Winter Training Programme Gets Under Way

Post date: Nov 08, 2010 8:37:29 PM

The 2010/11 winter training plan, (block 1) commenced last Sunday with Robbie Kenny and Mark Horohoe splitting the A group into two groups for a very steady spin. This plan is a revised edition of last year’s which was very beneficial for many members as it helped them to put a structure to their training. The A group Sunday spins from now until the conclusion of the first block will be based on this plan and it is available on the club website for anyone who is interested or alternatively, contact Mark Horohoe for a copy.

B group leader, Conor Isdell led his merry bunch on a very handy route and stopped for the obligatory coffee break in Moate. Conor tells me that the B group have decided that their breaks all over the winter will be of the “sit down” variety and no more petrol station stops until at least the spring of 2011.

C group leader Arthur Dempsey has posted the following report on last Sunday's cycle...

"On a morning that was supposed to be wet and windy I was following the weather forecast at the meteorological office at Dublin airport, as their weather forecast is so detailed. I decided to use my code to enter the facility which is a privilege I have, being the proud holder of a pilot’s licence.

So I wasn't surprised when I woke this the morning to see a fine morning and a temperature of 1 degree, but the only concern I had was that there might be a slight ground frost, however, when I went and checked the roads they were a little wet, but thankfully no sign of Mr Frost.

Just as I'm writing this report I see the rain and wind has arrived so glad that it held off for our cycle today.

We left the O.R.S. at 9.07am and headed for Dysart, Streamstown, and on to Moate for our refreshments.

We had too new comers, Linda O'Driscoll and Pierce Dunne, who are very welcome, but unfortunately both had to return to base early.

As we headed for Moate everyone took a turn at the front and the pace was lively but steady, with Liz Hoctor being the only lady but demonstrating that she was well able to do her turn.

It was also great to see Martin Quinn out again and also an old neighbour of mine Pierce Murphy who was going well considering he hasn't been out with the club that often lately. Other notables were, John Boyhan who is improving with each outing, John Nugent, whose hamstring seems to be on the mend, Tom Carolan, Hugh Logan and Fergal Daly were all cruising and enjoying the trip. John Malone only out for the second time was well able to maintain the speed, and continues to improve. John Culligan, a very steady cyclist was in his usual good humour and kept us all entertained.

Arriving at the tea stop in Moate we hooked up with the "B" group and the usual banter could be heard with everyone in good form on such a great morning.

Fed and watered, we set out for home via Horseleap, Killbeggan, Tyrellspass up Gneevebane hill where we re-assembled and started back on the final leg to the O.R.S.

On our return we met fellow Wheeler, Dermot Hogan who was doing a spot of secret training!!!

With about two miles to the finish, John Nugent decided to test his injured leg and stretched the pace followed by Fergal Daly with John Malone hanging in for a while but just unable to come up alongside the Bracklyn man. All riders arrived back safely to ORS after another very enjoyable spin in glorious winter sunshine."