Group Cycles
A Group Report December 20th 2020
A Group Report. Paul Murtagh most improved Rider 2020. We had twelve out to celebrate Paul Murtagh receiving the award for the most improved rider in the club for 2020. Once all the formalities were complete we headed off on a steady if somewhat cold and mucky 85 Km spin with no stop policy in place. This was a very solid group and we once again enjoyed another excellent route plotted by group leader Mark Horohoe. Mark had us on main roads and some back roads with plenty of drags thrown in for good measure. The group's progress was hampered by a puncture after 65km but this was quickly fixed and we all headed for home. It was great to have banked 85 Km upon our return to Mullingar. |
Sunday 10th Oct 2020 B Group
B Group Members
*B52* (Not sure why the group is called that? Some say it’s the average age of the riders, others say it is because they are regularly seen flying along the N52, but I think it’s because they’re all bombers!). The group of 9 met at O’Brien’s suitably distanced and masked. The usual chat soon turned to the escalating Covid numbers and the morning fog which were both casting a cloud over the morning sun. The Route was to head to Kinnegad via Killucan and return through Tyrrellspass and home. Padraig Moore, the squadron leader, headed up the charge into the fog with wingman Criostoir Sleator. It wasn’t long before the back seat navigators were warning of road closures and the appropriate diversions were taken up over the hill of down and into Killucan . At this stage the sun had cleared the fog and things heated up along with the pace. True to B52 tradition we were taking the hills faster than the flats averaging 29kmph all the way to Kinnegad where the group took a socially distanced “biological” break . At this point the squadron leader departed from the group along with chief navigator Brannock. The remaining magnificent 7 were left to brave the headwinds back to Tyrrellspass. The group worked well and held a steady pace into the wind and over Gneevebawn. The pace picked back up on the N52 and it wasn’t long before Criostoir raised concerns that we might be breaking club rules and setting an unfortunate precedent for finishing a Sunday club spin early. In fear of this the group diverted at Dalystown to take in a loop of the lake before returning via Dysart. By the end we had completed 78km at a respectable 28kmph average and avoided any established notion that a club spin could finish before 12pm.
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C Group Saturday spin 3rd October 2020
C Group Spin Saturday the 3rd October 2020. It was a cold and slightly damp morning when we met at O’Brien’s Filling station, for our weekly group spin. Overnight rain meant the road surface was still wet with some standing water. A good crowd met and were soon marshalled off by Gerry, keeping a good social distance. A few new faces (including a group leader from the B, s whose advice, wisdom and experience was much appreciated) popped in for the ride as Sundays forecast was not good. At that time on Saturday morning the carpark can get busy so it was not long before we were off on our pre planed route. It took us out the Lynn road, on through Dalystown, Kilbeggan, Horseleap and into Clara. In Clara we headed for Tullamore where we stopped at Costa, coffee shop. By that time we had over 40km done and the coffee, scones were much appreciated. Some bananas were also consumed but their owner was not consulted! Thus “Banana Gate” started. Who ate Micky’s? It’s worth noting when you cycle consistently for a period of time your body brakes down your glycogen store. Bananas help to replenish the glycogen loss in your muscles. After the coffee it was out of Tullamore and on up into Rahugh. By this time the road surface had dried and conditions were near perfect. Then we cycled through Tyrrellspass and back to Mullingar. Winter Note “Full wrap rear mudguards are mandatory from Oct 26th. It’s recommended also fitting a front mudguard as they keep you dry and warm. A rear light should be fitted. Dig out the winter items of clothing like shoe covers, long gloves, head bands etc. so you’re ready when the temperature falls. Make sure your bike is in good mechanical order including tyres”. Regards the Group Leaders. If any cyclist needs help refitting their mudguards just ask. Stay safe and be seen. |
D group spin Saturday 3rd October 2020
D group spin Saturday 3rd October 2020
The regular D group met at our new base, O' Briens for our weekly spin. This was the first weekend to pull on the winter tights, a few hardy souls still braved the elements in shorts. The route had been pre-posted and once all were ready it was out the road to Dalystown, down the scenic road to Raheenmore and onto Tyrrellspass. From there it was over Gneevebawn heading to Rochfortbridge. The puncture gremlin struck Tom on the summit but it was not too long before he was repaired and back on the road. For some of the group this was new territory as we headed onto Milltownpass. From here it was across the bog road to Knockaville and the coffee/scone stop at Mullingar Pewter Coffee shop at the Downs. Ann our waitress had our table ready and served up delicious treats. The general consensus was that we will be back. If you’re looking for a nice coffee in lovely surroundings make this your stop.
