Sunday Spin for the Ducks

Post date: Oct 22, 2018 8:19:21 PM

(By Shay O'Toole - Sunday 21st October 2018)

For the first time in several weeks, last Sunday morning’s ride felt the full force of Mother Nature as the rain and wind battered those who turned up for the spin.

Group leaders had planned a rolling route via Crookedwood , Collinstown, Castlepollard, Coole, Edgeworthstown and returning via Carrickboy and Ballynacarrigy. In total a good 90kms with lots of hills to keep everybody honest. On arriving to the clubhouse it seemed that the worst of the overnight rain had passed and the promised clearance from the west had begun. However, the three groups had hardly reached the Gartlandstown turn for Collinstown when the rain started again and the wind lifted.

Driving on through the thick mist, dodging the falling leaves and trying to stay warm the group arrived in Castlepollard where it was decided for “health and safety” reasons to cut the spin short. Nobody put up too much resistance as the diversion to Multyfarnham after Coole was agreed upon. Riding acros the bog road towards Multy the skies began to clear and the rain eased so the diversion was reviewed with Ballinea via Slanemore and “Col de Coolnahay” being the latest destination.

In the heel of the hunt the group completed a mostly wet and cold 80kms which wasn’t too bad for a Sunday in late October considering the conditions.

If Carlsberg did scenic puncture sites! Group leader Mark Horohoe in the pits overlooking Lough Owel near Bunbrosna.