Events





20th May was our second ride of 2023 a roadster ride in Co Antrim. As we left Cairncastle the day was over cast but dry and the weather stayed good for the ride .We traveled along the coast road to Glenarm a small village on the waters edge which was buzzing with people as an off shore rowing race was taking place. After a 20 minute stop to watch the boats we continued on to Cairnlough and we stopped at the harbour for a coffee or ice cream. We retraced our route to the start at ride leaders home and his wife treated us to great hospitality  which finished a great day..
























Ten cyclist traveled to Limavady for our first ride of 2023 and we were very lucky with the weather as most of Northern Ireland had rain as we had a dry day. We left the bus station car park and traveled into the flat area of Aghanloo past the old 2nd world war RAF buildings and airfield then traveled along the river Roe to stop at Swans bridge pick nick area on the side of the river Roe . People got the chance to talk to others who they have not seen from last summer. We rode through the flat area of Myroe and along a gravel service road behind the lough Foyle seawall with good views of donegal three miles away. The ride back to Limavady was on small lanes with little or no trafic and as we approached the town we got a few drops of rain which came to nothing. We stopped at cafe piazza a local coffee shop which we all enjoyed home made scones and tea or coffee. After about an hour outside most left to travel home which for some was a 2 hour drive. A few stayed on and talked bikes for some time longer. A good day was had by all and it was a good start to our year with most looking forward to our next roadster ride along the Co Antrim coast on the 20th May.
 

































NI-VCC Donegal lightweight ride 31/7/21


Six cyclists originating from various corners of the north of Ireland assembled in the diamond in Castlefinn for this year’s Donegal lightweight ride which would follow a circular loop from the village via Ballindrait and Raphoe and returning using a different route which would include a stop a Beltany Stone Circle. Several other cyclists came to the start to see us off but were unable to accompany us today due to health issues. Hopefully they will be able to ride again in the not too distant future.


Castlefinn is a small market town on the banks of the Rover Finn which is famous for it’s trout and salmon fishing. The settlements here go back centuries and the modern day town has the classic Ulster Plantation layout based around the “diamond" shaped town centre.


The weather forecast had been good although there was a light shower as I rode to the start on my recently refurbished 1974 Peugeot UO-8. The shower had soon passed and I was able to remove my rain jacket before we left Castlefinn shortly after eleven.

We made our way using minor roads to the village of Ballindrait, stopping briefly to admire a roadside collection of assorted vintage farm machinery and other old curiosities. From Ballindrait, we crossed the River Deele using the 18th century stone bridge and made our way to the townland of Rossgeir, passing the remains of the rail bridge, station, goods shed and station master’s house operated by the County Donegal Railways Joint Committee until 1959.
At Rossgeir, we crossed the busy N15 and continued on a loop of minor lightly trafficked roads around the Swilly Burn and past the remains of the Swilly Valley Mills which had produced animal feeds from 1865 until it was destroyed in a fire in 1999.


There are some nice cycling routes in this area around Binnion Hill but we wouldn’t be doing them today as they all involve a lot of climbing. Instead we made our way towards the market town of Raphoe, another town in the classic plantation layout but Raphoe goes back much further. We passed the ruins of the 17th century Bishop’s Palace, destroyed in a fire in 1803, past the original Royal School House which dates from 1608 and the Church of Ireland cathedral, the oldest part of which dates back to the 12th century. There are many other historic buildings in Raphoe.

We stopped at a shop for some refreshments and a short rest before continuing on our way, past more remains of the once extensive CDR-JC railway network and then to our next and final stop at Beltany Stone Circle. This is thought to date back to around 2,000 BC and consists of 64 stones arranged in a circle although it’s thought that there would have been more originally. It is an impressive monument in a prominant location offering impressive views towards the Bluestack mountains in the south-west of the county. As always with these things, the question is how did they build it!


The hard bit was now over as it is quite a long climb to Raphoe and to the stone circle. Raphoe is supposed to be the second highest town in Ireland. From here it would be mostly downhill back to Castlefinn. We were lucky that it stayed dry and everyone enjoyed the ride. It was only about twenty-one miles in length but it did involve a reasonable amount of climbing and some of our group had less than ideal gearing. We all completed the route without punctures or mechanical issues which is always nice.