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C Group spin
![]() ![]() Saturday 26th September 2020 C Group spin The newly formed C group met on Saturday morning, at O Brien’s Filling station following Covid-19 guidelines and headed on a pre-planned 70km route. Gerry Wallace describes the C group as “a natural progression for any D member wanting to up their game and move to a slightly faster Saturday spin. The speed will be strictly controlled 24-26km by the group leaders”. The size of the groups will be a maximum of 14. On Saturday we also had the pleasure of cycling with some very experienced B and indeed A group cyclists, whose input is always valued and appreciated. It was a beautiful but cold autumnal morning as we headed out to Ballynacargy, through Tashinny and on to Ballymahon where socially distant coffee and scones were enjoyed in the local filling station. After coffee it was on through Moyvore, turning right for Loughnavalley and home via Ballinea. The group will meet every Saturday at 9am and all members are welcome to join.
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Saturday D group Spin 26th September 2020
![]() ![]() Saturday D group Spin 26th September 2020
The "Milky bar Kid" is dead - long live "Brioche Nolan"
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Saturday D Group Spin 19th Sept 2020
Saturday D Group Spin 19th Sept 2020
Saturday a large group, within guidelines met at O' Briens. The new "C" group under the watchful guidance of Ulrika & Pat detailed their proposed route. Beginners Cycling Course
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Saturday D Group Spin 12th September 2020
Saturday D Group Spin 12th September 2020
A large group assembled at O' Briens for the regular Saturday spin. It was windy but nice, a little chilly and a gentle reminder that it will not be long before the winter gear will be required. Under the capable hands of Ulrika and Pat the first group were dispatched heading for Loughnavalley. Tom and myself took charge of the remainder and headed in the same direction. The route had been pre-arranged and the coffee stop was scheduled for Tuar Ard in Moate. Needless to say Ulrika put the hammer down and her group had most of the fresh scones demolished by the time of our arrival. Our group were left with the crumbs and the 100 raisins she had meticulous picked from her scone. Why on earth she could not ask for a plain scone.?? With both groups refreshed the first group headed home via Horseleap. Our group took the scenic route along the Greenway with a nice breeze in our backs. It is great to see how popular this amenity has become. All arrived home safely after a very steady 70km.
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B Group Notes Sunday 6th September 2020
B Group Notes Sunday 6th September 2020
For the second consecutive week there were enough Wheelers out on Sunday morning to make up two groups. It doesn't really matter if these groups are called B1 & B2 or faster B's/slower B's. The fact is that for the first time in a long time with the B's we now have enough members coming out consistently on Sunday mornings to be able to run two groups and this is wonderful news for the club group structure overall. Having two viable and consistent B groups operating allows club riders much more scope to match their fitness levels to the group of their choice. Whether it's a fast D group rider who wants to improve and start to cycle with the B2 group or a faster A2 rider who has been off the bike for a while and wants to start rebuilding their fitness and finds the pace of the B1 group more suitable, that option is now there so please continue to show up for the Sunday morning spin. The club is very lucky that we have very capable group leaders to safely marshall these different groups every week so keep coming out to those spins. If you haven't been out in a while then now you know that there is a suitable group there for you. If you are not a member and would like to know more about us then email secretary@lakesidewheelers.ie |
Saturday D Group Spin 5th September 2020
![]() ![]() Members enjoying the tea stop at Tullynally Castle on Saturday 5th September Saturday D group spin 5th September 2020
Saturday a large group assembled at O' Brien's. Word had spread a member of the group was celebrating a major milestone so everyone wanted to be in on the act. For safety and social distancing the groups split into 2. The first group under the capable leadership of Ulrika and Tosh headed out towards Ballinafid. Hot on their heels the second group followed. |