just a few miles outside Limavady and after a heavy shower at the start we all enjoyed a dry day on our machines. The highlight of the ride was a tea stop at the half way point were we all enjoyed  a break in an old traditional thatched Irish cottage. After the tea stop we returned to the start on small quiet roads. We had a visitor who traveled from Boston in the USA To take part in our ride and we all were pleased that Lovely Bicycle enjoyed the event.