Some time was spent at the end disccussing bikes and other matters before we parted for our respective homes.


Bryan Walace 1980 Peugeot

William Patton 1986 Claud Butler

Greg Lilley 1978 Peugeot

Nigel Parkhill 1981 Holdsworth

Keith Sharp 1981 Mercian

Chris Sharp 1984 Mercian


Bryan Walace








Co Antrim Roadster ride below






























V.C.C. (NORTHERN IRELAND SECTION) ANTRIM COAST ROADSTER RIDE 26TH JUNE 2021


Eight riders and their machines travelled from Donegal, Tyrone, Belfast and Limavady to meet at the home of William Patton in the village of Cairncastle near Larne on the Antrim Coast.

The ride was mostly over flat roads, with a couple of short sharp climbs at the start and finish, taking in the County Antrim coastal villages of Carnlough, Glenarm and Ballygalley. 

Total distance ridden was 21 miles, with stops at the picturesque harbours of Glenarm and Carnlough.

Everybody enjoyed the good weather and coastal scenery with fine views out over the North Channel of the Mull of Kintyre, Arran, the Ailsa Craig and the Galloway coast in Scotland.

The day was rounded off with traditional cycling fare of tea, coffee, cakes and sausage rolls back at William and Ruth`s house in Cairncastle.


List of riders and their machines

William Patton 1955 Raleigh Roadster
Chris Sharp 1938 BSA Roadster
Harry Kyle 1965 Moulton Mini
Calum Kyle 1977 Raleigh Wayfarer
Pat McMahon 1920 Chater Lee light Roadster
Greg Lilley 1952 BSA Shopper
Winston Allen 1940 Sunbeam Roadster
Bryan Wallace 1939 Elswick Roadster






For our Ballymoney classic lightweight ride we were blessed with great weather on the small roads and lanes in the Aghadowey area. 9 cyclists left the Joey Dunlop centre and the roads were light of traffic and after 15 miles we climbed the narrow short sharp cullycapple climb famous in Bann wheelers club road racing. We stopped in the small village of Ballynamore at a shop and everyone got the chance to talk to each other after the 35 minutes shop we made our way back to Ballymoney to our cars where members set off for home all over Northern Ireland and Donegal.




























24-3-21 LIMAVADY ROADSTER RIDE.

The weather was very kind to us on our first ride of 2021 after lockdown. 13 cyclists lined up to ride the small lanes in the Roe valley area with little traffic on the roads we all enjoyed the ride. After 5 miles we stopped at swanns bridge picnic area beside the river Roe to let people mix and make new friends as we had a few visitors attending . Returning to Limavady we stopped at cafe Pizza for carry out coffee or tea.



























DONEGAL CLASSIC LIGHTWEIGHT RIDE  31-8-21






















CO ANTRIM COAST ROADSTER RIDE

















LIMAVADY ROADSTER RIDE 2021
















   With the strange times we are living in with Covid 19 I think it will be march 2021 before our section will be able to promote any more events . If there are no restrictions in place we will hold a date fixing early next year to plan out rides so until then take care and stay safe.



              

                                                   John's Memorial ride 15th Aug 20    














             



                                              SECTION  ISOLATION RIDE 30-05-20 


  Our VCC Section held its second isolation ride this year due to the Covid -19 restictions our members could not travel to meet up for a joint ride. This morning our members & friends rode alone in their own area within the guide lines and all were blessed with warm sunshine which made the day a pleasure. See below a few photo's that our members sent in from their own ride today.




























11.00 am start on your classic lightweight / Roadster or small wheel vintage / classic bicycle & forward us your photo's of your ride,

Northern Ireland VCC 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 .                                         



        
                                
                                         
                                                2016 EVENTS LIST

April  16th          Lightweight ride           Newtonstewart       Chris Aspinwall    
May 22nd          Roadster ride                Roe Valley             Chris Sharp           
June 11th          Small Wheel ride         Coleraine              Susan Sharp             07850294251
June  25th         Lightweight ride           belfast                   Michael Foster
0790 228 3910
July  16th           Lightweight ride          Portadown            Andy Fletcher         
July 30th          Roadster ride           Derry / Londonderry 
07706830425
Aug  20th       John's memorial ride    Belfast                  Michael Foster     
0790 228 3910.

