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Post date: Mar 20, 2017 10:48:35 AM
St. Patrick's weekend proved to be a tough one weather-wise for cycling with strong wind and rain in evidence on all three days of the extended festival weekend. There were, however, plenty of riders prepared to brave the elements as the reports below show...
Tough Conditions for Saturday Group
(By Gerry Wallace - Sat. 18th March 2017)
Early Saturday morning looked ideal for a spin. By 9.00a.m., however, it had turned to rain and a strong wind was blowing. Needless to say nineteen hardy souls still turned up for the regular cycle. The word is spreading - Eddie "the rocket" Tyrrell had decided to join us and Billy was back for more punishment.
The group headed out of the barracks and before long it was onto the Old Rail Trail. We were making steady progress when the dreaded puncture fairy struck again. This week the unlucky Anto was at the receiving end. After a quick tube change and check over it was back on the road. This week with the strong wind the group worked well on "up and over" and everyone did their bit at the front. Before long we were pulling into the castle at Tyrrellspass for the regular pit stop. We had pre-booked the group in for the break and as usual the service was excellent and fast - just what you need on a cold day. Many thanks to our ever-efficient waitresses at the Castle.
After the break we kept the group together until we reached Belvedere. At this point several the group headed on the main road to home. The remainder headed down the Golf Club road and back to base at the Barracks.
We will be organising a bike maintenance class in the coming weeks so everyone will be able to know how to repair a puncture and do basic maintenance on their bikes. Once a date is finalised we will let all of the D group know.
Once again well done to one and all. I can definitely see vast improvement in everyone and it won't be long before I will need a tow.
Looking forward to seeing everyone next week.
Familiar Route for Sunday Morning Spin
(By Mark Monaghan - Sun. 20th March 2017)
For the second time in the past number of weeks the wind & the rain affect the attendance of the Sunday club run. With high winds and constant rain only a few brave and dedicated souls braved the elements and hit the roads. With a mixed group in tow the route planned was a route well-travelled of Horesleap, Clara, Tullamore for tea and home via Kilbeggan and Tyrrellspass with over 80km in the legs for this hardy bunch. For those of us less brave souls we stuck to the confines and dryness of the club house and availed of the wattbikes and turbo trainers to get our cycling fix for the weekend.
Wheelers take a well earned break from the wind and rain on Sunday morning.
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