16/06/2026
Pedal The Periphery - Team 1 Ride Report
Dromore Cycling Club were delighted to participate in the epic endurance event NIPANC - Pedal The Periphery 2026, a non-stop 480-mile relay around the perimeter of Northern Ireland in aid of pancreatic cancer awareness and fundraising.
Led by Team Captain Ricky Watters, our team of 11 riders completed the challenge in under 48 hours while our dedicated support crew kept everything moving around the clock. Behind the scenes, Ricky, Paul C, Brian, Roger and Warren shared driving duties in the support vehicle throughout the weekend, ensuring riders, bikes and supplies arrived where they were supposed to. Others used their cars to get riders in place including Valerie & Andrew B, Iain M and Mark B. Without them, we'd probably still be looking for half the riders... well, at least one of them anyway!
As well as supporting a fantastic cause, the event provided a tremendous team-building opportunity and showcased the determination, camaraderie and good humour that make DCC such a special club. We are extremely proud to have raised £5,200, (more to come in) while the overall event raised an incredible £156k for pancreatic cancer. (so far)
Leg 1 – Lisburn to Newcastle (89 miles)
The challenge began with Andrew and Paul C, who tackled the opening 89-mile leg from Lisburn to Portaferry. Their reward for volunteering for the first shift! Relentless headwinds that seemed determined to send them back to Lisburn.
Leg 2 – Newcastle to Dungannon (73 miles). Next up were Martin W and David A, who set off on their nightly adventure to Dungannon once the support van eventually arrived. The lads managed to claw back almost an hour on the schedule, no doubt helped by the dance music blasting from the van — thanks Warren & Roger.
Leg 3 – Dungannon to Lisnaskea (58 miles). Then came self-proclaimed "Team Awesome" – Ricky and Brian. Things were going smoothly in the rain until Brian's chain unexpectedly snapped. While repairs were underway, Ricky found himself climbing what felt like Everest 1 and Everest 2 single-handedly. Thankfully their intercom helmets allowed them to continue chatting throughout the ordeal, ensuring Brian could continue offering tactical advice and encouragement from the comfort of the dry support van.
Leg 4 – Lisnaskea to Belleek (45 miles). The handover to Linda F and Yvonne took place in torrential rain. After a couple of navigational "enhancements" to the official route, the girls settled into a strong rhythm and completed their international section into Belleek ahead of schedule.
Leg 5 – Belleek to Downhill (89 miles).
Phil and Iain M then took on one of the longest sections of the route. Making excellent progress throughout, they were clearly benefiting from the aerodynamic properties of the DCC kit. Phil almost managed to arrive in Strabane before the support van, while Iain powered all the way to Downhill with such determination that the support crew barely had time to finish their pizza.
Leg 6 – Downhill to Ballygalley (64 miles). Jim was taken to Strabane by Linda P & then on to his start point by Brian Poots to Downhill to start his epic leg, a great example of cross team support in action. A rapid handover saw Jim set off on his solo mission along the spectacular North Coast in the dark and driving rain. The support van struggled to keep pace as he flew along the coast road. A couple of wrong turns added some bonus mileage, but Jim remained undeterred. Reaching Torr Head, he swept past other riders with such authority that reports suggest at least two ended up in the hedge trying to stay with him. He arrived at Ballygally well ahead of schedule, allowing time for some well-earned hydration and enabling Ricky and Paul to squeeze in a brief power nap, well, several hours actually!
Leg 7 – Ballygalley to Lisburn (62 miles).
With only one leg remaining, Martin W and Andrew decided that one shift during the weekend simply wasn't enough punishment and volunteered for the final 62-mile run home. Islandmagee proved to be every bit as challenging as advertised, but the finish line was in sight. Along the way, David A rode out to meet the team and together the trio completed the final miles into Lisburn, crossing the finish line to a fantastic welcome and champagne for the Team, although rumours persist that nobody else actually got any.
The Aftermath
To round off a memorable weekend, the team gathered in Mulholland's to relive the adventure, compare battle scars, debate whose wrong turns were actually routeimprovements, and unanimously agree that everyone had ridden exceptionally well. We were joined by Linda, Bernie and Zoe from team “Sure it’ll be grand” & Paul from team FUSTLE who all enjoyed the craic!
Pedal The Periphery 2026 was an incredible challenge that tested endurance, resilience and teamwork. Through rain, headwinds, mechanical failures, navigational creativity, sleep deprivation and countless cups of coffee, the DCC team never lost its sense of humour.
Most importantly, we played our part in raising awareness and funds for pancreatic cancer while creating memories that will be talked about in the club for years to come. Until next time... 480 miles. 40 hours. 11 riders. One support van. Countless laughs. Another unforgettable chapter for DCC.
Well done everyone - an epic weekend & team 👏👏👏
Thank you to Cycling Ulster for use of CU van.
https://nipanc.enthuse.com/pf/dromore-cycling-club