Sept   17th       Lightweight ride           Donegal                Bryan Wallace     
         

                                                         

                                           SECTION   JUNE 2015                     



The run had been deferred by the organiser for one week at the request of some members. The weather was kind as riders assembled at 11am for the day's ride. Andy rang to say he would meet up with the group, as we rode through Coleraine town centre. Bikes were unloaded and made ready, all except for Bryan, who had cycled to Londonderry and caught the train to Coleraine, before riding out to the start. The route followed the River Bann into the town of Coleraine where we met up with Andy at the Bann bridge on his newly restored 1938 Saxon Twin-tube and stable mate to his 1937 Saxon Bailey. After crossing the River Bann our route used the NCN cycle route through the town towards Portstewart. From Portstewart the route took the riders away from the sea front, through the town, towards Portrush. A stop was made by the ride organiser to draw the rider's attention to the next part of the route – the only one way street in Northern Ireland where riders are permitted to ride against the flow of traffic. This apparently required special legislation to be passed by the N.I. Assembly. A quick photograph of Andy was taken to illustrate the point! The ride leader took the group on a quick detour to visit a private motorcycle museum. There are several rare machines, the oldest being a 1924 James 750cc V-Twin motorcycle which was recovered from County Galway. It is only one of 5 such machines known. Another prize machine was a racing bike that the late Robert Dunlop enjoyed his first win on. The group were shown the next pending restoration project, a trials Norton and parts just returned from the platers for another James, currently under restoration. We all remarked how clean the workshop was, however the quality of the restorations were superbe. It was an unexpected, but interesting and delightful surprise visit. We were all very grateful to our ride organiser, Chris and Robert for opening his collection to us. Our onward journey resumed all too soon and the riders made there way into Portrush along the sea front cycle route towards the Harbour. A short sharp climb into the town and then along quiet streets to Ramore Head and the old Coastguard Station (now a cafe) for lunch. Portrush and Ramore Head are famous as the place that Omagh born song writer, Jimmy Kennedy 1902 – 1984 (Teddy Bears Picnic), got his inspiration during a holiday for his 1935 hit song 'Red Sails in the Sunset'. We enjoyed our meal outside on the terrace in pleasant sunshine, watching anglers fishing from small boats in the bay. The promised rain seemed more likely as the cloud cover began to build and the bright sunshine began to fade. Our ride leader treated everyone to an ice cream at the seafront before the start of the return journey. The traffic was much heavier near the harbour and we were glad to regain the cycle route. There were a lot more pedestrians about ( nead for a spatial awareness software upgrade?), so progress was necessarily slow and careful. Once away from the Portrush sea front it became much quieter and progress was much more easily made. The return trip was uneventful except for Susan who had a fall. Her front wheel hit a patch of loose stones and despite her best efforts 'kissed the deck'. She stated she was not hurt, more wounded pride and indignity. Andy left us again in Coleraine and the riders retraced the route along the banks of the River Bann. A small amphibious plane flew over, following the course of the river. One of our group, a pilot was able to tell us that you cannot land a plane on the River Bann without permission of the Honourable Irish Society who own the river from where it flows out of Lough Neagh to the sea beyond Coleraine at the Bar Mouth. The return to the start was uneventful and thankfully without any rain. A great day, great crack and some great cycling.

Chris Sharp Mercian
Susan Sharp Mercian Mixte
Bryan Wallace Kalkhoff
Andy Fletcher 1938 Saxon
Chris Aspinwall 1960 Goeland
John Campbell MTB




                        

                                                            Roe Valley roadster ride 11.05.13
We woke up on saturday morning to wind and rain so things were not looking good for our VCC ride.
Seven members traveled to the ride and as we left Limavady the rain stopped and we soon joined the small lanes in the local country side in the flat lands of Myroe. All machines ran well as we traveled along the small roads and when we finished the ride tea / coffee plus food was enjoyed by all.


