Club Notes August 24th 2014
Pat offering some advice on the ‘Women on Wheels’ programme on Wednesday last
Though the end of the season may be drawing near, there is still plenty of action on the bike for the Wheelers and for local cycling. Wednesday last saw a fantastic start to the 6-week ‘WOW’ programme (Women On Wheels) run jointly by the North Tipperary Sports Partnership and North Tipperary Wheelers. This programme is aimed toward female beginners or ladies new to group cycling. The first week saw over 50 ladies roll out from Stereame retail park (Woodies car park), Nenagh at 7pm to enjoy the benefits of cycling and in many instances, the experience of group cycling for the first time with some helpful tips and experience offered along the 22km route to Mulrooneys and back. This programme will continue each Wednesday night for the next 5 weeks departing at 7pm from the same location with the intention of slowly building on the distance. Female cyclists keen to take part in this programme can do so free of charge with a road worthy bike and cycling helmet.
Thursday night saw the Club Championship Road Race being contested in the very demanding 32km route from Borrisokane to Grange via Carrigahorrig. A group of seven set off at handicapped intervals and after the early riders were caught, the results would be determined only after the leading group of four (Liam Callaghan, Benny Delaney, Mikey Connors and Kevin Byrne) would challenge each other with breakaway attempts and attacks. But it would be Mikey Connors displaying his consistent form over the summer who would demonstrate he had the legs to cross the line first ahead of Liam and Benny in second and third respectively and Kevin in fourth. Well done to Mikey and to the remaining riders in the race –Donnchadh Floyd, Martin Quigley and John Caulfield.
The dual training rides on Saturday morning are increasing in popularity in addition to the normal Sunday training ride. Last Saturday the 9am race training group completed a tough 112km route that included Nenagh-Ragg-Boherlahen-Rearcross-Newport-Birdhill-Ballina-Nenagh whilst 16 riders rode on the 10am intermediate group training spin to Birdhill and back. On Sunday morning 20 riders headed off towards Ballina and with an arranged split in Newtown, the Intermediate group went on to O’Brians Bridge, Birdhill and back to Nenagh (70km) and the Senior group when on to Nenagh via Daly’s Cross, Newport, Shalee and Toomevara (95km).
The (WOW) Women on Wheels continues this Wednesday 7pm from Stereame retail park and all female cyclists are welcome on that spin. This Thursday will see the last club race of the season – ‘The Flying Mile’. Sign on at Moynans Bike Shop on Thursday at 6.15pm. Training continues this week at the usual times – Tuesday night training ride leaving Moynan’s bike shop in Nenagh at 6pm, Saturday from Woodies carpark, Streame at 9am for the race training ride, and 10am for the intermediate group. Sunday from Moynan’s at 9am for the leisure, intermediate and senior groups. For further details of any club events or club membership please contact club chairperson Pat Bergin 0876744400