Ten years on and the wheels are still turning

THE Termon Wheelers marked their tenth anniversary on Sunday morning by holding their annual ‘Leprechaun Cycle’.

The event was well-attended, which didn’t come as a surprise because ever since the club’s formation in 2012, the Termon Wheelers have enjoyed strong support not only from local people and other groups within the parish, but also other cycling clubs from across Tyrone. The UlsterHerald spoke with Termon clubman, Ciaran Donnelly, as he reflected on how far the club has come since its formation a decade ago.

“In late 2011 we decided to hold a meeting to determine interest in starting a cycling club in the parish and 45 people turned up on the night,” said Ciaran.

The positive reaction was an overture of what was to come.

“At a follow-up meeting, the decision was made to form a club. Officers and a committee were soon elected including chairman Aiden McCaughey, secretary Hughie McCallan, and treasurer Mickey O’Kane.

“From the start, our club ethos was to cater for cyclists of all abilities and to promote cycling for a healthy lifestyle,” remarked Ciaran.

Club runs were initially based at Loughmacrory handball alley at weekends and the Milestone Centre in Carrickmore during the week.

“We held our first official Sportive in April 2012 and had 185 people in attendance; now the Termon Sportive is a yearly fixture in the Cycling Ireland calendar and eagerly-awaited by local cyclists.

The club also has been involved in various racing events, hosting its first open race in 2018 with over 200 taking part from across Ulster. But there is no snobbery or superiority within the Termon Wheelers.

“There has always been a great club spirit and camaraderie; our leisure members always support our racing activities, and, likewise, our racing members have always been willing to help with events to help new members and especially those new to cycling.

Ciaran continued, “The club has always tried to offer a range of activities to members, over and above traditional leisure cycling and racing. These have included turbo training, track nights, circuits, pilates classes, and boxercise.”

The club enjoy great relationships with many other sporting and charity organisations, and are endlessly thankful of their sponsors and supporters.

Ciaran added, “To mark this special milestone the committee are working on a special club anniversary cycle which we hope will take place later in the year.

“Keep an eye out!”