Notes 22/05/2022

Sprocket Rockets are Back

Lakeside Wheelers are delighted to confirm the very popular Sprocket Rockets programme will re-commence over the Summer. This programme focuses on delivering fundamental cycling skills that cater for size, physical development and interest. Most importantly the programme aims to provide the participant with the skills to cycle in a safe and controlled manner. It also provides a great introduction to our sport, raises the profile of cycling and provides a progressive skill programme which will develop stronger and better riders. In order to provide the most up to-date coaching and techniques, a group of Wheelers members took part in a recent Cycling Ireland Sprocket Rockets coaching day. With the assistance of Alan Heary - a Cycling Ireland performance Coach, the group successfully completed the 1 day training. The group consisted of Eugene Duffy, Mark Monaghan, Karl Moran, Eddie Tyrrell, Gerry Wallace, Claire Lyster, Ulrika Maher & Breda Brady. (missing from the photo are David & Carmel Lally and Mark Horohoe). Further details of the dates and registration will be posted in the coming weeks.

D Group Notes

The D group have settled back into the Barracks and a large group assembled on Saturday morning. Pat Morrissey has taken on the role of Group leader and has everything planned to perfection. The route was detailed to all on the Friday night and Saturday morning, while cold was bright and clear. After the customary safety briefing we headed out the Longford road and down to Ballagh and onto the Delvin Road. It was not long before the dreaded puncture fairy struck. A quick tube change was carried out and it was not long before the group was heading cross country to Raharney. Pat has a twist in the tail and the group headed down the back roads and onto Kinnegad. The Plaza was the stop for the well deserved doughnut and coffee. When all were refreshed it was in the old Dublin road to Coralstown and a detour onto Russellstown and home to the barracks. A total of 62km. A warm welcome to Edward Ball who has joined us from Ballymahon. By all accounts it will not be long before he will be moving up to the C group.

B Group Notes

15 B Group cyclists rolled out of the Barracks on a grey overcast morning. After semi-circumnavigating Mullingar on the ring road out over the Joe Dolan bridge we headed for Tyrrellspass and on around Croghan hill into Rhode. From Rhode we headed to Edenderry wind assisted at a rate of knots. With everyone well warmed up we stopped in Edenderry for a welcome cup of coffee. Mother nature giveth and taketh away so the trip to Mount Lucas from Edenderry put manners on us with a strong headwind to contend with. However, when we turned north in Mount Lucas for home, we were soon flying again with the wind coming over our left shoulders. The road surface here as far as Rochfortbridge was something akin to the Paris-Roubaix cobblestones. Unfortunately, one of our brethren punctured – so our Group Leader Eugene kindly decided to let us ride on while he, John and Bernard looked after the stricken Clement. The rest of us stuck together as far as Gainstown where the final sprint for home ignited. 90 kms on the clock in the heel of the hunt.