The TVR annual Sportive went off today (Sun 20th Aug) in overcast yet oddly dry conditions, given how mixed the weather has been of late. Just over 70 took part in the event which rolled out of Banbridge along the Rathfriland Rd, with the first and most difficult of the routes challenges, the climb into Rathfriland. Already strung out after the steady up and over Mays Corner, the approach to Rathfriland put the expected burn into the legs. Through Rathfriland the sportive route continued on towards Hilltown and then down to Newcastle and Dundrum, via a fast run to Bryansford for the half distance water stop. Refuelled, some banter and some exchanged smiles, it was back at it from Dundrum, with the route cutting through Dromara, Kinallen and Annaclone. Taking part from the club were Mervyn McKeown, Ronnie Massey and Brian Halliday whom  road the route almost entirely with a strong group of Dromore CC. All three completed the 96km together with a time of 3hr 8min and an average pace of 30.7 kmph (19mph).