(By Eamon Hogan)   

When talking to a couple of the lads on the Wednesday evening spin, it was in my mind to do the Slieve Blooms route this weekend but I was unsure of the weather conditions. On trying to crawl up Sonna Hill after doing close to 100km, I think the first option would have been easier. In fact last week’s spin in the rain (not all of us are afraid of a wee bit of water), was probably easier.

The numbers were up from last week, even the A group turned up and wanted to join us. So the route this week would see the L.S.W. train roll up and down the hills around Longford. After some medical assistance was administered to Claire Malone, who thought we were to do a 170km spin, four groups were on the road in some lovely early morning sunshine.

Turning at Rathowen we headed for Granard. This is where we met the A group looking for one of their troops who had gone AWOL, and in doing so we took leave of three of our own group who lost the run of themselves sprinting down a hill quicker than Mark Cavendish. Turning at Ballinalee we headed for Edgeworthstown and a well-earned break. 

After the stop it was onto Carrickboy, turning left for Ballynacargy. There are times when a group rides well together, rolling along doing there bit, pace kept high but comfortable for everyone in the group, today was one of those days. A tough route yes, but enjoyable all the same, I hope everyone felt the same.