Embedded Files
Post date: Nov 02, 2015 9:24:11 PM
(By Mark Monaghan - Sun. 1st November 2015)
After a prolonged period off the bike and the club spins due to sickness and laziness, today was to be my first cycle with the club in a number of months. Upon arrival at the clubhouse it was apparent that the groups would be small, due the (hugely successful) cyclo-cross event taking place on the banks of Lough Ennell in Ladestown.. For some stupid reason I allowed myself to be roped into joining the A Group. "You'll be grand" I was told "we're going to take it handy".
As we left the gates of the barracks, a thick fog descended over the town and the decision was an out-and-back to Kilbeggan or Moate, sticking to the wide hard shoulders of the N52 and N6. The miles quickly passed by and before long we were heading through Kilbeggan and on to Horesleap where I was to be told about a seven minute effort that was to come to keep the spin interesting! "We'll only go at 60-70%" - so in true determined fashion I said I'd give it a go.
They say the first is always the hardest so here's looking forward to next week. A few things stuck out for me today none more so than the level of riders we have in the club at the moment, it's great to see it and long may it last also what I had forgotten the most was the craic and the banter that goes on during a spin. A few things also to mention are the importance of a rear light and mudguards are essential this time of year. Onwards & Upwards!
Off the 9 of us set in through-and-off formation. It only took a few minutes for me to realise that the lads 60-70% was the same as my 110%! I took leave of the group via the back door and caught up with them in Moate where we stopped for coffeE... I mean tea as the coffee machine was out of order!
After a quick chat & chatting up, no names mentioned, it was time for off and home on the same roads. As we came up the hill in Horesleap, it was apparent I was out of my depth again and nestled in at the back of the group where the lads looked after me, staying with them for as long as I could. I was soon on my own and in a world of hurt but I soldiered on and got my first spin out of the way.
Report abuse