Andy Parker
Resillion brake lever on the Andy Parker








1941 Royal Enfield sport & 1951 Rudge


1938 Rudge











  
     Sperrins Lightweight Ride 20-04-2013

We had our first lightweight ride of the New Year on Saturday 20th April 2013. The snow has at last vanished from the mountain tops within the past weeks and although the day dawned bright and sunny, a strengthening breeze and grey skies welcomed the riders at the start. Rain was forecast for later in the day, but a light shower added to the welcome at the start.

The ride followed the same route as last year, on quite roads through the village of Gortin and on into the Sperrins. The route passed standing stones, wending its way along river valleys in a circuit back to the start point. The weather was kind and stayed dry throughout the run, however the wind continued to increase in strength. No mechanical problems encountered and everyone was able to ride up all the hills on their old machines.

The run finished with refreshments and a visit to the run organiser's workshop and bicycle collection to view some of the current projects. An enjoyable afternoon was had by all participants.











Sperrins Lightweight Ride 20-04-2013






Donegal Roadster Ride 16/9/12

We had our first VCC ride in County Donegal on the 16th September. The ride started at the harbour in Ramelton, once a busy port during the linen trading boom but now little used apart from a few fishing boats. The old stone warehouses, Kelly’s flour mill (disused),  McDaid’s Bottling Plant (still working) and the many old Georgian houses made a nice backdrop for a vintage bike ride.

Rain capes were quickly discarded as the sky cleared quickly after we set off. We proceeded out of the town and along quiet minor roads through a wooded area and past Lough Thorn before joining the coast road along Lough Swilly for the final few miles into the seaside resort of Rathmullen.  

After a brief halt in Ratmullen for refreshments, we then made our return journey back to Ramelton, with a few stops for photos and we were also forced to take shelter underneath some trees when the rain returned.  Everyone enjoyed themselves despite the sudden and heavy showers.







21-7-12 Small wheel ride

Susan Sharp lead our small wheel ride which started in a small car park along the river Bann two miles outside Coleraine. This year the ride had a good mixture of interesting machines some which had not been seen before including a 20" wheel tandem and a 1965 Royal Enfield . Young Jack Fletcher brought a very tidy Raleigh Grifter to the ride and his dad Rode a Raleigh RSW. The ride used the sustrans route 94 along the river into Coleraine and along the cycle path to Portstewart. The sea front was very busy as the good weather had brought lots of holiday makers out and we stopped on the waters age to enjoy tea / coffee in the cafe then we sat and watched the world go by. We returned along the same route to the summerset car park and everyone had enjoyed the ride and we all stood about test riding other owners machines before we all left for home.












9-6-12 Ballintoy Vintage Rally

Our VCC Northern Ireland Section had a static display at this Vintage Rally and our members put on an interesting display. From a folding roadster to a Classic Lightweight Sun tandem plus a good selection of machines including a unrestored 1908 Premier cycle company 28" twin bared roadster.








Antrim two day ride 2/3.6.12
7 cyclists turned up outside the Antrim forum at 10.00am on saturday for a ride led by Andy & Jack Fletcher with Michael bringing out his very nice 1954 unrestored Raleigh Lenton. The ride went to Crumlin on small quiet roads and as we passed Aldergrove airport a large jet passed us overhead about 50 feet above us. We stopped in Crumlin for tea / coffee and then made our way through Dundrod along the Ulster Grand Prix motorcycle road race circuit back to Antrim. The weather was kind to us and we had no mechanical problems.

Sundays ride was held in cooler weather with added wind made the day harder. Andy led the ride along small roads using some Sustrans routes through Randalstown to Toom on small roads. We stopped at an old  grave yard on the edge of Lough Neagh to admire the view of the lough and then stopped in Toombridge for
lunch. The return leg was very hard into a steady head wind and we all were glad to see the finish in Antrim.










  Roe Valley roadster ride 12-5-12
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 where 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 .






