Wheelers Enjoy Sportives in London and Clare

Post date: Aug 08, 2017 9:6:9 AM

(By Shay O'Toole - Sun. 6th August 2017)

The sportive season is in full swing at the moment with prospective participants spoilled for choice with several attractive events. Below are reports from two recent events in which Lakeside Wheelers participants took part.

Ride London:

On Sunday, July 28th a small group of Lakeside Wheelers members travelled across to London to participate in the ‘Ride London’ sportive. This event forms part of a three day festival which was first staged in 2013 and is a legacy of the 2012 London Olympics.

Club chairman, Joe Duffy was joined by fellow wheelers Mick O’Donovan and Derry Kilroy to ride the 160km route which started from Olympic Park in the city. Along with another 25000 cyclists, no, it is not a typo, Joe, Mick and Derry followed the route out through the Surrey countryside and returned after a tough lap of the Surrey Hills to finish a memorable day on the Mall.

Well done to the three lads who flew the club colours in London.

Skoda Ring of Clare:

On the same day as the Ride London event a slightly larger contingent made the shorter trip to Ennis in Co. Clare for the 160km, Skoda Ring of Clare.

This event attracted over 2000 riders who were all glad of the dry day as there was sufficient hardship in the form of the relentless hills and strong Atlantic winds. From Ennis town the route headed for the coast where it turned to the south along the beautifully scenic Wild Atlantic Way. Close to the Loop Head Peninsula the riders were glad to veer back inland and get some relief from the tail wind which made the return to Ennis a lot more comfortable.

Numbers must have been well down on the club spin as the club was represented in Clare by at least 30 members from all groups. Well done to all on a very challenging day on the bike.

Ring of Clare participants Mark Monaghan, Claire Malone and David Lally