Omagh Wheelers' Cycling Club is offering a fresh opportunity for an

alternative healthy sporting activity. This month sees the launch of 'Club

Run' designated to welcoming new people, young and old with an hour or two

to spend each week to cycle a few miles without any pressure of being left

behind by 'more travelled legs'.

Cycling offers a cheap, healthy and fun way to build more exercise into your

day, not to mention being environmentally friendly. Regular cycling also

provides an excellent workout for the heart, reducing risk factors such as

obesity, high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol. You can also free

your mind from anxiety, stress and depression.

The Omagh Wheelers' has become a well established cycling club since coming

together in 1999 with a full schedule of racing and touring events as well

as a newly formed downhill mountain bike squad. But members now hope to inject some fun into the club programme with a new weekly club run.

Margaret Curran of Omagh Wheelers' said, "The long-term plan is for a

Saturday morning club spin at 9.30am leaving from Omagh Leisure Centre and

covering a distance from 10-25 miles per event with a time limit of one to

two hours."

Although using cycling routes as much as possible Margaret recognised the

obstacle our "very busy and undeniably dangerous roads" can provide. She

stressed however that the road-wit and common sense necessary for cycling

only comes with experience so no one should be deterred.

Because of this challenge a minimum age of 11-16 will be set provided

written parental permission is given and a cycling adult or sponsor

accompanies the young person. The group is particularly suited to individuals

and parents with post-primary children but new and old members are strongly

encouraged to join in the fun.

Margaret added, "We need like-minded cycling enthusiasts that can see

the potential in this event. We want to put in place a group of people

capable of carrying out the task of picking safe routes and being there each

week to oversee the group."

The first practice event is scheduled for Sunday April 16. Anyone interested

in taking part in the group should contact Margaret after 6pm on 0774 338

4565 .