This year it was all change for the Francie Doone cycle, the date was moved from its annual scheduling on the first Sunday in June to 8th September. This proved popular with the cycling enthusiasts as it didn’t clash with the many other cycling events in June. Again, Chest Heart & Stroke were the benefactors of the Glenavy club’s fund raising efforts. £1,155 was raised, which was a tremendous amount and really appreciated by the charity.

Seventy one cyclists turned up and were welcomed by Francie’s widow Geraldine, who wished everyone good luck and a safe trip for the journey. The second change on the cycle was the distance and route. The distance was reduced to fifty miles and the cyclists went on their traditional route towards Antrim and instead of carrying on to Ballyronan. They then swung back along the Lough shore, eventually reaching its halfway point 25 miles) at Gawley’s Gate. The second half of the cycle made its way to Lurgan and then return via the same route ending up at the club rooms on Chapel Hill.

The weather was kind and as usual the craic was good with annual acquaintances and rivalries being renewed. The change in route got the thumbs up from all the participants and the reduced distance was certainly more palatable. A big thank you to our sponsors, Tesco Crumlin and Spar Glenavy who help to make the cycle happen;