Events

Planned Events

Previous Events - 2007 Previous Events - 2006

Cycle Ride to Belfast Castle Summer Garden Fete

Sun 15th June 11:00am (10:15 Lockview / 12:00 Macedon Point)

This ride is aimed at both adults and families, but does involve cycling on the road, and some ups as well as downs.

Departing from the "Big Fish" at Donegall Quay at 11:00am, we will cycle on the Lagan and Lough Cycle Path until Macedon Point. This is off-road and flat. We will wait for a few minutes at Macedon Point in case anyone should wish to join us there, before leaving at 12:00.

We will then turn off the Cycle Path and go up Glas-na-braden Glen and then into Valley Park. This is again off-road, but entails crossing 2 busy roads, first to get into Glas-na-braden, secondly to get into Valley Park. It is also up-hill most of the way. We would intend to have a short stop in Valley Park beside the lake, before continuing to the top.

On leaving Valley Park, we turn onto O'Neill Road and then onto Antrim Road cycling past the entrance to the Zoo. We will stay on the Antrim Road until we reach Park Lodge school where we will leave our bikes and use the laid on shuttle bus up to Belfast Castle.

After a couple of hours at Belfast Castle, we will return, either by the way we came, or by going south to the City Centre, using the Belfast By Bike recommended roads for cycling e.g. Somerton road, North Queen Street.

Total distance is about 12 miles.

N.B. An additional starting point, at Lockview Carpark, Stranmillis, at 10:15am, is now available.

Pedalling Picnic

Sun 15th June 3:00pm

NICI and Dundrod Community Association invite you to join them on a community Pedalling Picnic. Starting at Knockcairn Lodge, going along the Knockcairn Road, Garlandston Road, Tullyrusk Road to Knockcairn Bridge and a tree lined picnic site. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult as the ride is along minor country roads.

Start Time/Place: 3:00pm from Knockcairn Lodge.

Entry Fee: £1.00 for Individuals and £2.00 for families.

Entry fee in aid of Sport Relief

 

Celebrate the Comber Greenway

Sun 22nd June 2:00pm (1:15 Lockview)

This ride is aimed at both adults and families. It is off road, but there are a few roads to cross.

Departing from the Walkway Community Centre at 2:00pm, we will cycle to the current end of the Greenway (Billy Neil Football Pitches) and back again. This is a round trip of about 10 miles.

If arriving by car, the Walkway Community Centre is on Finvoy Street which is opposite Woolsey’s Tackle Shop on Upp Newtownards Road between Beersbridge Road and Ravenscroft Avenue (Car park located here). If cycling, its on the greenway between Beersbridge Road and Ravenscroft Ave.

N.B. An additional starting point, at Lockview Carpark, Stranmillis, at 1:15pm, is now available.

 

Previous Events in 2008

Sun 11th May - Bike Ride on the Portadown Newry Canal

On a warm early summer day several NICI members and friends met at Portadown Train Station, to go for a ride on the Portadown Newry Canal. Some went as far as Jerretspass and back (30 miles), some just to Newry to get the train back (20 miles), and some went to Newry and back (40 miles).

Th path itself was excellent, although some of the gates were locked making it difficult for tandems to get through.

Unfortunately, the link from Portadown station to the path, though short, was not particularly cycle friendly. The link to Newry station was particularly unfriendly. Lets hope this improves with the new station being built. NICI will be keeping an eye on this.

Lord Mayor

Sat 26th April - CTC AGM

The CTC held its AGM in Belfast for the very first time. NICI members led a bike ride to the evening dinner at Stormont. The bike ride to Stormont, in glorious weather, included a stretch along the Comber Greenway. The midnight bike ride back to various hotels and hostels took a more direct route, and downhill most of the way on mostly empty roads was also very enjoyable.

Sat 12th April - NICI AGM

The NICI AGM was held once again at Place in Belfast.

Lord Mayor

The 3 NICI Office Bearers were re-elected unapposed.

Left to Right: Niall Waterman (Treasurer), Caroline McDowell (Secretary), Roy White (Chair)