Notes 13/02/2022

Ian Lambden (1253) representing Lakeside Wheelers at this novel beach race event in Bettystown Co Meath. This unique event was hosted by Starsky Cycling Club.

Rain Jacket Riders getting refuelled at Moate Centra

When the weather is forecast to be wet and a little bit miserable it’s bound to affect the number of members who show up for club spins. This was the case last Sunday as the numbers were down on normal - or was it that the romantic ones in our ranks were home making sure that everything was in order for tomorrow, St. Valentine’s Day?

Those of us that did don our rain jackets certainly needed them for the first 20 Km. Conditions improved and by the time we got to Moate the group made the decision to continue on with the prescribed route which would see us complete a little over 100 km in total.

Group leader Mark Horohoe had us practice drills designed to make riders comfortable while riding close proximity to other cyclists. This is a very useful exercise for riders of all abilities whether you plan to race or just take part in sportives.

We passed through Moate and ended up cycling on a portion of the Midland League route out of Castledaly. That’s what I love about cycling in groups:- just when you think you’ve been on every road that there is, somebody shouts ‘turn right’ and the next thing you’re headed up a side road into an area the countryside you never visited. A few people were heard to mutter, where are we now? Not to worry – group leader Mark had drafted a course which would see us heading into Ballycumber, not a village I ever remember cycling through before. From there it was steady progress into Clara where everybody was happy to decamp at the Centra shop (see happy faces below).

There is no doubt that you need to take on food and fluids at these opportunities and most of us had something hot to drink as we chit chatted in small groups outside on the footpath.So back up on the bike and leaving Moate headed straight for Horseleap. Once at Horseleap you feel you’re almost home, however reader, it’s a draggy little road back in and it was great to see club president Shay O’Toole and stalwart Jack Nugent taking on the climb out of Horseleap like young fellas in their prime! Solid going with 105 Kms at an average speed of just over 30 Kph. Pretty decent for a wet Sunday!

Membership Renewal Time

Just a brief reminder – memberships are now overdue so if you have not already renewed for 2022 please log on to the Cycling Ireland website and renew your membership and don’t forget to select Lakeside Wheelers as your club. Many thanks.

If you wish to find out more about what we do at Lakeside Wheelers Cycling Club then please email secretary@lakesidewheelers.ie

Large Grant Awarded to Lakeside Wheelers

Lakeside Wheelers have been awarded a Sports Capital Grant allocation worth €28,500 recently. Nice to see the efforts that go into these grant applications eventually bearing fruit. Well done to club treasurer Ulrika Maher on this.