Rose  1933 Elswick



















              Sperrins Lightweight Ride 15-04-2012

The first Sperrins lightweight ride was run on Sunday 15th April 2012. The run required bicycles equipped with multi-speed freewheels. The course was undulating with quite a few hills to test the legs and combat the cold. The weather was sunny with a noticeable drop in temperature in the shade. Quiet roads were enjoyed with time to view the wild flowers in the hedgerows, neolithic standing stones, buzzards soaring in the clear sky and fine views of the Sperrin mountains. Friendships renewed and good company enjoyed       

                                                                    country roads
                                                                           Gortin

                                                                     1952 Georges Martin
                                                                 50's Armstrong



     ANTRIM ROADSTER RIDE 25TH MARCH 2012

On the 25th of March Keith Campbell held our first N.I. Section ride of 2012. Keith's ride was for
roadsters and eight cyclists traveled to Antrim were sunshine and good weather made the ride a great
day out. The ride took us along small counrtry roads along Lough Neagh were the scenery was very
nice plus with little traffic made it a quality event.


Singer

Riding small country lanes


Along Lough Neagh 





We held our 2012 Date fixing / AGM today 15-10-11 in Ballymoney with a ride to the local Dark Hedges after the meeting . Vanda led the ride today in poor conditions as it rained all the way and nine cyclists turned out for the ride. This is our last event in 2011 and we are looking forward to 2012 as a few new members have joined us plus a few new events for 2012 including a two day ride and also an ride in Donegal.

Nine of our members at the Dark Hedges after our section AGM / Date fixing
Andy on his Dawes Club

Frank
Jack Taylor
Michael with his 1966 Moulton

Stopped when Jack punctured 


15th October  Northern Ireland Section - Date Fixing
Venue Joey Dunlop leisure centre Ballymoney  Well sign posted by road & by a Sustrans path
from beside Ballymoney rail station.
Time 11.00

Ride  12.15 app

Date fixing / AGM  (non members welcome ) 


The Section Lightweight Ride took place on Sunday 7th August in fine dry weather. Eight riders supported the event, travelling from Counties Donegal, Londonderry, Antrim, Armagh and Tyrone, to the start at Poyntzpass. The route followed the tow path of the currently derelict Newry Canal to Portadown before returning to the start for lunch. One member rode his 1932 Raleigh Tradesman bicycle, one junior member on his 24” wheel Emelle and the remainder were on lightweight machines. Six riders undertook the second half of the ride to Newry and back, giving a total mileage of 38 miles. The weather was kind, the company and craic shared made it an excellent day out for the club, enjoying the industrial history of the canal and railway, as well as the beautiful scenery. Hopefully everyone will be keen to repeat the experience of a lightweight ride next year. Machines which took part were:-

1932 Raleigh Tradesman bicycle
1937 Saxon 'Bailey'
1947 Mercian
1952 Rotrax
1977 Carlton
1979 Jack Taylor
1980 Miss Mercian Mixte
1980s Emelle 24” wheel boys sports

Regards
Chris A



Newry Canal
                                                        Newry Canal
                                                   Newry Canal

Newry Canal
Newry Canal
                                                   Newry Canal
                                                     Newry Canal

                                                  Newry Canal

Maghera Lanes 11-sept-11

This will be our last ride of the year on small hedge lined lanes at the bottom of the Glenshane Pass. Starting in Maghera town we soon leave the main roads and ride
along quiet lanes with a few short hills and stop in the small village of Tobermore.
Then we return to Maghera and walk the climb to the finish car park where cyclists
spend a time talking bikes before traveling home . This ride is suitable for single speed roadsters & ClassicLightweights are also welcome.

2am start

2011 SMALL WHEEL RIDE

Our  small wheel ride on Sunday 3rd July at 2pm was held in sunny dry conditions from the Start at Castleroe near Coleraine along cycle paths to Portstewart where we stopped at a coffee shop on the promenade . Seven cyclists supported the ride and we all had a great day with no machine trouble and we stopped to watch the water skiing competition on the River Bann in Coleraine. We had to walk a short distance along the cycle path as the good weather had brought the crowds out in force to watch the event on the river. As we made our way back to Castleroe and got a group photo we all went our own ways after a great ride.
2 Moulton's
3 Raleigh / Triumph 20's
1 O Brien
1 Brompton

Susan

Photo set on Flickr
http://www.flickr.com/photos/chris531/sets/72157627107270350/